TRUST YOUR GUT AND BE KIND TO YOURSELF

These are some inspiring and insightful passages in “Gut Driven: Jump-Start Digestive Health to Nourish Body, Mind, and Spirit.” by Ellen Postolowski  

  

— Brené Brown defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. But vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage.” In a healthy relationship, we must make ourselves vulnerable in order to trust, openly communicate, listen, be intimate, and work through disagreements. Having thriving relationships is also a big part of your circle of life because all these little pieces of well- being are essential for balance.

Strategic Decisions When Can You Trust Your Gut

In any relationship we welcome into our lives, we courageously hope for the best and make ourselves vulnerable for the most favorable outcome. We want supportive and sustainable friendships, marriages, and work relationships that thrive from the effort and compromise it takes to make them work.

Knowing when to show up is a supportive measure that gives value to any relationship, but if you are always the one who is present and you often feel as though you are on this path alone, it may be time to reevaluate the strength of that bond. Toxic bonds show a pattern of disrespect, controlling behaviors, resentment, jealousy, violence, un- pleasant communication, and lack of support. We cannot get along with everyone and must pick our battles and be aware of our own defensiveness in times of conflict. But if you feel drained, intimidated, exhausted, and afraid in any relationship, determine if that is supporting you or drowning your efforts.

A very dear friend of mine often says, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” As I get older, I look for quality above quantity when it comes to relationships. Trust your gut on this one and believe in yourself first. When you are a good friend, listener, and companion, you deserve to get what you give.

There are two kinds of clutter: physical and mental. Beginning with physical clutter, think about things you may have put on the back burner. That project may be starting a vegetable garden or flower bed, painting a room, or donating or getting rid of stuff you no longer need or are tired of looking at. Decluttering offers health related benefits. Chances are, when you clean your home, you will be removing potential environmental allergens, alleviating the stress and anxiety clutter causes, and hopefully sleeping better because you have physically and mentally accomplished something.

In considering mental clutter, go back to your Circle of Life diagram and track your progress. Determine what needs work and commit to the growth process in every way that offers value. For example, if your spirituality needs work, figure out how that aspect of your life could use improvements. When we choose the path that holds the most faith, gratitude, and love, incorporating those practices into our daily lives is often hindered by events such as a global pandemic. Detours from those core values happen to the best of us. Getting back on track to enhance that part of your life could involve spiritual readings, going back to church, or attending synagogue. Spending time in nature, meditation, finding free networks of support, and even mindful breathing practices are other ways to invite spirituality back into your life for more balance.

Disorder affects everyone, and undue stress can strain relation- ships. Figure out a project that can cultivate a cleaner, clutter-free environment and strengthen your mind and spirit.

ON AMAZON!

YOUR JOURNEY TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

This is one of my favorite passages in “It’s Just Personal: A Personal Chef’s Essential Guide to Shopping, Cooking and Eating Smarter” by Ellen Postolowski.



The first thing I tell them is that they need the proper frame of mind. You have to want to change those former bad habits. Second, I cannot control how much food you put in your mouth. Portions are indicated in all the recipes, but it is up to you to know how much is enough.

Here are some thoughts to get you motivated:

— It is very easy to overeat, but think about how much harder it is to take the extra weight off?

— Know your limits, and allow your brain to catch up with your eyes and stomach.

— Willpower is a powerful tool you need to control at once. We all have our moments of weakness, but those moments need to be few and far between at this point. Choose those moments wisely, and you will soon dominate the weaknesses. My job is to aid in the process.

— Choose the road that will eventually lead to your personal success.

— You have started your journey to a healthier lifestyle by purchasing this book and giving me the opportunity to assist you in your lifestyle changes. Thank you. If quick, simple, and nutritious recipes are what you are looking for, flip ahead to the recipe section. If you need a little more help with sticking to and implementing changes in your lifestyle, read on. Wanting to change is what prompted you to buy this book; however, sticking to a new routine may require a bit more dedication. I assure you that when you start to look and feel better, you'll be passing up that second helping, making smarter choices, and loving the fact that you are more aware when it comes to your overall health.

This book offers a combination of smart shopping ideas, an introduction to energizing foods, and tips on cooking to save you time and calories without sacrificing taste. With a little revision of your own meals here and there, these strategies on when and what to eat for health success will soon be at your fingertips. You can visit these recipes often without guilt or fear of making the wrong choice.

I am a personal chef because I wanted to help a family put better food choices into practice while helping them to have a greater awareness of and a positive outlook on natural food options. Joumana feared that her family, always on the run, would get caught up in the fast-food downward spiral of bad eating habits.

My job was to turn those attitudes around and convince her three children that vegetables were not the enemy. Joumana and her family arc lucky. Most of us cannot afford a personal chef to come to our house every day. When I tell people what I do for a living, they are most eager to listen and often seek my advice. My job seems to be quite admired, but it is a lot of hard work. I happen to love what I do and am grateful for the opportunities presented to me in recent years.

For these reasons, I have decided to share my expertise and knowledge for those willing to listen. So, if your family is on the run and is sliding towards bad eating habits, you can use my advice to turn it around and head toward a healthier lifestyle.

On Amazon!

— ALSO, ON CHEFELLEN.COM