OK! Here it is...check out Wholistique Lifestyles on the web. Click the link or try this URL http://abigail-ward.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com.
Live well!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Catch me on EXAMINER
Check out my first article on Examiner.com. I'll be writing a variety of articles related to holistic health and many of those questions that you've always had! Subscribe to holistic health newsletters and much more!
Abigail Ward Wilmington Health Examiner
Abigail Ward Wilmington Health Examiner
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Do we have too many options in the grocery store?
After listening to some lectures on macrobiotics I began thinking about some ideas that are foundational in the theory of macrobiotics. I'M NOT SAYING EVERYONE NEEDS TO EAT A MACROBIOTIC DIET. I just want to share this idea...let it sit in your mind and ponder the truths with in it.
America has been the land of plenty since the end of WWII and recovery from the Great Depression. We are possibly the most glutenous country in the world. We want everything and we want it now. Don't get me wrong, this is the mentality that makes us the greatest nation in the world. We are the land of go-getters and opportunity. But perhaps this is what has led us down the path of sick care instead of health care. Our quality of life, is far from the top when it comes to overall health, life span, and frequencies of preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. We spend almost three times the amount of money per capita on our health care in America compared to other Westernized countries, we have the most access to the greatest medical break throughs and procedures in the world, yet we have one of the lowest life spans.
When we walk into our grocery stores we can have any kind of food from anywhere in the world at any time of the year from any climate. We can even genetically modify some of these foods to grown in unnatural climates. Is this natural? Perhaps we have too many choices? Stop and think for a moment that perhaps Mother Nature knows what we need to eat. Think about nutrition over time. Think about what the caveman ate during the Ice Age. Perhaps fruits, vegetables, animals etc grow and thrive in their environments because their meant to be there. Is nature telling you what you need to eat? There is a reason strawberries don't grown in Alaska, or people from tropical climates don't eat fatty meat. Every climate is blessed with the foods that are needed by in its inhabitants. Think about what foods are in season...these are the foods that Mother Nature intended you to eat. Think about what foods are historical and traditional to your region. This is what Mother Nature intended you to eat. Perhaps dabble in the world of "localvore" (eating locally). Get back to nature, you'll finally feel like yourself.
Live well!
America has been the land of plenty since the end of WWII and recovery from the Great Depression. We are possibly the most glutenous country in the world. We want everything and we want it now. Don't get me wrong, this is the mentality that makes us the greatest nation in the world. We are the land of go-getters and opportunity. But perhaps this is what has led us down the path of sick care instead of health care. Our quality of life, is far from the top when it comes to overall health, life span, and frequencies of preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. We spend almost three times the amount of money per capita on our health care in America compared to other Westernized countries, we have the most access to the greatest medical break throughs and procedures in the world, yet we have one of the lowest life spans.
When we walk into our grocery stores we can have any kind of food from anywhere in the world at any time of the year from any climate. We can even genetically modify some of these foods to grown in unnatural climates. Is this natural? Perhaps we have too many choices? Stop and think for a moment that perhaps Mother Nature knows what we need to eat. Think about nutrition over time. Think about what the caveman ate during the Ice Age. Perhaps fruits, vegetables, animals etc grow and thrive in their environments because their meant to be there. Is nature telling you what you need to eat? There is a reason strawberries don't grown in Alaska, or people from tropical climates don't eat fatty meat. Every climate is blessed with the foods that are needed by in its inhabitants. Think about what foods are in season...these are the foods that Mother Nature intended you to eat. Think about what foods are historical and traditional to your region. This is what Mother Nature intended you to eat. Perhaps dabble in the world of "localvore" (eating locally). Get back to nature, you'll finally feel like yourself.
Live well!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Ladies...Lets talk about IRON
Iron deficiencies are common for many women, especially aging and pregnant women. If you an active lady, growing teen, aging goddess or a mommy-to-be you might be feeling tired because of low iron. NOW...I know what your all thinking! "OK, I'll just eat more red meat." Might I warn you of its high fat and cholesterol content. Although red meat has its perks be wary of these facts. There are a variety of plant based foods that contain lovely levels of iron and provide you with a variety of other vitamins as well! I'll take the plants! So...next time you run to the grocery store try these WHOLISTIQUE wonders!
Dried apricots
Spinach
Swiss chard
Basically any green leafy veggie
Parsley
Dried tomatoes
Beans
Sprouts
Dried coconut
Dried currants
Raisins
Olives
Try sprinkling the dried fruit on your oats in the morning or in your cereal. Add some greens to your favorite juice! Or make sun dried tomato pesto pasta! The possibilities are endless!
Live well!
Dried apricots
Spinach
Swiss chard
Basically any green leafy veggie
Parsley
Dried tomatoes
Beans
Sprouts
Dried coconut
Dried currants
Raisins
Olives
Try sprinkling the dried fruit on your oats in the morning or in your cereal. Add some greens to your favorite juice! Or make sun dried tomato pesto pasta! The possibilities are endless!
Live well!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Wholistique!
So...I know I haven't written in a while. Soon I will have more time to devote to blogging. I am in the middle of developing a new website and my new Health Coaching business, Wholistique. The website will be full of great information about my coaching services, recipes, workouts, fun facts, and all kinds of ways to really harness your inner holistic energy enabling you to live a more full, healthy, fruitful life! You'll know me by my daring dragon fly ;)
Live well!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Almost Bikini Season Workout
Day 1: Full body workout
20 min cardio of choice (moderate intensity)
20 min cardio of choice (moderate intensity)
These sets will be completed as super sets meaning that there will be no rest in between each exercise. Rest will only be taken at the end of each round.
3 rounds
12-15 body weight squats w/shoulder press 10 lbs
20 pushups/chest press w/dumbell or barbell
20 mountain climbers
15 lunges
15 bicep curls
15 jumping jacks
12-15 bent over rows (dumbells or barbell is fine)
15 bent over tricep extensions
15 bench bent leg v-ups
20 pushups/chest press w/dumbell or barbell
20 mountain climbers
15 lunges
15 bicep curls
15 jumping jacks
12-15 bent over rows (dumbells or barbell is fine)
15 bent over tricep extensions
15 bench bent leg v-ups
Rest 2-3 min
Repeat 3 times
Repeat 3 times
Day 2: Cardio 40 min
10 min warmup
20 intervals on cardio equipment of choice (1 min fast, 2 min recovery)
10 min cooldown
10 min warmup
20 intervals on cardio equipment of choice (1 min fast, 2 min recovery)
10 min cooldown
Day 3: 20 min cardio of choice. Full body workout from Day 1
Day 4: 45 min cardio
15 min x 3 machines (15 min on each)
15 min x 3 machines (15 min on each)
Day 5: 20 min cardio of choice. Full body workout from Day 1
Day 6: Active recovery, you can workout if you want to...Or go a for a walk, bike, play a sport etc. Do some abdominal exercises of your choice.
Day 7: Rest
You will complete this workout cycle for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks a new workout schedule will begin.
Food Pyramids
Consider this food pyramid. In this age of gluttony most Americans consumer TOOOOOOO much protein and of that protein....TOOOOO much animal protein. If your feeling sluggish or have noticed recent weight gain try experimenting with proteins. Veggies and fruits are great sources of energy and are waistline friendly! Also consider the theory of food signatures. Meaning foods often look like what they are good for...
For instance...
-Leafy greens often look like lungs...and they help cardiovascular function
-Blueberries look like little eyes...guess what they help eyesight and are one of the most anti-oxidant rich foods
-Cauliflower and broccoli look like little brushes...they cleanse the colon and are great for your brain
-Kidney beans are shaped like your kidneys....GUESS WHAT?! They help support kidney function!
Consider your food!
For instance...
-Leafy greens often look like lungs...and they help cardiovascular function
-Blueberries look like little eyes...guess what they help eyesight and are one of the most anti-oxidant rich foods
-Cauliflower and broccoli look like little brushes...they cleanse the colon and are great for your brain
-Kidney beans are shaped like your kidneys....GUESS WHAT?! They help support kidney function!
Consider your food!
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