Good food, quality food, means a good diet - Words of Wellness

I am reading a great book.  Whoops I am reading the work of writers with whom I  agree. again.. Naughty. I know.  I love this book

"The French Don't Diet Book" by Dr Will Clower, who is an American neuroscientist. He does a spell of work in France and notices that the French eat really well, cheeses, bread, wine, beautiful seasonal food from fresh markets, BUT they are not over weight.  He quotes the 2008 figure11.3%  rate of obesity.

This is the French paradox.  It is famous.  It is, of course, the Mediterranean diet, lots of fresh fruit and veg, fish, dairy and a small amount of meat.The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the best in the world.

But Dr Clower goes deeper.  He also reflects upon the mega industrial food industry of his own country, the U.S.A. He marvels at how scientists have made a raft of artificial flavours low carb bread.  LOW CARB BREAD.
When I mentioned this in class this week, one of the class participants mentioned that they helped to put on their granddaughter's 18th birthday party.  They cooked heaps of good food which the party guests mostly refused to eat, because it had carbs.  They drank lots of beer instead.

Back to the French.  The books suggests these four ideas

Four Steps towards a healthier French-inspired diet, . not a diet, way of life.

Eat Real Food - not processed industrial laboratory inventions.  An example - strawberry flavouring.

Mind how you eat - Small quantities - seat and eat slowly, pay attention
.
Reduce Stress induced eating - You know what that is. And no regrets.  No diets, no skipping entire food groups, no calorie counting.

Be active without exercise.  Ouch...The french walk everywhere. Everywhere. Shop every day. live on the third floor of their appartment building, and of course, no lifts..  

I just want to be adopted by a nice french family.... I promise I'll be good.

Read the darn book yourself "The French Don't Diet Book" by Dr Will Clower.  I love it

Draw up your Golden Thread - Habit of the Week

This habit comes from Tai Chi.  When you prepare for tai chi practise you pull upwards through an imaginary thread.  This thread goes from soles of your feet through your spine and up through the crown of the head.  When you pull upwards, it helps with every part of your posture, especially the alignment of your head.

There is two important considerations.  While drawing up through the centre, it is important to also remember the relaxation of Tai Chi.  When we are tense, the flow of energy is blocked. So let's draw up while relaxing the shoulder girdle.  Let those shoulders relax down the back.  And relax the pelvic girdle and let the tail bone sink or drop down just a centimetre, as if you were perched on a high seat.
This weeks habit, draw up your golden thread.

Cairns String Ensemble

Fantastic Young Musicians really got us off to a great start in Cairns Council Civic Chambers

Great Job

Some Walking Cane Action in Cairns

During my presentation in Cairns Civic Council Chambers I strutted with my golden cane

Wielding the Cane in Cairns Council Civic Chambers

Melt your shoulder blades down the back - Habit of the Week

Our posture really matters.  How we sit and stand affects our mood.  However, we shouldn't stand at attention all day.  This week's habit seeks to change our posture while we relax.


So this week's habit. When we relax, let our shoulder blades melt down the back. Normally as we get tired and relax, our shoulder blades curl forward and over the top.  Instead, let's be mindful while relaxing sink the shoulder blades down towards the waist.

Habit of the week - Melt the shoulder Blades down the Back.

Cairns Fm 89.1

John Ehm, Michael, Ann Lear 

Michael's Show "At your Service" features a different local group each week.  It was fun ..  It is interesting to see how much goes on behind the scenes on radio.  Cueing in and out the music, linking to the news and weather.  very busy and interesting.  And always the hosts sound so calm..  Bravo Michael.   Thanks for inviting us. And as for me, no one could see me waving my hands about, Italian style.

Join the online group to learn about personal safety - I did

The Group  -  Brisbane Safe Steppers is an online community who are interested in taking responsibility for personal safety.  I am keen to learn how to go for my walk, and to encourage others to be able to do their own walk in safety.

The group convenor is Philippe and he has had decades of experience in safety, firstly as a martial arts instructor and as law enforcement officer for many decades.

Here is the link Brisbane-Safe-Steps.  There are regular articles for members which are full of great tips.

I took part in one of the monthly workshops in Brisbane, last weekend.  It was fun - I met up with some of the walking cane "Jedi's", who are brilliant. (and they probably would understand the "Jedi" reference ....ha)
I had a ball, playing on the balance beams............  I love that stuff.

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At 7th Brigade Park, Chermside

As well, as usual I learnt a couple of interesting things.

1. When someone asks "what time is it?"  they do not/ should not be in your personal space.  So you are not obliged to answer if they do... Looking down at your watch can make you vulnerable for a split second
2. Deflect. Being able to stand side on, quickly to deflect an unwanted advance can be more useful than standing your ground.  Think of the agile movement of a bullfighter.
3. One of the participants at the workshop is a runner, and she got some great tips about personal safety while running, including the use of a small torch.  By just flicking it off and on, could provide enough distraction for you to get away from danger.  Also tips on buying the right shape torch for a runner's safety.  Me.  I had a glove in each pocket.  My sister, Terri, said I'm packing heat..... ha.  

This stuff is really helpful.

Take a look at the link above.  I recommend joining.  It is safe. You can rest assured your privacy is safeguarded if you do join. and there are lots of good ideas, posts and comments .

Here is the next workshop 

Upcoming Meetups

• Friday, July 31, 2015 5:30 PM

  Sandgate-Shorncliffe Full Moon Night Walk

  
  
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