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Aimee's Soapbox!
May 2004: “The Simply Fit Lifestyle Program”
Are we there yet?
As we continue with the "road trip" theme of these Soapbox articles, you might be starting to feel like a little
kid fidgeting in the backseat, punching your kid sister, and wondering if you are there yet. Unlike your mother,
though, I won't threaten to turn the car around. Instead, I will tell you to hang in there! You've done great work for
the past two months, and you are halfway through your adventure. Keep going!
With that, I give you your assignments for the next month. (Note: Last month, I wrote that we would look at "Good
Fats" this month, but I have exercised my editorial privelege and changed topics. Feel free to email me if you do
have questions about fats. Thank you for your understanding.)
WEEKS NINE AND TEN: Breathe!
WHAT
Breath is life. Breath nurtures body, mind, and spirit. It brings oxygen to tired muscles, helps calm
frayed nerves, and can fill you with lightness and energy. Many Eastern philosophies include breathing
exercises as part of their practice. Since breathing affects all parts of us, it is important that our breathing
be efficient and effortless.
HOW
Breathe through your nose (in and out), and breathe from your abdomen, not your chest. Your abdomen
should expand when you inhale and depress when you exhale. Use a slow, even rhythm, approximately
10-14 breaths per minute.
YOUR MISSION
Try both of these exercises at least once a week:
a) Pranayama:
Sit comfortably.
Use your thumb to close off your left nostril.
Slowly breathe in through the right nostril.
Next, close off the right nostril.
Exhale slowly through the left nostril.
Do 20 slow, even breaths.
b) Dynamic Cobra:
Lay down on the floor on your stomach.
Place your hands on the floor at your shoulders.
Push your upper body off the floor.
Do 5 short, forceful breaths through your nose.
Return to the starting position.
Do five repetitions.
Note to yourself how each excercise felt while you were doing it. Note how your breathing felt after
doing each exercise. The first time I did Pranayama, I thought I would suffocate and die. But after
some practice, I noticed how much calmer and deeper my breathing was. Hang in there; with some
practice, you'll get it.
WEEKS ELEVEN AND TWELVE: Think Organic!
WHAT
When you see produce or other food products labeled "organic," you know that they were grown without
pesticides or chemicals in the soil. Meats and dairy products are considered organic if the cattle have
not been given growth hormones or antibiotics and if their feed is organically grown. (This is the short
answer; you can research on the web to find more in-depth answers.)
Why would you buy organic? Hmmm. . . . Growth hormones? Pesticides? Antibiotics? Do you really need
more reasons why?
HOW
Some supermarkets are beginning to carry organic products. But you may need to go to a health food store.
It will be worth the trip, however, because you will see a wide variety of products that may be new to you.
And you will be supporting small, unsubsidized, usually local farmers.
YOUR MISSION
The next two weeks are Fruit & Vegetable Weeks. Why? For one thing, they are yummy. For another, they
supply many vitamins and nutrients. (Organic produce tends to be higher in mineral content because
organic farming methods do not deplete the soil the way conventional farming methods do.) And finally, fruits and
veggies can lower your risk of some cancers. Eat at least one fruit or veggie at every meal! Try these easy
ways to sneak fruits & veggies into your diet:
a) Have fruit juice and fresh fruit on your cereal for breakfast.
b) Make your own smoothie with yogurt and fruit.
c) Add lettuce and tomato to your sandwiches.
d) Sneak some shredded carrots into your spaghetti sauce.
Coming up...
Remember, it usually takes two weeks or so to establish a new habit, which is why I have spaced each of these
"homework assignments" two weeks apart. Practice all your new habits this month while still maintaining
your previous ones. Enjoy your new adventures, and be open to possibilities. In the next
article, we will be tackling "Supplements" and "Mental Health, Spiritual Balance." Till then.... keep on learning!
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