Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Clear Heads

Have you ever heard the expression "I just need to clear my head."? Most of us have used this phrase after a strenuous interaction or activity. What do we really mean by saying it and why is it usually accompanied by a walk/venting session around the block?

I recently stumbled across a juicy site on the human brain by the Franklin Institute that satisfied my inner information consuming, research nerd. http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/index.html

I'm sure you know, (but it helps to be reminded from time to time) that walking increases blood circulation, as well as oxygen and glucose that reaches your brain. You don't have to be running, jumping, dancing or hula hooping, walking will suffice! When we say we're going out to "clear our heads", that's exactly what is happening. You are oxygenating your brain. Next time you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, go for a stroll around the block or at least around your office and clear your brain.

Some other fun facts:

You NEED essential fatty acids (EFA's) to make your 3lb information station function at peak performance. You can get these from foods like fish, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, meat, eggs, walnuts, and almonds, to name a few. Some symptoms that you aren't getting enough EFA's into your diet may include depression, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, allergies, and if deprived long enough can turn into scary conditions like cancer, diabetes, intestinal disorders and Alzheimer's.

Your brain also needs the amino acids that come from the breakdown of protein and the glucose that comes from consuming carbohydrates. For all of you carb fearing dieters out there, you should be informed that if you aren't eating carbs, you are depriving your brain of fuel. If you want to argue with me, sign up for my program and I'll show you how you can enjoy life with carbs and (gasp) still lose weight! The last ingredient for a healthy thinker is micronutrients. This means you have to be eating your fruits and veggies. Preferably fresh and not out of a can.

Bottom Line: Don't be a dead head! You and your fellow compadres will love you even more if you are well fueled and oxygenated.




In Health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

Thursday, March 11, 2010

What's a Health Coach?

"What IS a health coach?" This a question that I have been getting asked a lot lately. It's a term that has recently been creating a lot of buzz in the media so you may begin hearing more about it. I thought it might be good to clear up this question before continuing on with a fun filled blog.

Health Coaching is my personal definition of "reformed" health care. It's about taking the preventative measures to care for yourself now so you don't end up with thousands of dollars in medical debt later. We've got health care completely backwards in this country. Why do we wait until we are sick to see a doctor when we could simply be making more educated choices in order to avoid those expensive and dreadful trips?

A health coach has the incredible job of focusing on you as a whole person: on all of the wonderfully angelic/devil on your shoulder, spinach loving/ice cream binging, peacefully meditative/anxiety stricken parts of you! A health coach doesn't judge and a good one isn't going to tell you that you have to cut those beloved chocolate milkshake binges out of your diet. A health coach works with clients to figure out how you can be living the most balanced, healthy life possible.

That's what I do.

I'm not a doctor. I'm not a nutritionist. I'm not a miracle worker. But, I can help turn YOU into a miracle worker for yourself by making more educated and loving choices. The caveat is that you have to be motivated to make changes (hence Motivated Nutrition), otherwise the tool box that I provide you with will never be successful. My job is to be here to support you on your journey and be your personal tour guide to find the solutions that fit your specific needs.

I offer Individual and Group Coaching. I also give workshops, organizing sessions, health food store tours and fitness sessions. My approach is high energy, fun, supportive and dedicated to helping you become as healthy as possible. I'll introduce you to the world of eating whole foods, exercise that doesn't have to feel like a chore, organization that's easy and overall balance in your life.

Health Coaching is all about changing your relationship with yourself, your food, your body and everyone around you.

That's cleared up. Let's get back to the fun stuff! If you have any questions or issues that you want me to address, shoot me an email at joanie@motivatednutrition.net


In Health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net