Thursday, January 29, 2009

Guest Blogger: Rebecca Horton: Whole Foods

Rebecca is a UNC grad who I had the privilege of getting to know during my time at the Summit. I didn't know her through the college ministry. I got to know her because she plugged in to others areas within the church and served. We worked in the children's ministry together - mainly during the child care times for other events.
Rebecca has a passion for many things - and she is a great writer about them. She now lives in DC (in my top 3 fave cities). So, I read her blog this morning over at Passionately Alive and thought I would "borrow" it - giving her full credit and a shout out! The reason I posted this here is the healthy benefit of whole foods. Eating vegetables, grains, non-processed (mostly chemicals and sodium) is so delicious and more beneficial. It provides you with much energy to be more active. The vitamins in most whole foods far outweigh its counterpart processed food - and therefore you are less sick and have more energy.
Rebecca - thank you for this information. Hope you are doing well. Miss ya girl!

So, i've been pondering significantly about my own values in addition to the principles which make a company "good/effective" as I approach the many ideas swimming in my head. Tonight, in the midst of trying to get into a Jane Jacobs book (i'm going to be honest her books are less compelling-writing style wise-than I anticipated) and make sense of this crazy calling i'm feeling on my heart with increasing strength, eating dinner at a table at Whole Foods I noticed their "Core Values" posted on the wall. Several of them really struck me and I think they're worth posting.
There are many reasons why I love Whole Foods, although admittedly it doesn't quite compare to my favorite Chapel Hill Co-Op, Weaver Street Market. (Side note, I love Weaver Street Market and the restaurant in there too.) And reading these values just cements my reasons for liking it all the more. Whole Foods started as a grocery option when I went on a fair trade/organic everything craze in college (a much harder quest than one might anticipate). Since then, i've become a frequent visitor. They have such a unique variety of foods, including certain local ingredients I was never able to find previously, and their store design is really invigorating. Additionally, I've never been to a place where the employees seemed so cheery, and excited to be at work-this is saying a LOT, I used to work in retail and it often sucks, straight up-, and their hot/cold food bar, while overpriced is really tasty. Not everything is perfect there, I do have some complaints and frustrations-especially about the overpriced items-but I like a lot of what this grocery chain stands for and works to live out day to day.So here are their values:
Selling the Highest Quality Natural and Organic Products Available
Satisfying and Delighting Our Customers
Supporting Team Member Happiness and Excellence
Creating Wealth Through Profits & Growth
Caring about our Communities & Our Environment
Creating ongoing win-win partnerships with our suppliers.
Numbers 1, 3, and 5 are especially intriguing...I'm interested in drilling down a bit more and exploring their business model in further depth. I'll let 'ya know when I find out more.

I hope these links and this write-up inspires you to visit your local co-op and eat more naturally and healthily for your body!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Calorie Restriction and Raw Vegan: Good/Bad?

I love the Food Network. If I'm going to have the TV on and be doing something around the house - it is usually on channel 46 so I can listen to Tyler, Bobby, Giada - my faves.
The other night I watched a show that highlighted the pros/cons of two "lifestyle" diets that are seemingly quiet popular right now. Watching this show is really what got me started with the idea of this blog.
Two "diets":
Calorie Retriction Diet. While getting enough nutrients and stuff your body needs - eat a very limited amount of calories. The base of this - the reasoning - sounds pretty good. This means you just have to be wise about your calorie intake. You can't waste your "limited" calories on foods and drinks with no nutrients. Doesn't that sound fine? Yes. But, some people take things to extreme. Some people live by this and don't get enough nutrients and also some people don't take time to enjoy life (in moderation) on this diet - or this lifestyle.
Raw Vegan Diet. This one is/was popular with ultra-athletes or stars. Again, this one has great principles, but taken to the extreme - may not be the best for you. Basically - eat what is grown, in its natural form, how it was grown and made - and only that. So, no chicken (b/c you can't eat it raw), and you really aren't to eat eggs raw - so none of those either.
Here is my problem with these lifestyle diets. One - they are too restrictive. Food is not only meant for our nutrition, but also, I think for our enjoyment, fellowship, communion with other people. Most of our lives revolve around food. We love eating with other people, cooking for other people, eating at restaurants. Second - you are missing out on some equally nutritious things. Especially in the raw vegan diet. I see more negative about that one then I do in the CR diet.
What do you think? How do your monitor your foods and intake - with your outtake - exercise and calorie burning?

Monday, January 26, 2009

2 Upcoming Races

This is my first year ever doing races. But, I have learned that I am a goal-oriented person in most everything I do. I want to do something, press toward a goal, head toward it, keep plowing ahead. So, here are two that I am doing
My first 5k (3.1 miles) is February 21, 2009 in Indianapolis, IN. There are two reasons I chose this one. It was the end of 9 weeks of training for me (since I started running New Years). Second, they had a really cool shirt in Carolina Blue! Ok - so I'm going to be wearing several layers, a hat, and gloves - but it will get done.
My first mini marathon is the end of April - the Derby Mini is going to be a challenge - but you know, I can do it! :) I'm going to have several friends doing it with me, so that will be great as well.
And, I want to be at my Weight Watchers goal weight by Memorial Day (the same day as Daniel and Courtney's wedding).
So - those are some of my goals. Are you goal oriented? How do you stay motivated?

The Journey

So, why another blog. I have a life blog, a food blog, and now a healthy living blog.
1. This will keep me motivated. I have lost 34 and still have at least another 25 to go - and to keep off!
2. This will help me keep learning. This blog will have guest bloggers of people I know to talk about training, exercising, healthy eating, healthy body tips, etc. So, as you learn - I learn.
3. This will help you. I see so many people where I used to be (and can easily be again). I want to be more healthy and I want you to be healthier too!
So, if you ideas you want covered - let me know. Happy Living Healthy!