Breathing techniques, organic food, and soil health are the focus this week. These are topics that impact all of us, and those around us. I’ve added a new Personal Finance category that will carry on weekly (it’s a critical component of a healthy lifestyle). Lastly, due to the wildfires that are ravaging the west, I’ve added some resources on prevention and safety. We live just outside of Seattle, and have been blanketed by thick, unhealthy air for the last three days. I’m grateful we’re not having to deal with the actual fires, however many people are – you can help and donate here.
Mind
- What Focusing on the Breath Does to Your Brain – https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_focusing_on_the_breath_does_to_your_brain
- Beginner breathing techniques for stress relief – https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques#1
- Breathing techniques to calm panic attacks – https://www.anxietycoach.com/breathingexercise.html
Body
- Is Organic food better? If you’ve been on the fence about switching to Organic foods, or wondering if it’s worth the additional cost, this quick and comprehensive article examines 15 reasons why you should consider the switch – from reducing the risk of cancer and soil health to not allowing your food to be produced with sewer sludge (yuck!). http://www.onlyorganic.org/15-reasons-to-eat-organic/
- Should You Go Organic? (Harvard Health). This article provides essentially a counter argument to going Organic, or at least the health benefits may not be as great as the media and organic companies portray. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-go-organic
- EWG is a good source on Organic foods and pesticides. Their ‘Dirty Dozen’ should be posted in your kitchen. This article looks at lesser known foods that tend to have high pesticide residue. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/five-lesser-known-foods-high-in-pesticides.php
Kids
- Keeping with the Organic Food topic, if nothing else, consider doing it for your children (or soon to be). “…choosing organic-certified foods when you can and can afford to — is one of the best choices you can make for your children.” This is a great article from Time (short) with numerous linked supportive resources. https://time.com/2914155/organic-food-children-health/
- Forcing kids to eat can have unintended consequences. This is something I struggle with, and my wife is always there to remind me. This article provides insight on the adverse effects of force feeding, and advice on working to get your kids to eat healthier, and embrace a healthy mindset. Of course we know kids will eat the sweet meals and snacks without hesitation, so be sure you are offering healthy, and where possible organic foods. https://www.childfeedingguide.co.uk/tips/common-feeding-pitfalls/pressure-eat/
Podcast
- This podcast on Plant Proof with Dr. Zach Bush is eye opening to say the least. Whoever thought dirt (soil) could be so critical to how we eat and live, and our future. https://plantproof.com/gmo-food-soil-health-with-dr-zach-bush/
Video
- Farmers Footprint. If you’re interested in learning more about soil health, and supporting the cause, check out this documentary from Farmers Footprint. https://farmersfootprint.us/watch/
- “The Need to GROW” – is an award winning documentary about the environment and soil. It’s an important, and moving film. It can be viewed for free here (9/9/20 – 9/14/20), and after this it should be available on Netflix and/or media streams.
Books
- Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor. “…explores how the human species has lost the ability to breathe properly over the past several hundred thousand years and is now suffering from a laundry list of maladies — snoring, sleep apnea, asthma, autoimmune disease…”
Recipe of the Week
- Pancakes – who doesn’t love them? This is one that our family has evolved over the years. It’s an easy recipe that can be modified as needed. We now use a combination of different types of organic flours such as buckwheat, quinoa, pea, and amaranth. The kids devour them! https://fitlyf.com/2018/01/13/pancakes-without-eggs-dairy-and-sugar/
Quote of the Week
- “He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.” Thomas Carlyle
Gear
- Oura Ring… the what you say? This bad boy is an up and comer. It’s not a watch or a band, but a ring for your finger. It helps track and improve your sleep and personalize your health and fitness. We know how important these are here at FitLyf! – https://ouraring.com/why-oura
Give
- Protecting farmland, farmers, and soil health: American Farmland Trust
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- Charity Navigator Encompass Score: 100 of 100
Personal Finance
- This will be added as a weekly category. Your financial understanding and security is foundational to supporting your health and well being.
This is a great “101” article on Personal Finance from Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/personalfinance.asp
Wild Card
- Wildfire Safety and Prevention Tips.