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Living a Balanced LIfe With (or without) Celiac Disease

In honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Day I want to talk about living a balanced life. It is not easy living a balanced life in a world that seems to thrive on chaos, especially with chronic illness or food restrictions. But it is possible. Please remember…

1. You are more than just a body. Mind and spirit also need attention.

2. It’s not what happens to us, but how we think and react that counts.

3. Attitudes are contagious. Surround yourself with positive people.

4. Your support group should support you in living the best, healthiest life possible. If the talk is always about sickness, look for a new group.

5. Food is the fuel that keeps our bodies running, but there is more to life.

6. Take time to learn how to live, eat and cook gluten free, then start applying what you learn and get on with life.

7. Fear can serve as a warning to avoid danger, but don’t live there.

8. Eat the healthiest, freshest foods you can eat. Don’t let food restrictions be an excuse to eat junk food.

9. Take time out for rest, relaxation and reflection.

10. Exercise, move your body, but remember this is just part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Don’t let any disease or food intolerance be an excuse for living a life that is out of balance and out of control. A healthy, balanced lifestyle is an important part of life.

Healthy Living A to Z: S is for Salmon

Salmon is known for containing high levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides. Omega-3’s have also been associated with improved mood and cognitive abilities, joint protection, eye benefits and decreased cancer risks.

Look for Pacific salmon which is more likely to be wild caught. Atlantic salmon is more likely to be farmed and more likely to have lower Omega-3 levels and contains dioxins. Canned salmon is usually wild Pacific caught and can be a good option. http://www.healthybenefitsof.com/p/salmon.html

Salmon is not difficult to prepare. It can be baked, broiled, even grilled. Experiment with seasonings and sauces on your own or there are many wonderful salmon recipes available.

We like our salmon fillets baked or broiled with a little spicy mustard. Sometimes we break it up and serve it as a salad on a bead of greens.

We also love salmon patties made with canned salmon. I bake mine at 400 degrees on a baking sheet coated with a little pan spray instead of frying. They are not as crisp on the outside, but still good.

Thought for Today

“Love that cares, listens.” — Paul Tillich

Heart Thought for September

Over the years I saw many people who had advanced heart disease and I was so frustrated because I knew if they just knew how to do the right thing, simple lifestyle and diet steps, that the entire trajectory of their life and health would have been different. — Mehmet Oz M.D.

[Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za/52274-12-53-Dr_Oz_speaks__and_we_all_listen%5D

Thought for Today

“We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.” – William Gladstone [Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201101/36-quotes-peace-and-freedom%5D

The View from my Studio

Thought you might like to see what I’m doing at my new Word Press site, Life Through an Artist’s Eyes. Don’t worry, Espirational will continue as usual.

Thought for Today

“Enlightenment is not a goal to be attained, it is a state-of-being to be regained.” — Kim Chestney, The Psychic Workshop: A Complete Program for Fulfilling Your Spiritual Potential

Thought for Today

“Having inner peace means committing to letting go of self-criticism and self-doubt.” ― Sanaya Roman, Living with Joy: Keys to Personal Power and Spiritual Transformation

Always Learning

Callie chooses a book. Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins — Callie chooses a book.
Copyright 2014 by R.A. Robbins

It is important to continue to learn new things throughout our lifetime. It builds new neural pathways that keep our memories sharp and our brains young.

Habits and patterns of thinking and behavior can be hard to break so we can learn to think in new ways. We also get caught up in the need for higher education to get a good job and make a livable income and forget what it’s like to learn just for the sake of knowledge.

Learning opportunities are everywhere. Special interest classes are offered by colleges, community centers, county extension offices, churches etc. We learn by reading and researching topics that interest us. We can also learn by doing and experiencing. Want to learn to identify native birds? Find a field guide and a pair of binoculars and go bird watching. Want to learn to apply special effects to your photos? Learn everything you can about programs that will do this then start playing. Learning can and should be fun.

Staying young isn’t about looking like you’re still thirty in your seventies. It’s about having a healthy active mind that never stops learning. So go out there, learn something new and don’t forget to have fun!

What are you learning?

Thought for Today

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” — Saint Francis de Sales [Source: http://www.stfrancislzparish.org/Pages/PatronSaint.aspx%5D