Nancy Nelson Blog

Riding my bike back from lunch this afternoon, I was amazed at how nice it was outside. The skies were so blue, the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky.

I love to be outside. I am an avid runner, walker and biker. My husband says that I just can’t sit still. Yes maybe that is true.

Did you know that exercise is better than any drug or anything else we have to fight aging? There is no downside. Remember exercise is not limited to running or weight lifting. Dancing, gardening, and housework count too.

The important thing is for you to do something at least 30 minutes a day.

There is only one beautiful you in this world, so make the most of who you are and get out and enjoy!!!

I am reading a very interesting book “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall, about a Hidden Tribe of Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen.

My interest was perked when I heard about the book and the perfect food that the Tarahumara tribe ate. Training for a half marathon, I wanted any help I could find. “Chia Seeds”, nature’s perfect food provide ample calcium and protein, contain fatty acids, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, soluble fibre, protective antioxidants vitamins and minerals. Mix 2 to 4 tables with 16 ounces of water and walla energy and yes I mean energy that lasts, not just a quick sugar high. The seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your body.

Give it a try and let me know how you feel. I drink this each morning before my workouts.

Here is my health tip for the day. Do you have one for me?

All of us have aspirations and dreams! One of my is to run a Marathon.

After watching my daughter finish the Chicago Marathon last fall with a smile on her face, I was so inspired by her determination that I put it on my bucket list. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not crazy after all of these years, I am planning on trying a half Marathon first to see how my body holds up.

Being an avid daily speed walker, and running in my younger years, I plan on following a schedule and taking the time it takes to train.

The other day my son brought home the book, “Born To Run”, about a hidden tribe of super athletes and their incredible “Chia Seed”. Now talk about a crazy thought, mixing water with seeds, 9 to 1 ratio and coming up with a liquid gel form that gives you energy. Pretty cool stuff and not bad tasting either and by the way the book is a very good read.

I would love to hear any tips out there for my running!

So….what aspirations and dreams are on your bucket list?

I have a good friend that asked me to blog about food and exercise. This sounds simple, but for a person who struggled with eating disorders for twenty years, it is very complex.

I tried many different approaches to free myself from purging, binging and my addition to food.

I remember lying on my bathroom floor realizing that all I could do was try one more time to love and forgive myself and let go so that God could heal the broken shattered pieces of my life. Why is that moment ingrained in my mind? Have you ever felt like that when you knew something life changing was going to take place?

It was a moment in my life that I will never forget; change was happening, a pattern, a habit, and a addiction to food was being broken.

Here are a few key ingredients to my success:

Each day, I looked myself in the eyes, even when I threw up nines times that day, and told myself “I love you”.

I stopped running six to nine miles a day and started walking after each meal or snack giving me a sense of control and balance.

All processed foods and sugars were replaced with organic whole foods.

Thinking back to that day and even today, I believe in the gift we give ourselves; the gift of love, courage to never give up trying, and forgiveness.

Just remember how very special you are!

I will write about what I eat and my exercise next week, I promise.