August 2017 – Moore On Health was invited by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (AD-44) to present at a workshop for the women of Ventura County. One of the workshop’s goals was to provide personal and professional growth resources to the attendees. 

It’s Not A Diet. It’s A Lifestyle – was the topic of the Moore on Health presentation which focused on how we need to get out of the habit of associating living a health lifestyle with being on a diet. Correcting this mindset is the first step toward gaining Moore On Health. Thanks to technology and current messaging on the internet we can no longer use the excuse that we are not aware of which type of food and/or how much physical activity is needed to achieve and sustain a healthy lifestyle. However, given the increased demands from today’s economic/work demands our community members are working 2-3 jobs at one time or attending school while working full-time and raising a family on limited income. Also, wanting to eat healthy tends to be expensive and thus less desired when you are financially challenged. So, how do you gain Moore On Health given these realities? 

First, know what health challenges you may face – Top 7 Leading Causes of Death in America (number of people effected annually):

• Heart disease: 633,842
• Cancer: 595,930
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 155,041
• Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 140,323
• Alzheimer’s disease: 110,561
• Diabetes: 79,535
• Influenza and pneumonia: 57,062

Second, ask yourself how does this apply to you?

Third, what are you going to do about it?

Keep in mind you must commit to gaining Moore On Health and remember it is a lifestyle and not a diet.  Therefore, pick a time that works best for you when planning your physical/exercise activities. Some people choose to workout early in the morning before going to their job. While other people make a hard stop during random days of the week to plan their opportunity for a workout. The goal is to do something at least 2-3 days per week, 150 minute minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Most people are faced with a busy work/life schedule. Well, here are some ideas to consider (NOTE: Obtain medical clearance from your medical provider before doing any physical/aerobic/calisthenic exercises.)

• Before Work – Go to the gym, park, or walk/run in your neighborhood 30-45 minutes and include the family or friends 
• During Lunch – Go for a walk
• After work – Go to the gym, park, or walk/run in your neighborhood 30-45 minutes and include the family or your friends 
• Weekends – (Strength Training with Weights) – You do not have to pay for a gym membership in order to gain Moore On Health. Instead, design your own running/walk trail in park or around you neighborhood. If you do not want to purchase weights you can do calisthenic exercises like push-ups, jumping jacks and/or squats. 

Having an active lifestyle will also require making healthier food choices and moderation when treating yourself to snacks. Speak with your medical provider about which foods would be ideal for you based from your medical history.  For starters know that studies have shown consuming large amounts of concentrated sweets, fatty and/or processed foods will not allow you to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Lastly, Grow What you Eat – consider growing what you eat as an alternative to purchasing organic fruits, vegetable or herbs at the local markets. You can recycle furniture, bins, and other objects to create your own farmacy. 

You do not have to own acres of land or have a massive back yard in order to start your garden. The size of the garden does not matter, but having the will to begin growing what you eat while utilizing organic techniques (if possible) is what’s most important. Studies have found several health benefits associated with growing your own food. For example, you get to control what pesticides will come into contact with your food, saves you money (always makes us feel good) and it is a form of physical activity. If you have limited space where you live, then use creative ways to grow vertical as seen in the photos above. You can start small while developing your green thumb by growing herbs in clay pots or recycled containers.

Remember – It’s not a diet. It’s a lifestyle!