Social Parsley - Day 29

Day 29 - Social

You’ve just finished your date, interview, business meeting or lunch with friends. What a huge success! You were on your game, saying all the right things and interacting in all the right ways. You’re mentally giving yourself a huge pat on the back… when you happen to glance in a mirror and see it. There’s something in your teeth. Is that parsley? Oh no! You’ve been flashing your pearly whites with perfect confidence, all the while being completely oblivious to the blatantly bright green thing wedged between your two front teeth. That thrilling feeling of social superiority has taken a nose-dive, crashing in a sickening feeling of supreme mortification.

If this has ever happened to you, you’ve likely wondered, “How did I not see that?” Sometimes our social faux pas are extremely obvious to others… while remaining oblivious to ourselves. Another fair question might be, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Perhaps you’ve been on the other side of the table. Someone is happily chatting away and you notice some slightly embarrassing piece of food in their teeth. You don’t want to embarrass them so you simply allow them to go on. I’ve certainly had both happen to me. I once did an entire hour-long appointment with a patient and family and upon returning to my office saw a large, black mascara streak under my eye, mimicking a football player about to hit the field. Ugh.

It’s the second to last day of our 30 Day Wellness Challenge and, don’t worry, I haven’t chosen to spend it highlighting simple hygiene. The reflection of such experiences brings up an interesting and thought-provoking question for each of us: Is there something unsightly in your daily interactions with friends, family or co-workers that you’re not seeing? Is that “social parsley” glaringly obvious to others but oblivious to yourself?

Dr. Tom Brunner, psychologist, counselor and consultant, refers to these unpleasant traits as “personality derailers”— and chew on this:

Just 2% of a person’s personality that is unpleasant can undermine the other 98% of their make-up that is positive and good.

Think about it. Have you ever said, “I really like (insert name) except they are so ______.” That one personality trait skews the potential for trust, interaction or enjoyment in your relationship with them. The sad part is, if you’ve noticed, likely so has someone else. Unfortunately, this person continues flashing their “social parsley” all over town without the slightest idea of their conspicuous being conspicious. Dr. Brunner discusses ten of these character flaws, all summarized below. As you read about each, pull out your personal mirror and take a good look— are any of these stuck in your teeth?

Enviousness: You aren’t truly happy for others’ success, and often try to match their accomplishments in an endless game of “Keeping up with the Joneses”.

Defensiveness: You are unwilling or reactive to accept corrections or criticism. As Dr. Brunner says, “Generally hypersensitive people don’t mature- they just grow old.”

Aloofness: Your cold and distant behaviors preclude others from being influenced or inspired by your positive qualities.

Volatility: You are overly emotional, thriving on attention and being unable to focus on anyone other than yourself.

Eccentricity: You may be successful at making the group laugh but your idiosyncrasies often stand in the way of progress and deeper relationships

Entitlement: An epidemic in society— you believe you deserve everything you want or receive.

Unreliability: You are unpredictable, not trustworthy and few people confide in you.

Eagerness to please: Your desire to please often drowns out your honest opinion. This suppression of true feelings can build up and spontaneously combust at times.

Moral scrupulousness: No one person or act escapes your critical eye. Your greatest example is yourself.

Deconstructive comments: A superfluous amount of sarcastic and cutting remarks cause people to avoid interactions with you and prevent meaningful relationships.

Did you feel some uncomfortable self-awareness gnawing at you as you read this? If so, did you ask yourself, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Your friends, family members, coworkers and acquaintances may tell you when you have something in your teeth but will likely hesitate when it comes to personality derailers.

It is usually embarrassing at first, for both parties, to draw attention to the unattractive. However, it is far better to know and correct the behavior than continue unknowingly deterring people and relationships. This is why this post is so important— not so you will have permission to inform everyone of their flaws but rather, that you may gather the courage to genuinely ask those most familiar to you, what character flaws you might remove with a little social cleaning.

In order to do this successfully, one very critical participant must also be present: humility. Do not, I repeat, do not ask someone for their feedback regarding your personality and character if you are not prepared to receive an honest answer. This is why I recommend you take time to consider and only ask three people that you truly care for and hold in high-esteem. These people likely have similar feelings towards you and your request for their honest feedback is more inclined to come with constructive and quality criticism cushioned between expressions of love and admiration.

I’ve purposefully saved this self-discovery post to be one of the last. Why? Because it is likely one of the most exposing, yet effective, exercises you’ve been challenged to do. This one takes a kind of courage most of us shun like the plague: vulnerability.

As Brene Brown once said, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they are never weakness.” 

This leads to my ultimate question: Do you have the strength of character to open wide and inquire about your own “social parsley”?

Daily Challenge

Take some time to select three people whose opinions you deeply respect and who have a good understanding of who you are as a person. Once you’ve chosen them, find time to talk with each individually where neither of you are stressed and you are both without time constraints. Be genuine in your request to them regarding your desire to improve your personality and correct flaws to which you may be unaware. When this person you love provides feedback, your job is twofold: listen and learn. Do not justify your actions or become defensive— remember that you initiated this conversation. When finished, write down your feelings regarding the feedback you’ve received. Think of ways you might start removing your own “social parsley”. Make a commitment to yourself and keep it. As you do, your only future surprise in your reflection will be the strength of character smiling back at you.

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Love to Laugh - Day 28

Day 28 - Emotional/Physical

• [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOMqqI-kzHY[/embed]
• “We love to laugh
• Loud and long and clear
• We love to laugh
• So ev'rybody can hear
• The more you laugh
• The more you fill with glee
• And the more the glee
• The more we're a merrier we
• The more I'm a merrier me!”

They’re popular lyrics from the beloved children’s classic, Mary Poppins. But is there truth behind this silly song? We may not be floating around the ceiling as Uncle Albert does in this particular scene, but there are several reasons why laughing makes our spirits go sky high.

We’ve all experienced a down moment or day when laughter has lightened our mood. However, “getting your guffaw on” does more than just provide temporary comic relief. A recent study completed with 60 and 70 year olds, evaluated humor’s effect on both stress and short-term memory. One group was asked to sit silently without reading, talking or using their cell phones. The other group watched funny videos. After 20 minutes, saliva samples were taken from both groups before giving a short memory test.

Those that viewed funny videos not only had lower cortisol (the stress hormone) but they were more than twice as likely (43.6%) to recall correctly compared to the group that sat silently (20.3%).

What exactly happens when we laugh? Once passing your ears, that punch line ignites the centers in the brain for higher thought, muscle function and emotion. Facial muscles suddenly begin to spontaneously contract. Your diaphragm and chest muscles tighten, forcing air out of your lungs with a big “whoosh” while your vocal cords vibrate to emit short “ha ha has”. The sudden exit of air from the lungs increases your heart rate and blood pressure, as oxygen is sent to your organs. If it’s really funny (or just about every time if your name is Michael Mansfield) your eyes may start to water. Aside from your face and stomach muscles, the rest of your body becomes weaker and more relaxed. Hormonally, endorphins are released— the same ones released when exercising— providing an over all lowering in the body’s stress response. This comedic chain reaction is shown to be contagious as well. This uncontrollable spread of snickers is thought to be an early bonding mechanism, meaning those you laugh with, you’re more likely to share a deeper emotional connection. An entire physiological reaction automatically activated with one wisecrack— no wonder that giggle feels so good!

“Laughter is the best medicine”— is it possibly more than a common phrase? We’ve already learned the short-term benefits of laughter, including organ stimulation, improved short-term memory and a reduction in stress response and tension (which can last for up to 45 minutes after the funny has finished, by the way). But if you thought a short chuckle was no more than a quick pick-me-up, you’ll want to stock up on your comics, because laughter has some remarkable long-term benefits as well.

Improved Immune System

In a 2006 research study at Loma Linda University in Califormia, it was found that two hormones—beta-endorphins (which alleviate depression) and human growth hormone (HGH, which helps with immunity) increased by 27 and 87 percent respectively when volunteers anticipated watching a funny video. Simply thinking about the chance to chuckle, boosted health-protecting hormones and chemicals! In a separate study at Arkansas Tech University, 21 fifth graders participated in a humor program resulting in a rise in immunoglobin levels increasing their ability to fight viruses and foreign cells.

Relieves Pain

If you’ve seen the movie Patch Adams, the story of a doctor with a passion for making children with chronic disease chuckle, you may wonder about the science behind such antics. Wonder no more. The credit goes again to endorphins that produce a natural “high”— similar to the effect of the drug heroin—with pain-killing and euphoria-producing effects. At Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield Center, Connecticut, post-surgical patients were told one-liners prior to administration of potentially painful medication. The patients exposed to humor perceived less pain as compared to patients who didn’t receive humor stimuli. This pain was also found to be dose-related in another study— meaning the more laughter, the less pain later. These studies are no joke and “laughter rooms” are popping up in hospitals across the country.

Today you’ve got the green light to laugh it up— but don’t do it alone— include your lover in the hilarity. According to DailyMail, laughing together is an essential ingredient for couple happiness. Couples who were married for a minimum of 45 years reported “a sense of humor” to be among the top three reasons behind their relationship success— so the greatest benefit of a good belly laugh may just be in its ability to bind two people together. Go ahead and “bahaha” and “LOL”— funny has never felt so good!

Daily Challenge

Look up the top 10 best “I Love Lucy” episodes, tell Laffy Taffy jokes, find some Family Circus comics or simply sit nose-to-nose making silly faces to see who can go the longest without breaking into snorts and snickers.

If you’re looking for some comedic inspiration, I’m sharing with you my favorite bit by the beloved comedian, Brian Reagan. This spot on going to the emergency room shows there is humor to be had in just about any situation!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP4zgb9H3Cg[/embed]

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Sugar Shock - Day 27

Day 27 - Physical

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and with it comes mounds of chocolate-covered confections and boxes of cutely colored hearts bolded with “Be Mine” messages. These treats, occasionally accompanied by flowers and jewelry (for those extra lucky girls!) are common offerings given to those most dear on this special day to express our deepest love and devotion.

Culturally, we are a people who celebrate with food. Emotions and eating are closely tied to the experience of the holidays. Think of just about any holiday and you’ll quickly be able to name a treat that comes along with it. Much joy and happiness comes with these special indulgences…and I’d take no issue with them if they were limited to that: indulgences. However, sugar does not just make its appearance on special occasions or simply to mark birthdays and big events. It is added, mixed, chewed, baked, sipped and swallowed every day in far too much excess for our bodies to handle healthily.

The average American eats 32 teaspoons of added sugar daily— over three times the recommended amount.

We are far beyond the saying “a little sugar never hurt anyone” as 75% of Americans are overweight and almost half of those are obese. Perhaps even more alarming is these statistics aren’t limited to just adults— one third of children, ages 6 to 19, are also overweight or obese. We are a sugar-obsessed society and are quite literally sweetening ourselves to the point of sickness. You want to talk sugar shock?

One in three Americans are projected to have diabetes by 2050.

One in three! If a third of Americans were to contract some deadly disease in the next few decades, you can bet it would raise red flags, turn heads and stop people short in their tracks. Yet, sugar has been presented to be innocuous for so long that it begs the question, “Are we frogs slowly being boiled to death in our own sugar-watered pots”?

I know, I know. Who invited me to this party? I may not be patty-caking around this epidemic of an issue, but don’t distress thinking I’m only here to rain on your dessert parade. I, myself, have a sweet tooth of vampiric proportions and often crave that sugary bite. This is why I present to you the “good, better, best” concept. Do I think it would be “best” if we could eliminate 100% of refined sugars from our diets— definitely! Do I think this is realistic? Absolutely not.

Instead, the “better” is waiting below: 4 delectable desserts that will still satisfy your sweet tooth while remaining refined sugar free. As I often tell my friends when they talk about the daily difficulties of making wise eating choices, life is about balance. We can’t always make the “best” diet decisions but we can certainly celebrate in making the “better” ones!

Below you’ll find four “better” tasty alternatives to sweeten your Valentine’s Day in a much more natural way. Nothing says “I love you” quite like the commitment to care for your body for all the years of life and love to come!

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

An all-time favorite of mine, don’t be deceived by the avocado, which makes this pudding thick and delicious. No green flavor or color here—simply cold and creamy chocolate! Pair with fresh raspberries for one of the most classically delicious couplings of all time.

Find my favorite version of this recipe at Fearless Homemaker.

Vanilla Coconut Macaroons

An absolute coconut craze, these macaroons are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. You won’t believe they only have 5 ingredients and come together as quick as they do. No cooking-required either, making each bite even more raw-some!

Find this recipe at My Whole Food Habit.

Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge

If I’m a girl that likes one thing, it’s a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. But with 21 grams of added sugar, I’d have almost maxed out my entire day’s worth (25 grams for women) by consuming a single serving. Thank heaven for peanut butter freezer fudge! If you like chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll go nuts for this knock-off.

Find this recipe at My Whole Food Habit.

Blueberry Peach Cobbler 

Few things say “comfort” quite like cobbler. It’s hard to imagine you could make such a warm dessert without the white stuff but this dessert proves dreams do indeed come true! Not only is this baked treat free of all refined sugars, it is impressively grain-free as well for all those gluten-free lovers among you.

Find this recipe at My Whole Food Habit.

**If you’re looking for an incredible documentary on sugar and its dangerous infiltration into the American diet, I encourage you to watch Fed Up for an absolutely eye-opening experience.**

Daily Challenge

This year celebrate love by loving your health! Choose one of the four tasty alternative desserts listed above to sweeten your day in a guilt-free way.

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

On Ladders & Life - Day 26

Day 26 - Intellectual/Spiritual

It was early March 2012. I remember because it was less than a year after I received my doctorate. I was 24 years old and had received quite a bit of positive reinforcement for this feat in my life. So much, in fact, that I had unwittingly planted the seeds of my self worth and life purpose in this pot called "professional pursuit".

It was likely for this reason that less than a year after graduating and working in my field, I found myself kneeling beside my bed one morning staring into the nothingness of the blue pattern on my bedspread. A fresh day with infinite possibilities lay before me…and all I felt was dread. How could this be? I’d spent eight years of energy dedicated to a degree I fully believed I desired. I was earning more money than I’d ever made in my entire life and had all the letters behind my name that the world told me meant something. So why the emptiness? I believed in my professional pursuits but there I was envying the fulfillment I'd felt as a poor and largely-uneducated senior leaving high school all those years ago.

I impulsively pulled a piece of paper from my bedside table and drew a large circle in the center. I haphazardly began slicing this pie until I was left with 24 equal pieces: 24 hours mapped out before me. They come each day this way, blank and fresh with opportunity— accumulating hour by hour, day by day to create the weeks, months and years that we call “life”. I had been struck with the desire, or more accurately a driving need, to know how I was accounting for mine.

So I began filling them in. Like a child, I furiously counted and colored how I was allocating my time. It was easier than I’d imagined, as I suddenly realized I primarily did the exact same thing every day. When I finally put down my last colored pencil, I leaned back and looked down at my project. There was something quite elementary in its conception yet extremely poignant in its message. As I stared at it, I scrawled “My Life Balance” across the top, although that’s far from what I saw before me.

Areas, that had in the past, filled my life with immense meaning were suddenly slivers on my circle-- or even worse in the case of “service for others”, nonexistent. In my quest to obtain intelligence, I’d sacrificed things more dear, not the least of which was my own spirituality. I’d even allowed other areas of intellectual wellness such as creativity, passion and time management to be suffocated by my hyper focus on career and education. It was no wonder I was leaving my house every morning with the acute sensation that I was walking lopsided through life.

Time is a precious resource. Not just the investment of it in simple seconds but the purpose behind each second spent.

Stephen R. Covey talks in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People about the principle of “beginning with the end in mind”. He explains how easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of life, working hard to climb the ladder of "success", only to discover the ladder has been leaning against the wrong wall. What a powerful metaphor. What ladder are you scrambling up? More importantly, do you know on which wall it leans?

Although that moment three years ago initially struck me with great sadness, it was a springboard into massive transformation. I ended up leaving my current place of employment and found a position in the same field, but focused on pediatrics— which was my underlying passion in selecting my career from the start. With this change came a move to a new state, introducing me to a variety of new individuals, some of which are among the most important people in my life today. They’ve unknowingly helped me rediscover my spirit and purpose through their questions, interests and examples. Others have introduced me to a whole new way of physical wellness that led me to be typing these words for you today. In essence, my simple exercise that day opened my eyes to an essential truth. I don’t believe I can summarize it better than Dolly Parton when she said the following:

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

Daily Challenge

Today I invite you to discover which wall your ladder is leaning against.  I am providing the graphic; you provide the colored pencils.  This chart is a visual representation of the 24 hours in a day.  Your challenge is to diagram how you’re spending yours.  When the chart is complete, step back, take a look and ask yourself these questions:  If I repeat this day week after week, month after month, year after year, will I reach the place I want to be? Is this the wall I want to climb?  Be honest with yourself so your next step can be one of steadiness as you ascend the ladder leading to a more fulfilling life.

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Detox Day - Day 25

Day 25 - Physical

So, you’re curious. Detoxification. It’s an appealing concept, this cleansing your body of impurities and resetting your health habits. That is, until you realize it’s 7 days of straight juicing or weeks of raw veggies. If you’ve looked into a traditional cleanse, only to end up covered in Oreo crumbs at the idea of such a daunting task, you’re not alone. But who says a detox has to be this way? If you’re eager to reset your habits or simply craving a break from all the junk… Detox Day to the rescue! Think of it as a Sunday for your insides: one day for your body to rest from the work of breaking down all that was consumed the rest of the week… a 24 hour commitment to delicious and nutritious whole food.

De-What?

Detox, short for “detoxification”, is not a modern-day invention or new health fad. Detoxifications have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Simply put, detoxification is the process of resting, cleaning, and nourishing the body from the inside out. Most often, we can accomplish this through our diet by eliminating harmful foods while feeding our bodies essential, healthy nutrients.

How Toxic Are You?

Shampoo, deodorant, beauty products, toothpaste, laundry detergent, coffee and even the food we eat are often filled with a variety of harmful chemicals. Before we even leave our house in the morning we have likely already inhaled, swallowed and absorbed numerous toxins. Even when we aren’t exposed to them directly, toxins can be created in our bodies when we experience anxiety or stress. Easy to enter but not quick to exit. Toxins can store themselves in our fat cells and build up over time. This accumulation of harmful substances is referred to as “body burden” and may lead to a variety of illnesses. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of toxicity as well as reasons to detox here.

Detox Benefits

Upon completing my first detox, I felt fantastic. Like a slate wiped clean with a considerable reduction or elimination of my personal health woes. This process propelled me into a new lifestyle focused on organic living and whole foods. (Click here to see more of my incredible experience). Some benefits you may experience through detoxification may include:

-Boost in energy

-Weight loss

-Immune system support

-Clearer skin

-Better Breath

-Clearer thinking

- Reduced headaches

-Healthier hair

-“Lighter” feeling

-Jumpstart to healthy-lifestyle changes

Introducing Detox Day

Wondering where to begin? I’ve made it easy to get started with a handy infographic. Click HERE for my Detox Day Infographic containing one day's worth of delicious, detox-approved recipes to get you started over.

Toxin-Free Tips

1. Learn more about the toxins we consume through pesticides on our food. Make wiser choices in the produce aisle using my “Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen” list that shows you which foods are most important to buy organic and which can be bought conventional to stay on a budget.

2. When you can’t buy organic, try using an all-natural fruit & vegetable wash (I’ve used this one in the past). Often available in the produce aisle, these are simple to use and help remove harmful toxins from produce before eating.

3. Look for all-natural alternatives to your everyday products. A variety of chemical-free options for toothpaste, house cleaners, detergents and makeup are available from brands like Tom’s, Seventh Generation and The Honest Company.

Daily Challenge

With your partner, pick one day (it’s only 24 hours) to give your bodies a well-deserved break. There’s nothing to fear. And who knows where it will lead you? Each health journey starts the same way... with ONE day. Make yours a Detox Day!

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Power Posing - Day 24

Day 24 - Emotional

I've talked a lot in the last 30 days about how our minds shape our bodies… but what about when you need your body to shape your mind?

We've all been there-- facing the demons of intimidation daunting us from doing something we really desire. Interviews, social interactions, public speaking, promotions, try-outs, tests… kicking the voice that says "we can’t" is difficult to do.

Unless, all along we’ve been sapping our own inner strength without even knowing it.

Get ready to learn about two minutes that can truly change your confidence for life. Because we all need to unleash a little power sometimes, and yours has been patiently waiting where you least expected it… in your posture.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc[/embed]

Daily Challenge

All those times you’ve dreamed of being the superhero and today, science is giving you the go ahead. So shake off that confidence cape because we’re about to power pose!

Snag your sidekick (cause every hero is more powerful with a partner!) and find a mirror where you can watch your transformation come to life. Stand side by side, hands on the hips, legs spread wide and chins up. Be large and in charge— you’re Superman and Wonder Woman! You may feel silly standing so confidently but don’t shy from the sight of your own strength. Just two minutes spent striking this pose and you’ll walk away with lower stress levels and a huge increase in your confidence.

So do it while you wait for the water to warm for your morning shower, in the bathroom before a big interview, as you leave to take that intimidating test or even when you just desire a boost of determination to face the day. Every hero has a secret superpower… and yours is the power pose!

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Give to Get - Day 23

Day 23 - Social

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

The holiday season has recently twinkled to a close and memories of glittering packages under shining trees still lie fresh in our minds. As children, there is often nothing more exciting then opening our own presents on Christmas morning. However, as we grow, we reach the age where giving a gift miraculously becomes more thrilling than receiving one. There are few things as satisfying as seeing joy light up a loved one’s face while opening your offering to them. Science has shown that this “warm, fuzzy feeling” experienced from giving is actually a physiological response to service.

One study completed by Dr. Jordan Grafman showed that the same pleasure center that lights up when you’re having sex or eating chocolate is activated when extending charity. This discovery was made by placing subjects inside a functional MRI (fMRI) scanner and providing them a long list of charities. They were given the option for each to donate money, refuse donation, or add money to a separate reward account that they could take home at the end of the study. Not only did researchers observe an activation of the brain’s pleasure center when people gave something away but also a spot of stimulation in the frontal lobe. This small area that reacted turned out to be the receptor site for oxytocin— a hormone that promotes social bonding. This suggests there is a strong link between selflessness and social connection.

These studies show that hospitality and happiness are innately interwoven. Americans who describe themselves as “very happy” volunteer an average of 5.8 hours per month. Those who are “unhappy”? Just 0.6 hours. Polls of people in giving relationships focused hospitality were much more likely to be in excellent health (48 percent) versus those who are not (31 percent).

These results regarding human nature, along with the phenomenon that links giving to gain, is quite remarkable.

It defies the idea that as humans, we are naturally selfish.

Does anyone else feel an increase of hope for mankind in this? I do. It’s comforting to know generosity is much more than a moral philosophy. We are hard-wired to want to give. Humanity desires to extend a hand, and in so doing, receives an intrinsic reward of increased happiness and health.

Daily Challenge

Yesterday we talked about how “Less is More”. Today is a perfect day to put this principle into action. We all have excess… so let’s be “excessively” generous. All those extra clothes lying around in your closet, canned food cluttering your pantry, the fiver tucked in your purse, the ten minutes you spend on Facebook during lunch time… give it up. You won’t miss the extra and the extended generosity provides a gain that’s guaranteed to outlive the give.

To kick off the giving, I’ve decided to do a little giveaway of my own!

Today I’m giving a favorite: The S’well reusable, insulated water bottle that was highlighted during Day 13’s High on Hydration post. Just as a refresher (no pun intended), this stainless steel bottle keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12— all with zero condensation. Retailing at $25, this S’well 9 oz bottle in Birchwood is hand painted with wood design in a smooth matte finish— it’s one-of-a-kind!

To enter the giveaway you must do all of the following:

1. Like My Whole Food Habit on Facebook (click here).
2. Share the “Give to Get” post from My Whole Food Habit’s Facebook page.
3. When sharing the "Give to Get" post, name one thing you’ll give to someone else today. 

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Less is More - Day 22

Day 22 - Spiritual

Less is more. It’s a theme I mentioned at the beginning and tried to weave throughout this wellness challenge. We’ve experimented with less complicated workouts, less negativity and less ingredients. Today I will explain why this concept is so critical. Let me illustrate using a story about one of my favorite things: Chocolate.

Imagine you and your partner have just sat down at a table. Across from you sits a man and he has a wonderful offering. A piece of the finest chocolate money can buy. You are each given a piece of this delectable confection to enjoy. After you’ve finished your indulgence, the man turns to you and tells you that for the next week, you must abstain from any and all chocolate. Next, he turns to your partner and out of his pocket pulls a two pound bag of the rich chocolate pieces. He informs your partner that the entire bag is free-game; they may eat as much of it as possible or desired. Off you go. One week later you both return. You sit down at the table and the man smiles as he, again, offers you the same piece of chocolate as he did previously. You and your partner both take your bites… and enjoy. Or do you? I’ll let you guess— which do you think savored and appreciated that small morsel of chocolate more?

If you guess yourself, the one who ate far less chocolate throughout the week, then you’d be right. Wait, if indulgence is satisfying, then shouldn’t an abundance be even more so? Isn’t that what is preached in today’s world— the more the better?

The above story is actually a synopsis of a 2013 study completed by Jordi Quoidbach. His findings were just as you likely predicted. Participants had a significant drop in the positive affect and savoring a week after they’d received abundant excess to this previously desirable dessert.

This isn’t the case with just chocolate. In a study of half a million Americans, Princeton researchers found that although people living in the middle class had improved mood over those living in poverty, this increase in happiness completely stopped after an annual income of $75,000. Another landmark study of lottery winners showed that those “lucky people”, we often dream of being, were less impressed by life’s simple pleasures than those who experienced no such fortuitous fortune. These were people that won between $50,000 and $1,000,000!

Wealth (whether chocolate, money or anything material) grants us the opportunity to own more while it simultaneously impairs our ability to enjoy those things. This is a profound concept.

Have you ever seen someone with far less than you that was more completely content with their share? Nine years ago I spent a month in Africa working with the Care for Life foundation. We went into orphanages and worked with children, teaching hygiene, life skills and occasionally bringing gum and games. What always astounded me as a 20 year-old young woman was the juxtaposition of such unrestricted joy in the presence of such extreme poverty. One night I saw child after child assembly-lined for their nightly bath (which was a cursory wipe down) following which both boys and girls were quickly dressed with a random t-shirt pulled from a large basket. Each complied and scooted off in their eclectic and threadbare clothing to sleep in a massive room with hundreds (yes, hundreds) of other children. Yet, on the whole, these children were happy. They sang, danced and oh, what a sight it was to behold the bliss that came from one small piece of Double Bubble gum. That night while watching their bedtime routine, I remember thinking to myself, “If you can’t be happy with the life you have now, Megan.You never will be.” I recognized something paramount that evening:

Having more in life was making me less happy to live it.

Are you feeling disenchanted with life, daydreaming of the “if/then” scenarios of the future that often cloud the comfort of the current? Stop. Don’t fall prey to the pipe dream that prompts you to want more of what you don’t have while stealing pleasure from what you do. Perhaps it is time for us to stop endlessly seeking and start fully savoring.

Daily Challenge

If you wanted to lose weight during this 30 Day Challenge, you’re about to. This weight loss may not appear on the scale but it most assuredly will lighten the soul.

It’s time to get real. Let’s expose the lies and illusions that suggest excess equals happiness. To do this, sit down with your partner and brainstorm three things that you wish you had more of in your life (this should be easy for most of us). Write them down if you like. More money, more confidence and more rest are some examples. Now I want you to think of what I’m calling the “less alternative” for each, as I’ve done below:

More money/Less spending

More confidence/Less comparison

More rest/Less anxiety

Less spending, less comparison and less anxiety-- all of which would most certainly lead to a more fulfilling life. With your partner, map out ways you may either appreciate or put into action these "less alternatives". As you do these things, you will learn the secret Socrate's taught, “…Happiness is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

Protein Pop Quiz - Day 21

Day 21 - Physical

Pop Quiz! Topic: Protein.

Answer the following questions to see how your protein IQ adds up:

Time’s up! Pencils down. How did you do? Read below to find out if you’re a protein professor or if we need to “meat” for a little tutoring on the subject.

What Is Protein?

Proteins are the main building blocks of our body.  Muscle, hair, tissue and skin are all made up primarily of protein. Almost every cell in the body contains some portion of protein in its makeup, which our bodies constantly use to make enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and even DNA. Pretty important stuff, this protein!

Protein is made up of smaller molecules called amino acids. (#1 Answer: C). There are 20 different amino acids. Some of these amino acids cannot be produced by the body and therefore, can only be received through what you eat. They are referred to as “essential” because it is essential your body receive these from diet.

This leads us to “complete” and “incomplete” proteins. A complete protein (sometimes referred to as high-quality protein) is one that provides all of the essential amino acids. Many animal-based foods are considered complete such as meat, fish, milk, eggs and cheese. An incomplete protein is one that is low in one or more essential amino acids. Two incomplete proteins can be eaten together to create what is called a “complementary protein”, or one that contains all the essential amino acids.

How Much Protein Do I Need?

This is a common question among health-aspirers. Consuming appropriate amounts of protein is crucial for weight loss, energy levels, muscle building and an overall healthy body. The Center for Disease Control recommends no more than 35% of your daily calories come from protein (#2 Answer: B). People hitting this percentage were shown to have a boost in metabolism— burning up to 80 to 100 more calories per day compared to those with lower protein diets. For all those wanting an exact number, this is roughly 46 grams of protein daily for women and 56 grams for men (#4 Answer: A). However, as we are all unique, it is always best to calculate your recommended protein intake based on your own body weight. The method often used by nutritionists is to multiply your weight in pounds by .36 to receive your daily minimum protein need. For example, a 140 lb woman should consume about 50 grams of protein daily.

Keep in mind that your protein needs change with your lifestyle. Athletes, for example, require more protein as their body burns through this nutrient. In the case of pregnant women, the Institute of Medicine recommends the minimum protein consumption be increased by about 10 grams daily (#3 Answer: False)

Where Do I Get Protein?

We know what protein is and how much we need... now where do we get it? Whether carnivore or vegetarian, you can receive adequate protein through your diet. All it takes is a little knowledge and some creativity. Most of us have little idea of the protein make-up of the foods we eat daily. Yes, we all know meat is a good source. However, do you know which meats have more protein per serving? Would you be surprised to learn that certain foods like cottage cheese pack a whopping 24 grams of protein per serving? Compare this to sliced turkey breast which contains only 13 grams per serving (#5 Answer: True). To get an idea of how your favorite foods stack up, check out this handy chart:

It's important to keep in mind, my little mathematicians, our earlier lesson on complete versus incomplete proteins. Just because food contains more grams of protein per serving doesn't make it complete in the sense of its nutrient make-up. This means as you tally up proteins to hit your target, make sure you’re selecting ones with the essential amino acids needed for a healthy body. Most meats, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, yogurt and milk are complete proteins which means they contain all the necessary amino acids. Incomplete protein examples are grains, nuts, beans, seeds and peas. This doesn’t mean you should lay off the latter—in fact, I’m a huge proponent of plant-based protein! A recommendation is to get a healthy balance of both plant and animal-based protein. However, if you choose not to eat any meat in your diet, make sure you’re eating a combination of plant-based proteins that create a complete, or complementary protein (learn more about how to do this here). In doing so, you’ll ensure you receive all those necessary building blocks needed to better keep your body going strong.

Daily Challenge

Whether you aced the answers or got schooled in the protein pop quiz, now is the time to put all your newfound knowledge into action.

Sit down with your significant other and do the simple calculation to determine your daily protein needs (your body weight in pounds multiplied by .36). Once you both have your number, write it on a piece of paper and put it on your fridge. For one day, each of you calculate your protein intake. You may use a chart like the one found here or free apps like My Fitness Pal to calculate the protein content of common foods. Report to each other at the end of the day. Were either of you close? Were you perhaps getting too little or even too much? What types and quality of protein do you each typically eat?

Use today’s simple lesson in protein to create personal goals and make wiser selections in the future. I promise your body will thank you for the education. After all, knowledge—and protein—are power!

Find my family's favorite protein-packed recipe, Mustard and Sage Marinated Chicken, at My Whole Food Habit.

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]

The Magic of Kindness - Day 20

Day 20 - Social

Have you ever seen a magic trick? Whether sophisticated with lights and smoke or simple sleight of hand— it’s an act that leaves your mouth open with awe and your mind pricked with enchantment. It’s the reaction we have when we observe something truly extraordinary.

When I was about 13 years old, my family and I were spending a vacation in St. Augustine, Florida. My family frequents this beautiful city quite often and this time we were in old town treating ourselves to the classiest of breakfasts… Denny’s. My memory of that particular vacation comes with fuzzy edges but one interaction that day in a diner comes clear as glass to my consciousness.

We had recently been seated and were perusing our choices amongst “Grand Slams” and “Moon’s Over My Hammy” (my sister’s favorite) when our waitress approached. She was an ordinary woman, nice-enough in appearance, likely aged in her mid to late 30’s. A majority of us rattled off our orders without much attention to her, beyond the typical niceties you exchange with your waitress.

After completing our order, my dad did something he frequently does (which often embarrassed my three teenage siblings and me). He started engaging the waitress in conversation. All I could think about from my self-absorbed teenage perspective was the delay in my pancakes. Yet, clearly my father paid no mind as he smiled at her somewhat surprised look by the expression of personal interest. He started with something simple, “How long have you worked here?” and “Do you enjoy it?” As appreciation for individual recognition began to spread across her countenance, they (my mom, dad and this woman) began discussing deeper matters of life.

I stared on from my seat near the end of the table with incredulous curiosity. The waitress was a single mother and she had recently moved to St. Augustine with her daughter. Her daughter was Deaf and they’d moved to the area so she could attend the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. As she talked about her daughter, her love and dedication was palpable. This was further evidenced by the fact that she took a job at Denny’s in order to provide the best education possible for her daughter.

Our meal progressed but every time she returned, my father inquired more about her life. At one point I actually remember them discussing religion. Was my dad really talking about God with a stranger in a breakfast chain? Yes, he was. Although, she wasn’t a stranger anymore. Now she was Tracy. She was an individual. A person with family, responsibilities and beliefs. When my father left that day, I happened to glance down and see the tip he wrote on the check. Math was always my worst subject but it wasn’t hard to tell the amount was far beyond that of our six meals.

My dad saw my stare and smiled at me. He put his arm around me and started talking about Tracy, her daughter who was Deaf and the amazing opportunities she would have at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. My mind was still processing all that I’d observed while he steered me towards our car. My dad didn’t explain or broadcast, he just smiled in a way that seemed to say, “We all need a little kindness sometimes." One of the last things I remember him saying to me as we left the parking lot was, “Wouldn’t it be great if one day you could help the Deaf?”

Kindness. I’d seen it modeled and discussed countless times growing up. Yet, this moment struck me and left its mark on the impressionable youth I was. What my father prized more than his vacation, breakfast, time or money… was people. It left me wide-eyed and open mouthed as though I’d just observed a magician pulling a rabbit from a black hat.

And just like all great magic, it planted a seed of intrigue in my heart. “Wouldn’t it be great if one day you could help the Deaf?”

Eleven years later, I became an audiologist.

Daily Challenge

We all need a little kindness sometimes. The remarkable thing about when we extend this magical act of humanity is that it often comes back to us like a boomerang, benefitting our life more than we ever could imagine when releasing it. Watch this five minute clip, Kindness Boomerang, to see the remarkable ripple effect that can follow one simple act. Afterwards, pick one way you will show kindness today. If you’re seeking inspiration, check out the following 101 easy ideas for random acts of kindness. Go ahead, throw it out there— then let the magic happen as it all comes back to you.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU[/embed]

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[jbox title="About the Author:" border="5" radius="15"] Megan is a Doctor of Audiology, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, wife, yoga-lover and ever-evolving health aspirer. Having transformed her own health, she’s eager to help you transform yours. She believes in power in its purest form: FOOD. Whole foods, to be precise. So pick up a fork and join her in a revolution of habits, health and happiness. A WHOLE new life awaits! Read more about her reformation of health and wellness at My Whole Food Habit.[/jbox]