Exercise: one of my primary goals as a physiotherapist and health professional is to build a client's confidence in their body. For too long health professions have told a negative story of our body’s ability to heal and adapt. It stems from the kinesophalogical model of assessment (movement quality), and although useful at times, it has been over used and is now a detriment to the health of our communities. The notion of movement optimism put forth my Canadian Greg Lehman is an antidote to this negative view and helps us recalibrate toward the middle. Whether you are in healthcare or just interested in health Greg’s writing is well reasoned, critical of itself (overly humble) and fun to read. Take a look at his blog on movement optimism - the wedge that divides.
Great read: if you need some medicine to the onslaught of negative news pick up Steven Pinkers Enlightment Now: the case for science, reason, humanism and progress. It is a dense book but you can move from section to section with ease - digesting what feels interesting on the day. Humans are prone to the availability heuristic (negative news makes it seem like the world is falling apart) and this book does a seriously good job highlighting the incredible progress we have made over the past 300 years and continue to do into the 21st century (75 very cool graphs). It is a reality check for all of us - although progress, science, and reason have pushed our societies forward, we must not let this tide slow as we battle with global problems like climate change. Get it at the library or local bookshop. This book will help your mental health:)
Sleep: when most of us think of "belly" health and weight loss we often jump to food strategies. This makes intuitive sense and each of us has unique needs but my “gut” sense is we probably do this too quickly without considering other factors like stress and sleep. We know sleep has a profound effect on our metabolism, weight loss, and digestion so when considering any food changes don't forget to consider sleep. Checkout this wonderful blog review on sleep and gut health - here.
Grub: alright - taking a bit of a different turn this month but I wanted to prop up my favourite new fridge item - Halloumi. The hard middle eastern cheese, is versatile, can be stored in the fridge for a couple months and is great fried or as is. Some may scoff at its salt content and high fat but I advocate for moderation and cooking at home - so go for it:) Its fantastic flavour profile, ease of use and high protein make it a fun mid-week treat. I like mine fried with olive oil, rosemary and chickpeas. Finished with lots of lemon and chopped tomatoes. Find it at most middle eastern markets - may favourite, the Halal Meat Shop on Main.
Ps - I read to kill a Mockingbird for the first time last month, author Harper Lee’s Birthday was April 29th. Its lessons still hold today, including one of its most famous quotes: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
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