Blog: Abundant Health

How do I save my body during long drives?

4/17/2018

I've been travelling from Solvang, CA to Henderson NV, to attend Anat Baniel Method workshops. I love the workshops, but not so much the long drive. I can spend all day exercising and feel fine. Put me in a car for a few hours, and my body feels like I've aged about 30 years. Well, I've found a couple of things that help, that I highly recommend.
Having cherry tomatoes and baby carrots next to me in the car is great. They're super easy to grab and eat while I'm driving, I like them, they're not messy, they're healthy so I don't feel guilty about eating them, and they keep me from getting hungry too quickly.
The other thing, is to stop at least every two hours for a quick stretch. Each time I stop, I only do one thing so it makes me stick to this plan. Once is a lunch stop, once is for gas, once for a drink. If nothing is needed, I'll just pull off the freeway to find a safe place to get out of the car. I swear that stretching saves my body! I'm over 50 years old, so I don't care what people think if they see me.
Here's what I recommend: Stand up tall and do side bends, twists and round and arch your back. Then bend over to touch your toes so you feel a stretch down the backs of your thighs. Lastly, stand up and bend your right knee so your foot comes towards your butt, and grab your foot with your right hand. This will stretch the front of your thigh. Of course, do it on the left side as well.
Super easy, right?! This whole stretching routine can take just a minute or two, then you can be on your way. Please note that if you want to do more, or take longer, by all means do it!

What is the secret to eating healthfully?

4/4/2018

I'm typing this because I'm eating a blueberry muffin from Costco. Why am I eating a blueberry muffin? Because over the last few days, I had a houseful of company and decided that I should serve them with Easter brunch. I also decided that, because it was my son's birthday, we needed a huge apple pie.
We apparently also needed cookies and chocolate. Of course there were leftovers. Unless I have company, I don't buy this stuff. Once they're in my house, I have no self control. I dive into it like I'm starving. Sheesh!
There are tons of books, articles, blogs, etc. about how to eat healthfully. It's not like I don't know how to do it. Most people already know what foods to eat and not eat. It's not like it's a well kept secret! But here IS the secret to eating healthfully.
Don't. Buy. The. Crap.
If you don't buy it, you can't eat it. It's that simple.
Wish me luck for the next time I have company!

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