ALL ABOUT THAT BALANCE

Cold pressed juice, organics, kale, fermentation, supergreens, do yoga, do cardio, go vegan, go paleo … In the past few years there’s been a deluge of food and fitness related directives, tips and tricks engulfing magazines, books, blogs and social media. 

And it’s true, food is as important as it is delectable! We eat to live, because whole, living food nourishes, energises and enables us to live healthy, active lives. And we live to eat, because food is a beautiful part of life - delicious, colourful, social and creative.

But in the barrage of commentary over the hottest new superfood, or debates on the optimal diet, don’t you get that feeling like perhaps we are missing out on something divinely important?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen stressed out, fatigued, unhappy healthy people! Healthy people can develop unhealthy relationships with food & fitness, and I’m pretty sure not all healthy people compost, shop locally or ensure their food is sustainably grown or ethically reared. Hek, healthy people can even get sick. 

So to me, good food is one essential part of a larger story. Optimum health is so much more than achieving a certain level of fitness or physique. Equal attention should be paid to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. What good are wheatgrass shots, if we don't smile at the little things? Yay for raw seaweed salad with a side of kimchi, but let’s share a simple meal with people in need from time to time. If you get a wonderful feeling of contentment having fish n chips on the beach with your family every now and then, or if a wine with friends enhances your life, go for it.  

Let’s live. Let’s be kind to others, consume consciously, and nourish our mental and spiritual wellbeing, our social life, family time and physical health in equal measure. It’s a crazy culture we live in and not always an easy task, but there are many simple things we can try: meditation, creative pursuits, hosting dinner parties, reading, volunteering, nature walks, or learning a new craft, sport or instrument!

So here’s to wonderful, nourishing food - the fuel that keeps us charging through a wholehearted life, saturated in kindness, inspiration and the pursuit of fun. 

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Excerpt from Mondays Journal Summer 2014/15