Reading 

I often read something and wish I could discuss it with someone. Here are some of the recent articles that have provoked some interesting thoughts in my own mind.

If you look in my closet you might think I attend funerals for a living. The color scheme is dark, mostly black, some navy and grey. The only pops of color come from the tank tops I will wear for a run. My friend bought me a pretty pink Lululemon tank top and I have this bright blue tank that makes my eyes sparkle, but I feel like I stand out like a sore thumb when I wear anything but an earthy dark color. If I do wear color it’s on top never ever on the bottom. Yet I love seeing women in cool patterned running pants. I envy them a little bit. This article, by Dianne Bondy, speaks to the idea that life is too short to obsess about the rules we’ve been taught about what we should and shouldn’t wear.

Anyone who really knows me knows that I have a strong desire to live to be 108. It’s an arbitrary number, but the point is that I want to live well over 100. Obviously I want to be mentally intact and physically well. This article really excited me. Becoming an active person after my son was born is no longer an effort. I love being active. It’s equally as important for my physical well being as it is for my emotional well being. I strive to be active daily and this summer my goal is to engage my son in daily movement as well. He’s an active child when he’s with his friends or playing soccer, but I am seeing that as he gets older there is less motivation to go out and play alone. He has graciously offered to help me with speed intervals at the local track by allowing me to chase him and in return I have agreed to help him with some soccer drills!

Along the lines of the previous topic is this article by Gretchen Reynolds about the importance of child’s play for everyone. We have to encourage children to be active. The increasing rate of obesity in this country has elevated it to an epidemic. Obese children become obese adults. The article looks at research which estimates the economic impact of childhood obesity on our healthcare system once these children are adults. With obesity comes a multitude of health issues including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes to name a few. The idea that exercise has to be structure is what inhibits many from getting out there and just playing for fun. Swinging at the playground, going for a bike ride or a nature walk at a local park, playing catch, and simply taking a walk around the neighborhood are all forms of activity. One of the reasons we moved Carlos to a Montessori school was for the increased emphasis on outdoor time. His school promotes activity not only through longer outdoor recess time, but by allowing children to move freely throughout the classroom.

I was listening to a Tim Ferriss podcast this week which was fascinating in and of itself. The interview was about relationships with Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and expert on relationships and sexuality. In the podcast, Tim references an article by A.J. Jacobs entitled, “I Think You’re Fat.” Is it ever reasonable to tell a lie? This has been a theme in our home this week. I am guilty of telling white lies to avoid hurting people’s feelings. Sometimes I encourage my son to do the same, but I am conflicted about the message I am sending to him. The author discusses the movement of Radical Honesty and explores the process of being brutally honest all the time. Despite the position of Brad Blanton, the Radical Honesty movement’s founder, I am not comfortable with the strong confrontation required to tell the truth all the time.

Watching

Carlos and I watched a wonderful film the other night. It’s called the Queen of Katwe and can be found on Netflix. It takes place in Uganda and tells the true story of Phiona Mutesi and her rise from poverty to becoming a national chess champion. It is a beautiful story.

Listening

This morning I listened to Dr. Stephen Gundry on Jessica Murnane’s podcast, One Part Plant. Dr. Gundry is the author of “The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in Healthy Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain,” and the leading expert on lectin. Through his work as a heart surgeon and researcher, Dr. Gundry claims to have uncovered compelling evidence for the role of lectin in heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases. It’s an interesting theory and I have no doubt that he backs up his ideas with studies. I think it’s important to understand how the food we eat affects our bodies, but I also think it’s crucial to know yourself and do what feels right. There is so much information out there. It is often confusing and contradictory to what we think we understand. I will not be eliminating all lectin from my diet today. However, I am always inclined to learn more.

Loving

I just received my first supply of Care/of personalized daily vitamins. I am not affiliated with any companies so rest assured this is my personal opinion only and I will not gain anything if you decide to check it out. Is it me or is everything becoming a subscription service? Well this is also a subscription service which initially turned me off, but I decided to check it out. The first thing you do is take a quiz about your health and diet. Through the quiz you are given a personalized list of recommended supplements and vitamins. I was expecting at least 10-15 suggestions, but instead I received only 4, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Bacopa, and a Probiotic Blend. There is a thorough explanation of each vitamin or supplement. I had never heard of Bacopa. The description provided indicates that it is an Ayuverdic herb that has been shown to improve memory and mental focus. I don’t know if it’s my age or the influx of information coming at me all the time between work, email, phone, etc., but I have been feeling a little foggy lately. I had a 50% off coupon code from a podcast I had recently listened to so I decided to place an order. I left off the Vitamin C because I have a big bottle from Vitacost. You receive a dispenser with individually packaged tablets for each day of the month. They are personalized with my name, completely unnecessary, but fun. I’m not sure if I will continue on a monthly basis, but I do enjoy trying out new products. If for nothing else take the quiz and buy the suggested vitamins and supplements on your own if you think they might help improve your health and wellness.

Music

Just a few of my latest faves on my running playlist include:

Medley: Bamboleo, Volare, etc by the Gypsy Kings

Wish I Knew You by The Revivalists

Andas En Mi Cabeza by Chino y Nacho ft. Dady Yankee

Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie

 

What are you into these days?