Savouring simple daily pleasures
Kangaroo filet, truffle mash and JD JusCaveat- its ok to have wobbles in all of these areas- its noticing them and then resetting that's important. All of which helps us grow and strengthen.
If we think of ourselves as susceptible to the algorithms of our lives, it allows us to step back a little and observe the comings and going around us.
Following on from my last post reflecting on a Sydneysider lifestyle, I wanted to explore how our immediate environment and what we choose to let in can effect our mindset, our choices and ultimately our wellbeing.
I was very aware in Sydney- particularly in the area we were staying on the Northern Beaches, that healthy living was pretty standard, and this was hugely represented by the amount of people exercising from before dawn to long after dusk: running, swimming, surfing, sailing, walking- with or without a pooch (most of which were as beautiful as their owners too!) yoga, cardio, HIIT, strength training, volleyball, - you name it, someone was engaging in it. Also, the shops in general, were geared t healthy living. Clothing shops sold the idea of vibrant youth at any age- swimwear, beach apparel and active wear were the dominant categories. The supermarkets carried a vast - and mindboggling inexpensive by Comparision to where we live- selection of fruits and vegetables, supplements, and fresh produce and meats and cheeses. With health and wellbeing just being a simple fact of life, it was easy to fill your shopping basket with a nutrient dense, healthy and diverse selection from a globally influenced market- lots of Greeks and Italians emigrated there so a myriad of fantastic cheeses, meats, deli items and various nuts and snacks far from the norm at home.
Even the takeouts were of a higher quality- and multiple juice bars that aren't your standard sugary bombs of concentrated fruit juice base but actually focusing on nutrition and combinations to kick start, revive, help with immunity- or help recovery from a tough workout or a hangover....thankfully not me! My favorite was Ginger, kale, lime and green apple- and a large one was only $7.50.
Its not to say people don't indulge at all, but the balance is heavily weighted towards healthy options. Those eateries and treat type establishments are of an elevated quality, so you don't need as much. For example I thoroughly enjoyed and incredibly decadent ice-cream one evening after our dinner of woodfired gluten free pizza with rocket and prosciutto. The ice cream parlor was an experience in itself with beautiful presentation and out of this world flavors. I had a single scoop of a hazelnut dark chocolate in a waffle cone and I could not have possibly eaten any more. It was rich, satiating and intense.
We also indulged in an extravagant beach side breakfast- while watching dolphins frolic in the waves amongst the surfers- which fueled me until dinner! As is often the way when visiting a city we did many, many steps - but for me it was probably only what I'd normally do- with a gentle run each morning, then full days, even with these treats I actually lost weight I discovered on our return home. I truly believe that the power of the mind is huge and I think a large part of those few pounds being shed was my mindset of being inspired by all the vibrancy and fitness surrounding me. No snacking, no mindless eating, no seconds, and lots of activity and vitamin D. It goes to show that while you can have a pause or a moment apart from your regular healthy habits, as long as they are kept in perspective and moderation, they ADD to our overall wellbeing. Treat them as the treats they are- a little sparkle, but only as much as the vitamin packed juice- equally nourishing- sometimes. And as far as healthy mindset; if we consciously surround our selves with positivity, healthy choices and inspiring people and places- half the work is done for us, we just have to nudge ourselves back on track each time.
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