For those looking to lose weight, rebalance their diet, establish healthier habits or all of the above, getting started can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are coaches and teachers who are passionate about helping people feel their best. This information applies to anyone on any step of a wellness journey.
Part of the reason that tackling personal wellness can feel overwhelming is that all of body’s systems are interconnected: mind, body and spirit. Yoga provides a great foundation for a holistic approach to self-care and personal growth.
I met Al Cochrane and Cindy Harrington at YogaLife Institute in Wayne. Al teaches many subjects under the umbrellas of yoga and energy medicine at the YogaLife Institute, where he is also in practice as a massage therapist and Reiki Master. Cindy founded the Center for Nutritional Healing in Royersford and holds certifications integrative nutrition, nutrition counseling and health specialist. Most recently she has received a certification in the Nutrition Response Testing methodology. Both Al and Cindy are passionate about nutrition and health, often pursuing additional studies.
Al explained yoga’s approach to mindfulness in all things consumed by the body: “In yoga, we consider nutrition, not only the food that we take in, but everything taken in through the senses: mouth, skin, hair, what you take in through your eyes, what you speak. It’s all-being, not just food.”
He continued, “Yoga is the science of moderation. When you look at fad diets, such as low salt and low fat, they are extreme, and your body finds it difficult to maintain its homeostatic processes. The yogic approach is not so rigid, because rigidity also causes rigidity in the mind and physiology.”
Cindy explained how an integrated approach works better than throwing vitamins or other trendy products on top of an unhealthy lifestyle. “You can’t just give people supplements and have them drinking soda and eating processed foods—that’s not going to work. Drink more water, get good quality sleep, eat the right food, add deep breathing and exercise to your routine and you’re well on your way!”
Al and Cindy shared a few extra tips to nourish the body and mind:
- Tune out the TV: Think about how you feel after watching the evening news. Do you feel unsettled, upset or stressed? After learning these principles, I did make some changes regarding the types of TV programs and books that I read.
- Be kind to yourself: When you started taking care of yourself, you can learn what works for your body, mind and spirit.
- Mind the refined: Stay away from refined sugar and refined foods in general. Everything is food, and some foods nourish and others sabotage. Every now and again treat yourself, but take note of how you feel after.
- Take your time: For sustainable progress, make gradual changes. Have patience with yourself, and take note and be proud of each moment of progress along the way.
- Invest time in planning your meals for the week, create a healthy shopping list and stick to it when you’re in the store.
In addition to Al and Cindy’s diet suggestions, exercise as well. Take advantage of the extra daylight and head outdoors for a hike or pickup game. You give your metabolism a boost by building lean muscle through yoga, Pilates, barre, strength training and/or weight-lifting. Strengthen your heart and cardio fitness by running, walking, spinning, swimming or taking other classes. Find forms of exercise that you truly enjoy and keep them varied and it will be easier to create a lasting routine.
What are some of your favorite ways to stay fit? Please share them in the comments!
- Photos: BigStock
