The True Power of Movement in Nutrition…
If there is one thing I have learned in nutrition and wellness, it is that movement is absolutely a critical part of nutrition. One might not think so, because the movement itself doesn’t give us vitamins and minerals, nor does it come with calories. But especially right now, I am being truly reminded just how important movement is.
Over the years, I’ve built eating habits revolving around high-quality, whole foods that are minimally processed. I focus on lots of variety and reasonable portions. I Open Eat. It’s truly been life-changing just how much it has boosted my energy levels, my mental clarity, and my confidence, and made way for me to find joy in just about any chaos life has thrown at me. I’ve watched this approach change the lives of everyone I’ve worked with… and it truly is incredible to find the truth in the miracle that our body is when we work with it, along with our expertise to find that path to healthy, confident eating.
Going back to the chaos life throws at us… When kids were just little and not in school… movement was part of my every day as I became the whirlwind of fun and structure in a revolving door of needs and wants to be brought on by my four little munchkins. So even without structured exercise routines, I was moving constantly. It was crazy, but it was wonderful.
As my kids have gone to school full-time, I have recently taken a job opportunity that puts me in front of a computer day in and day out. I’ve probably sat or stood in one position longer at this job than ever before… and my body is feeling it. Don’t get me wrong… I work for an amazing company that truly supports movement and health in every way possible. But what I wasn’t prepared for was my ability to set boundaries with myself to get the movement in.
With the kids, I was constantly answering demands… and answering those demands came with movement. My mind was trained to be reactive, where the movement was a part of the deal. In this job, the demands are also constant, but instead of me going to the source to pick up, bend down, clean up, or rescue the issue… I have to be in front of my computer. And when the demands are constant, time just flies by and the day is gone. It feels like I’ve worked out because my brain is so tired… but my body has not. Sound familiar to any of you?
What has become most apparent is that my energy levels have changed. My body misses the ability to just ‘detox’ every day. I know I’m taking in the nutrients I need, but I’m not allowing my body to balance it out by removing excess nutrients and clearing out the waste from using nutrients properly. I feel it and I miss the boost movement brings when it is balanced with my nutrition. And without it… my nutrition is NOT balanced.
And so… comes the renewed approach to Open Eating! It’s a life-long journey. As life’s circumstances change, we all need to make adjustments in our lives to protect what we know to be true. I had taken for granted the natural level of activity my body wants and needs to balance nutrition… so I didn’t have a strong structure to ensure it is there.
How often do we see that in our nutrition? We don’t know what to eat, so we go for processed, simple calories. We don’t have time to prepare, so we skip or grab something that isn’t very nourishing because it’s handy. We lose the connection with our body and the signals it gives us, and we get into a rut. Open Eating helps to open those channels again.
Only this time… it isn’t with the nutrients, I’m still in a GREAT place for that. Today, it’s with my movement. Time to listen to the signals my body is sending me and take that first step! Whatever I need to do. Set alarms, build in breaks, find ways to move in place- make sure to take that workout time and make the most of it. My body is telling me it needs movement to keep me healthy. And it’s time I listen to it. That’s how I’m going to continue to take my life back from all of the crazy:)
Happy moving everyone! Find a way to move at least 10 minutes every day this week. It’s a great way to clear your mind and give your body a well-needed reset. Here are some of the ideas I’m going to try:
- Leg lifts during a meeting
- Yoga after work
- Dancing with my kids
- Walk & talk with co-workers… they need movement just as much as I do
- Move some furniture around for a fresh new look
- Hoola Hoop (is that how you spell it? It’s been FOREVER!...)
- Snow Angels
What are your best ideas for movement?