healthy living
Book Review Revisited: Mind Over Fat Matters by Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez
Friday, June 10th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
It’s nearly summer and I thought this would be a great time to revisit one of my favorite books on healthier living, Mind Over Fat Matters:: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management
The original review is included below so this is more of a refresher of the original tips Dr. Rodriguez shared for adding fitness to your day despite the warmer temperatures. Whether you’re already engaged in a consistent fitness routine or looking for more ways to add movement to your day, these tips may motivate you to take more steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
Back to Basics.
According to Dr. Rodriquez, “going back to step one and establishing realistic expectations and obtainable workouts is key. Not only does having a solid understanding of how exercise effects weight loss empower you to make better decisions, you’ll also see better (and faster) results. A solid understanding of how to exercise properly goes a long way in getting your desired results. The objective is to move at a pace that gets your heart rate up where you experience heavy breathing, but not to the point of pain. As always, exercise should be enjoyable or you’ll never be able to make it part of your daily routine!”
Take advantage of the great outdoors.
“Summer is the perfect time to make exercise a part of your daily routine,” says Rodriguez. “For one thing, the weather is warm, so outdoor exercise is much more fun – especially in the milder mornings and evenings. Also, the days are longer and sunnier, giving you more time to enjoy Mother Nature. Remember, there is no better fat burner than an active lifestyle.”
Find a way to fit fitness in.
“Think about it this way,” suggests Rodriguez. “If you had a doctor’s appointment, you would make sure nothing interfered with that time. Your exercise time should be given the same priority. If anyone asks to see you during your exercise time, decline and reschedule. Creating healthy habits only increases your chance of slimming down.”
More from Mindful Adventures:
So what are some activities you like to do during the summer? Tennis, swimming, hiking, kayaking, perhaps yoga on the beach or by a lake may be of interest. Make a list of what you like to do and get started, change it up and take that first step if it’s been a while. Schedule time each day to focus on your health – plan your healthy menu, include activity and enjoy relaxation. As we all know, there’s no time like the present. Forget about what you didn’t do yesterday and what you might do tomorrow, it all starts with now!
Mind Over Fat Matters:: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management
Rancho la Puerta in TravelWorld International Magazine
Saturday, March 19th, 2011 | Adventure, Cooking Schools, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
Seeing one of my published articles in the latest issue of a travel magazine is like opening a present at Christmas. There’s an excitement that builds as you await the release of your latest work. What will the layout look like? Did I choose the best photos for the piece?
The March issue of TravelWorld International Magazine is focused on Adventure travel and is full of beautiful photography and amazing stories and I’m happy to share this issue with you.
Enjoy the issue and consider reading Rejuvenation Vacation at Rancho la Puerta beginning on page 62 where you’ll get a full account of my latest adventure to this 70-year old destination spa located about 2 hours from San Diego. It’s where the spa lifestyle began and continues to be a leader for those interested in fitness and healthy living.
As always, thank you for stopping by and may all your travels be an inspiring Mindful Adventure! -DMA
More Celebrity-inspired ideas for your next Spa Adventure!
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 | Beauty, California Spas, Relaxation, Skincare, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
The Academy Awards may be over, however here are more celebrity-inspired spa ideas to look your best everyday.
For instance, to protect your skin, SkinCeutical’s Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50® is one to consider ($30 retail). And, Jennifer Lopez is a fan of the line and uses the paraben-free mattifying fluid to protect her skin from damaging UV rays.
Glee’s Naya Rivera is a fan of Skin 2 Skin Care products (as is Ryan Seacrest) and two that are staples of Hollywood makeup artists include their Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum ($65 retail), which promotes collagen growth and the Revitalizing Eye Gel ($42 retail). The serum promotes collagen production while the eye gel reduces puffiness and brightens dark circles with the help of anti-oxidants.
For my California readers and fans of Spa Montage Beverly Hills, consider the Ultimate Pre-Red Carpet Spa Experience (now through March for $1050*). This package includes four treatments and products to take home to continue your camera ready experience. You’ll enjoy an anti-aging facial using oxygen serums to firm and contour, body sculpting therapy to target tummies and thighs, a beautiful back and arms facial to get glowing skin in those low cut dresses and an Elements of Earth Wrap to draw out impurities.
* It’s recommended to book treatments over the course of two to three days.
Thank you to the International SPA Association for the latest data and information on these products.
To your journey!
Ahh! A Lesson in Breathing. Tune in to the Dr. Oz show for more.
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 | Adventure, Meditation, Miraval Spa, Nutrition, fitness, healthy living, well-being, wellness | No Comments
Breath in. Breath out. Are you using breath work as part of your wellness? Both Dr. Weil and Dr. Nicolai will be on the Dr. Oz show today and they’ll discuss Integrative Wellness and a breathing technique to reduce stress. Tune in to the show and you may be able to ‘tune in’ to some other ideas to improve your own health.
The Dr. Weil Integrative Wellness Program, under the direction of Dr. Jim Nicolai, is fairly new at Miraval Arizona. It really is about our body-mind connection and taking responsibility for our health and it’s so empowering when you take the step toward optimum health.
I’ll be watching. Check your local listings.
Lights, Camera, Action! Celebrity-inspired Spa Ideas to Look Your Best.
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 | Beauty, California Spas, Skincare, healthy living, well-being | 1 Comment
Many celebrities are visiting their favorite spa this week getting ready for their Red Carpet spotlight at the Academy Awards on Sunday evening. We may not be seen under the glare of the bright lights, however many of us do want to keep up with the latest spa products and treatments to look our best and for our overall well-being. “A spa professional can analyze your skin, recommend products to fit your needs and have you looking your best in no time,” said International SPA Association President Lynne McNees. “With 20,600 spas in the U.S. alone it’s easy to find a spa that’s perfect for you.”
Take a look at a few affordable solutions that our favorite celebrities enjoy as well as some insight from the International Spa Association. For instance, according to the ISPA 2010 U.S. Spa Industry Study, skin care products are sold in 97 percent of all spas and many average $43 retail. Chances are that your favorite spa has some of these. Over the next few days I’ll be including more ideas so stay in touch and remember to be mindful and enjoy every moment of your experience.
Let’s begin with the two ‘must have’ items from Skin Authority. The Wrinkle Reversing Serum ($125) instantly plumps and the Dramatic Eye Lift ($120) will get you camera ready as well. Stars including Samantha Brown, Ellen K and Kevin Sorbo love the line.
Eminence Organics fans like Alicia Silverstone and Katherine Heigl may consider the Cinnamon Kiss Plumper ($26 retail) and you’ll like the tingle of the natural ingredient of cinnamon, which plumps your lips. Then there’s the Lime Stimulating Masque ($64 retail) to revitalize your complexion while improving blemish prone areas due to phytohormones and vitamins found in the lime.
Just like Jessica Simpson, I’m also a fan of Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist ($21 retail). 
Marshmallow, rose and grapefruit work together to help balance your skin and the scent is so fragrant.
And Murad – they sent A-list stars nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe this year like Natalie Portman, Annette Bening and Nicole Kidman their Award-Season Survival Kit. It includes the Renewing Cleansing Cream ($35) to exfoliate, the Hyro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture ($65) to keep your skin glowing all night and the Sleep Reform Dietary Supplements ($49.50) to help encourage sleep while improving the cellular renewal process.
Stop by soon for more celebrity-inspired spa product ideas.
Thank you to the International SPA Association for the latest data and information on these products.
About International SPA Association
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth.
Fit Soul Fit Body. Listen to Mark Allen and Brant Secunda and find out how!
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You know the saying “when the student is ready, the teacher appears” and that is exactly what this interview is about. You may very well be the student as well with Mark Allen and Brant Secunda as your teachers. Fit Soul Fit Body – 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You is filled with the insight and tips to keep you fit for a lifetime because it is a lifelong process!
Listen to my podcast from my recent interview with Brant Secunda, a shaman, healer and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico and Mark Allen, a six-time Ironman World Champion, also known as “The World’s Fittest Man” by Outside Magazine and “The Greatest Triathlete of All Time” by Triathlete magazine as we discuss more about Fit Soul Fit Body.
We discussed overexercising, Seasonal Affective Disorder, giving ourselves permission to “go within and find the light inside ourselves,” the benefits of a spiritual process called Nerika and more.
Interview with Brant Secunda and Mark Allen
** Recording volume differs from computer to computer – You may need to turn up your volume.
You won’t want to miss what Brant and Mark have to say.
For more information: Visit www.fitsoul-fitbody.com and return here often as I’ll be including some of the tips and keys that both Mark and Brant present in their book.
Personally, I found Fit Soul-Fit Body to be very insightful and recommend it as a go-to holistic guide for your own personal well-being.
Enjoy your journey!
Another tip from The Happy Body book!
Sunday, February 13th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You’ll want to look at my previous post here at MindfulAdventures.com regarding my recent interview with Jerzy Gregorek, co-author of The Happy Body to get the full story, however both Jerzy and his wife and co-author Aniela have come up with some tips on exercising together.
In The Happy Body you’ll see detailed step-by-step photographs, charts and formulas with written instructions. The book is beautifully illustrated and also offers a spiritual component. The Gregoreks believe that as people perform the exercises on a daily basis, their lives develop a rhythm that helps them become calmer, more meditative, more relaxed and more mindful.
This is one of six of those tips I mentioned earlier and I’ll continue to present more in the days ahead. Set achievable goals and each step will take you closer.
1. Change your idea about it.
Stop thinking about exercise as a way to burn calories and counteract overeating. You will never lose weight through exercise. Start thinking of exercise as a way to combat aging. With this vision, you can learn to exercise properly. Start by measuring your current flexibility, strength, speed, body type, and posture. Now you can set meaningful exercise goals.
As with any exercise or weight loss program, check with your doctor if you have specific questions about your personal needs and goals.
A Healthy Valentine’s Day idea from The Happy Body book.
Friday, February 11th, 2011 | Meditation, Nutrition, Relaxation, Weight Loss, fitness, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
Chocolate? Flowers? Weekend getaway? They’re all great ideas for a Valentine’s Day surprise, however there’s something else that you can do that will have long lasting ‘heartfelt’ benefits.
What is it you ask?
Working out together and that can mean a fitness routine, dancing, hiking and the list goes on as you’ll hear first hand as I recently had the opportunity to interview Jerzy Gregorek, co-author of The Happy Body book. Jerzy and Aniela Gregorek are world weightlifting champions and founders and head coaches of the UCLA weightlifting team. Aniela is a 5-time World Weightlifting Champion who holds 6 world records, and Jerzy is a 4-time World Weightlifting Champion with one world record. They also own a successful fitness coaching practice in LA, and have written a new book called The Happy Body: The Simple Science of Nutrition, Exercise, and Relaxation.
We discussed a lot and I’ve included the full podcast below so you can listen to Jerzy’s wisdom and ideas for a healthier lifestyle.
And below you’ll find Four Reasons to work out together from Jerzy and Aniela:
Creates “us” time. How often do you and your partner complain that you don’t spend enough quality time together? When you work out as a couple it doesn’t feel like a chore or an obligation. It’s an activity you get to share that feels great and creates a bond. Studies show the endorphins you get from working out also boost libido!
Keeps you motivated. When one of you is tired or feeling lazy, the other partner can boost your morale and cheer you on. Research has long shown that embarking on a health and fitness plan with a partner increases the likelihood that you’ll both keep at it and achieve your weight and fitness goals.
Shows you care. Is your guy working hard to be healthy and vigorous for you? Does your gal make you proud to call her your wife? Investing the time, energy, and commitment in your health and your fitness is a beautiful way of saying, “I love you.”
Reduces stress. Life is stressful, and relationships can be too. But we’ve found that working out together each day is a great time to release pent-up frustration. By the end of a vigorous workout session with your partner, you will both feel relaxed and happy. For us, it’s better than couples counseling!
More info:
The Happy Body: The Simple Science of Nutrition, Exercise, and Relaxation (www.thehappybody.com) is also the winner of six national and international awards in the category of health and fitness books.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Hands-on cooking at Rancho la Puerta’s La Cocina.
Sunday, September 12th, 2010 | Adventure, Destination Spas, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
If you’ve been following my blog, reading the articles and visiting other areas on MindfulAdventures.com then you know how I feel about destination spas and wellness. I also enjoy assisting/coaching others in finding the destination spa that’s best for their needs, whether they’re looking to jump start (or start) fitness, go hiking, meditate and more importantly nutrition. The bigger goal though is to help others integrate what they learned while away into their lifestyle at home.
One of the destination spas that I enjoy sharing with others is Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. You’ve seen some other recent posts here based on my latest adventure to the Ranch and I’m so grateful to have spent time at La Cocina que Canta. This is the Cooking School and Culinary Center at the Ranch and offers a sensory experience, which is nothing short of amazing.
For many, this could also be a life changing experience. I lost my husband due to complications of diabetes and although I did my best at the time with cooking healthy, this could have been (and I’d like to say would have been), a stronger catalyst for both of us to experience together. I wouldn’t call him a foodie, however we loved watching the Food Network and participating in a workshop with someone like Rick Bayless would have been memorable.
Getting back to the present and another Mindful Adventure brings me to my La Cucina experience. Chef Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen was our visiting teacher and everything from the moment we gathered for our short ride to La Cucina to the organic garden tour to the main event of cooking and enjoying the fruits of our labor was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hope to enjoy often.
Our group (full at 16) that day had such a great time together and when I close my eyes I can smell the fragrant garden and just taste the sweetness of the just-picked tomatoes and herbs. I learned a lot that day, including how to properly chop chives (thank you Chef!).
This quote comes to mind:
“Everyone has a doctor in him or her; we just have to help in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food. But to eat when you are sick, is to feed your sickness.” – Hippocrates
I’d also like to mention how beautiful La Cucina is as the colorful hand-painted tiles and murals, the wrought iron gate and fireplaces set the mood for the class and the teaching kitchen is something that I think any of us would love to have in our own home.
Enjoy your journey!
I knew then what I know now! Another Mindful Adventure.
Monday, August 30th, 2010 | Adventure, Rancho la Puerta, healthy living, wellness | No Comments
You’ve heard the saying, “If I knew then what I know now, I’d…” and you can fill in the rest with whatever you’re thinking. Well, this is a twist on that phrase.
I’ll come clean here and say that at a very early age I needed surgery and then again at twenty something, however everything worked out for the best and I was semi-happy (and physically active).
Life has been challenging over the last twenty or so years, however now I see that the challenges have made me stronger and led me to set the bar higher on my journey. I am fearless and tenacious in many ways and now is one of those times where that earlier thought has come back to me. “I knew then what I know now!” And for me, it’s all connected to fitness and where I am right now……in my life and geographically, so basically another Mindful Adventure.
I’m currently at Rancho la Puerta, the “World’s Best Destination Spa” as announced in the Travel and Leisure 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ poll.
It’s been five years (too long) since I’ve been here and Rancho la Puerta is as beautiful as ever, however this time it’s a struggle participating in many of the activities due to an injury I sustained about a year ago. I won’t go into that, however the thought that keeps replaying for me is that fitness needed to be a focus in my life and I let some of the other challenges get me off track.
That’s where, “I knew then what I know now!” comes in. It was my innate wisdom calling out to me so many years ago to make fitness more of a priority in my life and as I sit here and reflect on my life, I realize that it was a missed opportunity on so many levels. For one, I’d be feeling better right now (and may not have been injured last year) and able to participate in what I really want to do like Latin Dance, Zumba, Advanced Hiking and maybe even Sand Volleyball. And this thought is about more than going into the fitness field, it’s about “knowing” what my body needed to be at its optimum best and paying attention to it no matter what.
Here’s my point…..we all have that “innate wisdom” within, basically our intuition, and sometimes we don’t trust it and that’s the lesson in all of this.
If there’s something that’s calling out to you, whether it’s going back to school, a change in career, exercising more, eating healthier, etc., pay attention. It’s your inner voice giving you hints about your journey. Be mindful of what’s on your heart and what feels good to you. Sure, it may seem a little scary “going against” the current, however maybe you just need to adjust the sails.
Lao Tzu’s quote, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step,” has been my guide. Remember that when you have an idea about a different path. Pay attention and choose what’s best for you. Step by step is how you reach your destination!
Enjoy your journey!
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