Nutrition & Yoga Therapy — some of the things I’ve learned (so far)

I have completed the second class of the Integrative Nutrition course - an online course offered by the Univ. of California, San Diego (UCSD). This is the second of 8 classes I will take in order to receive an Integrative Nutrition Certificate.

Nutrition was chosen by me to expand my scope as a Yoga Therapist and Teacher.

You might be wondering what I’ve learned so far. Things that have ‘stuck out’ for me are:

1. It’s a BIG learning curve, going back to school at 74yo. And, the technology involved in an online course has also been challenging (and fun) to traverse.

2. Don’t hurry (hastily reading instructions cost me a few points in homework and quizzes).

3. Don’t procrastinate - each class was 8 weeks in length and each week’s work (quiz/paper, reading, discussion, online lectures) was due on the Sunday of that week at 11:59 — NO exceptions.

4. And, most importantly, I learned some interesting things about nutrition such as:

   • Wheat bread (as opposed to whole wheat bread) is simply white bread with molasses mixed in for coloring.

   • Macronutrients are the carbs, protein and fats we eat; micronutrients are vitamins and minerals.

     • Like anything, you can get too much of a good thing. Take sodium: if you eat more than the UL (upper limit) of sodium, over time you place yourself at risk for heart issues; even stroke.

   • Read the labels on food containers, especially processed food. There are requirements for what is to be revealed on that label and by reading them, we can avoid things like too much sodium.

   • Basal metabolism - the energy that keeps us alive - burns the most calories.

     • I also learned many calculations to determine such things as basal metabolic rate.

   • Acronyms — oh, so many acronyms: FDA, USDA, BMR, BMI, RDA, DASH, etc., etc., etc.

My list of ‘things learned’ could go on and on. I find that I, personally, am much more aware of what I am eating and what will serve me as opposed to harm me.

The next class in this Certificate course is called “Food as Medicine: The Art and Science of Food, Nutrition and Self-Healing”, and begins later this month.

I’ll keep you posted,

LONGEVITY: THE ART OF AGING GRACEFULLY

What is ‘longevity’?

There is a term people are throwing around these days, ‘longevity’. Longevity, according to the dictionaries, means: long duration of life or long existence or service. I would rather use the term ‘aging gracefully’, which to me indicates how we live longer. Do I enjoy my long life - am I content? do I feel safe? do I function independently? am I energetic, mobile, strong?

At 73, almost 74, this is something I think about a lot and am so grateful that my yoga practice offers me a pathway to greater longevity and aging with grace.

Here is my view of how yoga contributes to longevity or aging gracefully.

1. I feel flexible,

2. My balance is good, and

3. I feel strong.

These 3 contribute to my agility — my ability to move through a longer life with ease.

Why is agility important - it comes in very handy should I stumble, it helps me manage challenging tasks (like crawling under the bathroom vanity to retrieve an errant lid), it adds to my reaction time in certain situations like driving, etc., etc. Additionally, it:

• Improves flexibility, balance, and control.

• Helps the body to maintain proper alignment and posture during movement.

• Encourages the body to learn how to maintain correct body placement.

• Increases balance, control and flexibility, allowing the body to maintain proper posture and alignment during movement.

• Enhances physical conditions such as coordination, strength, balance, reflexes and speed.

For me, one of the most challenging moments in this process of aging is looking at my hands and arms that are now wrinkled. And, fortunately (or unfortunately), I have them and they are especially apparent in certain yoga poses. I guess you could say I am fortunate to see wrinkles, unfortunately I see wrinkles. (BTW, these aren’t my arms pictured - someone else’s without said wrinkles.)

Kind of a conundrum, isn’t it? As in practice yoga, feel great (but maybe see some wrinkles I could have otherwise ignored); don’t practice, what might happen?

Lots to think about.

p.s. If you have time, check out my new ‘Resources’ page on this website (created by me!!!). It contains several items that may be of interest and it is my intent to add to it as relevant topics appear.