Hi. I’m Doug Smith, and I’m the director of education communications and marketing for CND. To me, health isn’t about being skinny! It’s also not about being the best “hard body,” or Mr. Fitness. It’s about feeling great and knowing I’m taking care of my body, mind and spirit.
It’s also about replacing what I take in life. More simply put, I want to make sure to take care of my personal and our global environment, so that I can continue to enjoy life, loved ones, nature, beauty and friends.
So what am I doing lately about all of that? Well, after a recent hard look at the state of my personal universe, I panicked! I’ve spent the last 8 to 12 months working at my career and not much else. I’ve gotten up early to slam down my gallon of coffee, shower and hit the road to sit in my office under florescent lights and stare at a computer screen working away. No breakfast! No lunch! On occasion I would order some crackers and a scoop of tuna, trying to convince myself that I was “eating healthy.” I would work until 6:30 or 7 pm, drive home and have a glass of wine while cooking dinner — which I didn’t eat until 9:30 pm! I would usually have the basics for dinner — meat, fresh vegetables and some freshly baked bread with butter — and another glass or two of wine. Then off to bed to repeat the cycle the next day.
During all of this I was convinced that I was maintaining a healthy lifestyle because I stayed away from processed food and was maintaining a weight that fit in with most medical recommendations. Sure I was working hard, but don’t we all?
My body and spirit, however, felt differently. I noticed that I was waking up stiff, feeling like I had run a marathon the day before. I also noticed that my face looked puffy and my hands and ankles would swell by midday. In general I didn’t feel healthy, and was finding it harder to stay focused.
OK, so now it’s time for ACTION! I’m not used to feeling sluggish and am determined to “perk up!”
Step one: I decided to not drink for 60 days. Not that I feel like drinking has become an issue in my life, I just wanted to implement a new project and had heard it was a great way to quickly loose a few pounds. I’m 30 days into it and have to admit I’m more focused than I’ve been in years. And I’ve lost 5 pounds!
Step two: I’ve started to implement what I’ve heard repeatedly through life from people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off — I’m eating breakfast, lunch and dinner! I’m also snacking mid morning and afternoon, which is something I’ve never done.
Keep in mind that meals and snacks are sensible, healthy and low in fat and sugars. For great eating tips, I’ve referenced a few books on the subject. One of my personal favorites is “Grail Springs Holistic Detox for Body, Mind & Spirit” by Madeleine Marentette (McArthur & Company publishers). She talks about healthy eating habits and the importance of what, and when, we eat. Her most memorable advice is to “stay away from the white toxins — white sugar, white table salt, white flour and white rice.” She also infused an eye-opening self-evaluation in me stating that “You have to know where you are at on the path to know where you are going.” If you do nothing else this summer — read her book! It has some terrific insight and is perfect for summer relaxation sessions.
Step three: I’m actually making myself exercise regularly. Nothing crazy! I jogged yesterday morning for 30 minutes before breakfast and am trying out a yoga class tonight at my gym. I’ll keep you posted as to what works and what doesn’t. For me, it’s more about moving and stretching than it is about building big muscles and having a body ready for the cover of Health & Fitness Magazine!
So here we go, my summer goal is to commit to body, mind and spirit. By fall I’m hoping to have changed my behavior and found a way to realize that healthful living is not a time-consuming burden. It’s a mind shift to stay the course and remember that everything I do eventually affects how I feel and look. I’ll check in occasionally to share new insights or recipes I’ve discovered. I would also love to hear what books or exercise programs have been inspirational to you.
Until then — I truly wish you health, wealth and happiness!
— Doug
Print | posted on Thursday, July 31, 2008 8:26 AM