Eat
Less, Play More - Healthy Living Through Nutrition
By
Samantha Neier, Nutrition Counselor at Holistic Health Associates
Remember
when you were a child and you got so wrapped up in playing, imagining
or creating that you didn’t want to stop when it was time to eat? Do
you remember leaving your meal halffinished to run off and continue
playing? Children innately understand that food is secondary to what is
most nutritious and
primary in life: fun and play.
As adults
we seem to have lost our instinct to prioritize play. In our busy
world, with its emphasis on work and responsibility, to be healthy and
balanced we must work on more than just our bodies; we must feed our
hearts, minds and spirits.
Have you noticed that when your body,
mind and spirit are engaged in a creative project or happy
relationship, your reliance on food seems to decrease? Likewise, when
you are unsatisfied with your relationships, your job or other areas of
your life, you may depend on food to cheer, soothe or numb you.
When
your life is out of balance, no amount of food can feed you where you
truly need nourishment. The food that we eat is very important for
health and balance, but what really feeds us—a full and fulfilling
life—doesn’t come on a plate.
What is fun for you? What makes
you light up? What excites you? Make time for it this holiday season.
Even if you don’t have much free time for fun, try approaching a
“serious” activity with an attitude of play. This can greatly reduce
stress and anxiety and bring more pleasure to your day. Take your focus
off food, try adding more fun into your life and watch the magic unfold.
Samantha
Neier is a health coach, yogi, runner, and public speaker dedicated to
improving the health and happiness of her clients. She studied Sports
Coaching in Melbourne, Australia (Deaken University) and Health
Coaching at Manhattan, New York (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)
where she was trained in various dietary theories -- combining
traditional philosophies with modern concepts. She
may be contacted at Acupuncture
Frederick MD or (301) 6201414.