Stay-at-Home Healthy Eating, Self-Care Tips and Staying Positive
How did you become passionate about healthy eating?
I was really fortunate that my parents did a great job of encouraging my brother and I to eat healthfully while growing up, but I got even more focused on this after becoming a parent 14 years ago...feeding children definitely forced me to look more closely at the foods we are consuming and what is made available to our family
If you could persuade people to change three things about their diet during these challenging times, what would they be?
Slow down (you want to tap into the parasympathetic, rest/repose, side of your brain, that you cannot be in while stressed) and savor your meals; eat less food (try intermittent fasting) during the course of your day; focus on adding a healthy fat to each meal or snack (lights up your tastebuds, helps to keep you satiated). my fav is avocado!
Most of the world is practicing social distancing and working from home, how important is it to hydrate while doing so? Absolutely critical, hydration is foundational to our health....aim to get 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water/daily. Add some Himalayan sea salt, too
What are 3 at-home x kitchen must haves for people practicing social distancing?
Slow cooker (it is easy to throw in a protein, add some veggies and some bone broth and you have a nourishing meal on the fly); Blender (you can make soup, smoothies); nice knife for chopping up veggies, etc
What are 5 ‘must stock’ foods each of our readers should stock up on from the grocery store during social distancing? Bone broth (I love KettleFire brand); canned pole caught tuna or canned sardines (healthy fats); macadamia nuts; Primal Kitchen mayo; canned organic tomatoes; Siete green enchilada sauce
What are some ways to boost your immunity amid the coronavirus outbreak?
Ways to support immunity: get 7-8hrs of high quality sleep; proper hydration; consume protein rich meals with healthy fats, and try to avoid processed carbs/sugary foods; add in ginger, garlic, citrus fruits
What is your favorite quarantine snack?
Siete tortilla chips with fresh guacemole!
During these uncertain times how do you stay positive? What’s your secret?
I want to be an example to my children....so, I'm open and honest about good days/bad days..I stay focused on the "long game"..meaning, I can persevere and get through anything with mindset. Knowing that our social distancing will not last forever and we will value our lives so much more, our freedoms, etc
Any self-care, self-care or self-development tips for our readers?
yes, self-care is not selfish....despite social distancing, exercise is critical, so I ensure I get physical activity into my schedule daily; meditation/gratitude journaling; brain health....so, I am always reading/always learning..being a life long learner is really important AND despite social distancing...the magic of technology is that we can connect with our loved ones despite distances, so ensure you are connecting and sharing your love
Any favorite health / nutrition podcasts or books you recommend to our readers?
Well, I love my podcast, Everyday Wellness, but I really enjoy The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes, Happier by Gretchen Rubin & High INtensity Health for podcasts. Books: The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O'brien changed my life
Where can our readers find you? (Instagram, Facebook, etc) www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_
www.twitter.com/_cynthiathurlow
Intermittent Fasting lifestyle (free FB group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1004505663061383/
Anything else you want to add?
Any other health, wellness or nutrition tips? Sure, sleep, stress reduction, intermittent fasting and aiming to consume less inflammatory foods (gluten, grains, dairy) can be a pivotal stepping stone on your health and wellness journey :)
