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Time For A Reset: Resetting Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Time For A Reset: Resetting Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Time-For-A-Resetpinterest.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” always_center_on_mobile=”on” border_style=”solid” force_fullwidth=”off” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”18″] Well, the first month of 2017 bites the dust! You can bet there already quite a few 

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall: Self-esteem and Unhealthy Female Body Images in Media

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall: Self-esteem and Unhealthy Female Body Images in Media

Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, etc. Wow, who can keep up with all the social media plans? I love having different media to explore, but the unrealness of some of it all boggles the mind! So what’s your story? I always wonder as I look around at 

Food and Waistline: Why the Obsession?

Food and Waistline: Why the Obsession?

Food and your waistline

Why are we so obsessed with food and our waistlines? This constantly leaves me with a bevy of theories or reasons why there so many women in the U.S. and the West in general  (and to a smaller degree, other parts of the world), who seem fixated on both food and their waistlines. Why the constant battle with our food? As a fitness and health strategist with a background in biological anthropology, I can’t help but wonder if something more complex, and culturally relevant is at play in this insanity. Dare I say, misconceptions based on misinformation are at the heart of the food and waistline debate!

Some issues at play in the food and waistline debate

This problem stems in large part, from a grossly uneducated and misinformed public with regard to what constitutes basic “good” nutrition and the plethora of misinformation peddled by a large segment of the media, as well as the fast and processed food industries. Additionally, our food policies and regulatory agencies (i.e. FDA, USDA, etc) have failed to show leadership in this area. Let us get real with ourselves, our food choices are also (and in some instances, largely) driven by factors other than basic hunger (i.e. “I hunger, therefore I eat”).

Some context

Individual tastes, culture, habits, and environment, etc play a pivotal role in our food choices, and by extension, the current food-related epidemic (obesity, heart disease, etc) we are facing at both the local and national level. First, let’s revisit the basics of why we need to eat at all. We need to eat and drink (water, at the most fundamental) to live.  Food essentially equals fuel for the daily life-sustaining functions of the body at the chemical, cellular, and systemic levels.

The basics

There is no physical reason (technically speaking) why we need to eat other than to sustain life. What I’m driving at here is that outside of eating to keep the body operating at an optimum level ( regardless of age, for instance) there is no real reason to eat anything beyond what is necessary for maintaining a “healthy body”. So why do we obsess about that food and waistline? Why are we so unhealthy in terms of what we eat and how that translates into our current health issues? While I don’t claim to hold all the answers to what will arguably, require complex solutions (I’ll leave that in the capable hands of academic researchers), I do believe that an informed public is one that is healthy and empowered.

food and waistline: why the obsession pinterest pic

Some Major stakeholders: Fast food industry, media, and the public

Who are the big winners here? Big agribusiness and the packaged food industry argue that it is “expensive” and “unsustainable” to buy local and organic food items. Many also say that there is no “real” difference (in terms of nutritional content or quality) between organic produce and conventionally grown produce. Additionally, they often point to “research” that supports their claims. However, there is an increasing body of unbiased research that not only counters these claims but also exposes a number of the myths about the benefits of consuming organic produce vs. conventionally grown produce, food additives (i.e. dyes in processed foods, etc), and so forth. Let’s not forget the role of media in this hot mess! Mainstream media amplifies what’s wrong with our society. Skewed body images, cultural norms, etc all factor into how we relate to food.

Why you need to make educated food choices

When you add it all together, you realize it’s a cycle perpetuated by misinformation, profit, etc. Our obsession with food and waistlines hides the issues that we truly need to address in order to claim our health and wellness. Let’s also not forget that we as individuals also have some responsibilities here. In basic terms, good legislation, and policy on food safety, equity in healthy food options, as well as behavior, impact our waistlines (i.e health). As consumers, we have a stake in this too.

Final  thoughts

When you get active about your food, you reclaim your food as well as your health. Recognizing we have options is just the beginning! Want some helpful tips about detoxing your fridge and pantry? Get my pantry detox guide right here! You can also get helpful tips on food storage to help you stretch that grocery budget right here. 

once you get behind the scenes and see what’s really going on, things become easier. You can make educated choices about where your food comes from, save money on the grocery budget, etc. Plus, you won’t get caught up in fad diets, or fooled by slick marketing labels on your grocery items!

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, as well as a podcaster and speaker. She dedicates her time to help free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quickly. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

 

Nuts not fluff: Incorporating Nuts and Seeds As Part of a Healthy diet

Nuts not fluff: Incorporating Nuts and Seeds As Part of a Healthy diet

Why the obsession with nuts and seeds? People often ask me why I’m so obsessed with seeds and nuts. I could rattle off a whole list about why they’re so great.  I’ve since discovered that less is more, and simplicity is worth appreciating. The fact is 

All That Jazz: Getting Fit In The New Year

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Holiday hustle!

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Season’s Greetings and on with getting your holiday hustle on, Y’all! Now that we’ve got most of the year’s holidays done, I refuse to forget the effort I used to power through this journey and,  the vision that led me to this point. I love the holidays and most of the seasons (still working on “loving” winter) but I certainly don’t want to fall victim to the “holiday blues”, a.k.a “woulda, coulda, shoulda, regret, *sigh*. I’ve finally learned that all of “that” just locks you into a negative mindset and an inability to move forward with the action (a.k.a . being stuck in the crossroads) necessary to make change and progress in your life.

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Season’s Greetings and on with getting your holiday hustle on, Y’all! Now that we’ve got most of the year’s holidays done, I refuse to forget the effort I used to power through this journey and,  the vision that led me to this point. I love the holidays and most of the seasons (still working on “loving” winter, hahaha) but I certainly don’t want to fall victim to the “holiday blues”, a.k.a “woulda, coulda, shoulda, regret, *sigh*. I’ve finally learned that all of “that” just locks you into a negative mindset and an inability to move forward with the action (a.k.a . being stuck in the crossroads) necessary to make change and progress in your life. Whether you started this year with a goal of trying to lose a few pounds (or a lot) or something more life changing (i.e. committing  to a healthy lifestyle, improving your health and fitness, changing your diet, regaining balance in your life, etc), the fact remains that you’re only a loser, if  YOU give up!The holidays are usually stressful and quite emotional because this is a time when most of us reflect on the past (and yes, sometimes, dwell ) a tad too much and can’t see the forest for the trees (i.e. blinded by our perception of our own “failures” or inadequacies). I don’t claim to have a magic pill for this, only a few words of advice based on my own personal experience and observations: life is about G.R.O.W.T.H. and it will stretch you whether you’re ready for it to do so or not. Bottom line? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and your life will be filled with more fulfillment, passion and balanced!

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I often say three things to all my potential clients: 1.make a decision, 2. get a plan, and 3. take action! If YOU want to take back control of your life and by extension, your own personal wellspring of power and passion, YOU must get passed all those “negative thoughts” and “things” that have been telling you that you’re a failure or you’re not strong enough to make it to the finish line. I always remind my tribe that good health and fitness is a reflection of an empowered and fulfilled individual. In other words, just as fatigue, stress, insomnia, obesity etc arere indicators of an unhealthy and unbalanced life, the reverse is also true! Good health, fitness (i.e. mind-body and soul) point to a life that is in balance.

Rather than dwell on the failings of the past year, renew your determination to push through to your own personal victory and accept the challenge to “get uncomfortable” and enjoy this journey to true fitness and health and leave behind the gimmicks, tricks and lies we often tell ourselves in order to avoid  real C.H.A.N.G.E. Now, having said all that, I’m gonna keep on with my holiday hustle to end 2016 with a bang and not a whimper of defeat and regret! What about YOU? Are YOU up for it?…

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_team_member admin_label=”Author Bio” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ name=”Tonye Tariah” position=”Freedom At The Crossroads Founder” facebook_url=”https://www.facebook.com/TonyeTariahHealthStrategist/” twitter_url=”https://twitter.com/fit_and_fab2″ image_url=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/16403040_732883533553339_4010103490960637755_o.jpg” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” saved_tabs=”all”]

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

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Out with a bang or with a whimper? How will your year end?

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Why You Need Selfcare

Life is full of challenges. If you’re truly paying attention you’ll get the sense that there is an ebb flow to this life’s journey.  When it comes to having a healthy and fulfilling life, the quality of that life is the ultimate goal. In order to 

Saturday getting grounded with the right mindset

Saturday getting grounded with the right mindset

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Another week ends and the promise of another rolls around; that’s my definition of the weekend. It’s that time when I think about all the things I needed to get done but didn’t,  all that I was able to accomplish from my long list of to-dos, and just trying to get grounded to seriously STOP procrastinating about that box of stuff I’ve been avoiding opening up!  Don’t act like you don’t have one too! We’ve all got those “issues” and or “situations” we’ve put off dealing with out of fear, complacency, or just plain laziness.

 

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Well, today is the day I meditate, deliberate, and activate some REAL CHANGE in dealing with my “black box”! I don’t know what’s holding YOU back from moving forward, BUT by the time THIS WEEKEND is done I’ve vowed to myself that come Monday,  I WILL have a plan that I’ve put in motion and I WON’T STOP until I’m D. O. N. E. Getting fit and healthy IS MY VEHICLE for activating change in my life-21dayfix, Hammer & Chisel, it doesn’t matter what workout regime YOU choose to make that physical move; JUST MOOOVE!!!

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Offering/ Lead Magnet Goes Here” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Grab-Your-Pantry-Detox-Guide-As-A-GIFT-From-Us.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://tonye-tariah-health-fitness.teachable.com/p/detox-pantry-guide” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”center” always_center_on_mobile=”on” border_style=”solid” force_fullwidth=”off” /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid”]

The reality is that we are own limitations! In other words, if you choose to remain in your current state regardless of what excuse you give yourself, nothing will change. It doesn’t matter what the mirror tells you or even what our warped media spews, it is ultimately about you and your vision for health, fitness, and purpose. Don’t give up your power rather, choose to embrace your truth and who you are as a human being!

 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_team_member admin_label=”Author Bio” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ name=”Tonye Tariah” position=”Freedom At The Crossroads Founder” facebook_url=”https://www.facebook.com/TonyeTariahHealthStrategist/” twitter_url=”https://twitter.com/fit_and_fab2″ image_url=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/16403040_732883533553339_4010103490960637755_o.jpg” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” saved_tabs=”all”]

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

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Weightloss Will happen If You do this?

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Weightloss-Will-Happen-If-You-Do-This.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” always_center_on_mobile=”on” border_style=”solid” force_fullwidth=”off” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”18″] Alright! I’m giving enough warning at the get-go that THIS IS ANOTHER RANT! Why? because I’m sick