Natural Fit Life September's Challenge : WALK MORE, DRINK MORE(WATER), EAT CLEAN

This month's challenge is all about getting back to the basics.
Our New You by the New Year is still ongoing so do check here to learn more about it.

For this month's challenge
Get your pedometer and your walking shoes ready, get some extra bottles of water and dish the junk food.

Yes, totally getting down to basics. The goal is to
WALK/ RUN MORE and enjoy the outdoors before it gets too cold again,
DRINK more water and
EAT CLEAN, avoid fast food and junk food.
WALK /RUN& DRINK MORE WATER & EAT CLEAN

 

 

Sounds simple right? Well, like I said, this month of September is all about getting back to the basics. Why? Because as simple as it sounds, a lot of people struggle with the basics. This month is all about building or reinforcing a strong foundation. The months leading to the end of the year can be quite challenging dues to the many holidays, the change in seasons or just feeling tired and discouraged.  So don't worry, we will keep it simple this month, but don't get fooled either, simple is not always as easy as it seems, is it?
If you are on board let us know on the Facebook/Natural Fit Life page.
Get your spouse and children on board too and join us too on Facebook/Natural Fit Couples & Facebook/Natural Fit Life Kids
For additional support and accountabilities you can join me and others on SKYPE once a week @
healthycanbedone or google hangout @ goodhealthdiva@gmail.com The chats are for females only.



Taking it a step further but this time for our Spiritual & Inner Man. 
September's Spiritual Challenge.
Pray more commit at least 30 minutes a day ( It's easier if you keep the TV off or cut down on social media)
Have family devotions at least once a week
Read the whole book of Psalm or Proverbs this month or the 4 first books of the New Testament
Volunteer once a week, have your spouse, family members or children involved too
E-mail me @ goodhealthdiva@gmail.com if interested in a once a week or daily prayer for 5-15 minutes.



Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following , Liking the FB page, subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and all those good stuffs...(smiles) Until next time have a better and healthier life... N'nako

Simple ways to an Eco friendly and Green lifestyle!

Summer time makes it so easy to live eco-friendly! So if you are considering going Green this summer here are simple ways to get yourself rolling in the righ direction!

#1 Get moving and enjoy the great outdoors.

Between walking, swimming, riding a bike  etc, we should now have more good reasons to enjoy being outdoors and leave the confinement of our homes. Honestly with summer now here, there are fewer excuses to be lazy and sit around doing nothing! So get out and try new things, learn how to swim, join a team, or simply go on walks around some familiar neighborhoods and see what’s new out there!

Yesterday I went on a walk with my family in an area that’s very familiar to me and I was surprised to see some things that I haven’t noticed before. One was the sculpture above. And the following things....


I go to the TN Aquarium and rivefront quite often and yet those were new to me...

Interesting art! Don't you think?

Aren't stairs a real eco-friendly way to exercise? I have never been up those stairs before and it led to a dead end with a garden full of daililies blooms

After descending the stairs I noticed something interesting on the wall...something I just realized ( while selecting pictures for this post) is visible on the left handside of the picture below. Do you see these squares on the left?

There were exactly 12 squares like the  two below. Each square depicted something different.

                    

Truly my biggest surprise was this collection of engraved art. My husband and I  had never noticed them before and we were totally baffled because we have been to the Tennessee Aquarium area so many times..Isn't it weird how things can be there in front of us and we just never 'see them'? I will share all the engraved art that I photographed  in a future article so if you are curious to see what was engraved make sure to come back soon!

Cherokee sculpture @ the Tennessee Aquarium

Cherokee sculpture @ The Tennessee Aquarium

See, walking and being outdoors is a pleasant way to live eco friendly, so many beautiful things surround us! This spot was beautiful and going up was truly a work-out in disguise!

Below is someone obviously enjoying the weather who crossed our path on the glass bridge!

I have found that the best time to be outdoors is early in the day or in the later part of the afternoon. Our Sunday family walk was in the later part of the day and feeling some breeze was a great relief from the scorching heat we felt earlier in the afternoon. With the sun setting after 9 pm it gives plenty of time to enjoy being outside without burning up!


For more images on the beautiful downtown Chattanooga check   http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/04/sunday-walk.html  and http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/05/benefits-of-exercising-introduction.html

#2 Grow a garden and eat more organic homegrown and healthy produces.

With summer time also comes the opportunity to grow a kitchen garden and enjoy some organic homegrown produces. One of my neighbors grows some corn, okra and squash amongst other things. Here is his lush and fruitful kitchen garden!

Kitchen garden

Personally, I stuck to container gardening because it’s low maintenance and less commitment! I have a wide selection of herbs from oregano, to basil and rosemary just to name a few. Herbs are for me a must have, they smell so good and the aroma they bring to home cooked meals is irresistible!

Oregano and Stevia in Containers.



Kitchen garden: basil



I am also growing some produces that we are all watching grow and enjoying with great excitement such as tomatoes, chili peppers, Green peppers, Cucumbers, blueberries etc.

For related articles please read http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/04/benefits-of-gardening-my-edible.html and enter the benefits of gardening in the search box for more articles on gardening!

My tomatoes are bringing me much satisfaction.  

Kitchen garden: tomatoes

Kitchen garden: container tomatoes plant

and the Green peppers are finally starting to show some promises.

Container kitchen garden:Green peppers

I have yet to enjoy some cucumbers but judging by the numerous yellow flowers it’s just a matter of time.


Kitchen garden: Cucumber

#3 Collect Rain water.

 

Collecting rain water is an amusing project for children and it’s such a simple thing. Considering that the cost of a rain barrel or the space for one might discourage some I think the use of small buckets or even cooking bowls is a simple solution to those who want to do it but have limited space or a limited budget!

I have not yet invested in a big rain barrel but instead I am making use of small buckets that I found at a Dollar Store(for just $1.00). After a rain I simply collect the water to water my container plants, outdoors as well as indoor plants benefit better from this natural water than they do from tap water.

Did you know that rain water is even recommended for shampooing our hair as it's said to be better on natural hair than tap water is!

#4 Dry things outdoors and give the drying machine a break!

Another Eco friendly gift from the summer time is the opportunity to maximize nature’s gift of free solar heat and limit our use of the dryer and dry things outdoors as much as possible. If you lack the space or privacy for a clothing line you could still make use of folding racks for small items like wash clothes, kitchen towels, baby items, or socks etc.

Folding rack

Folding rack: eco friendly living

Folding racks fit easily on a small balcony or on a deck and during the winter I still use them for sweaters and other delicate items by placing them near a vent or in a very small room like a ½ bath where the heat can speed the drying process overnight!

In hanging clothes outdoors I would not suggest hanging your bras and lingerie for all to see unless you have a privacy fence and very few visitors! If you live in an apartment, in the USA in particular where people are less adapted to eco-living as they are in Europe, please do not hang clothes on the railing of your balcony because it’s 'tacky' and the Leasing/ Management office might fuss about it!

#5 Hydrate and recycle.

Hydrate!!! Drink plenty of water!!!

The hot weather forces us to hydrate more frequently and with that we see the increase of bottled water or bottled drinks which we can and should recycle diligently!

Recycle very diligently!

 Talking of getting hydrate, please keep water at the top of your list because sodas will actually dehydrate you.

A better alternative to commercial bottled water would be to add a filter to your faucet or purchase a water filtration system and get your own carry on bottle.

Water bottles

#6 Have a yard sale or shop at one!

Having a yard sale is a great way to turn ' your trash' into someone else's treasure and vice versa.

Well, it's a good concept but when having a yard sale please please please do not sell broken items, clothes with stains or holes, or plain stinky and dirty things. You will be surprised how many people try to make a bargain out of cigarrettes stinking items or dirty things. I think it's rude and inconsiderate and just plain old nasty to sell things that are stinky and/or dirty! I CAN NOT STAND anything that's stinky and dirty. I love a good bargain but I am still picky when it comes to yard sales. I do not buy clothing at yard sale. My desire to live Eco friendly obviously has its limits. Clothing and shoes are the kind of things I don’t believe in buying at second hand stores, thrift stores etc but I enjoy yard sales and Craigslist when it comes to purchasing knick-knacks like baskets, vases, books in good condition, children’s toys, and electronics like TV DVD’s combo that are great for kids ‘playrooms etc.  

You can see above pictures of my last yard sales purchases (back in May 2011). A neighbor was getting set up for a yard sale while I was up early walking in the neighborhood! I have wanted this book from Kevin Trudeau "More Natural Cures Revealed" and already had  in paperbacks " Natural Cures "they" don't want you to know about". Paying just $1 per book is much better than regular price plus tax, don't you think?

One last word of advice, never go shopping (@ yard sales, thrift store...) without a bottle of desinfectant lysol and never go anywhere without Hand sanitizer. (Smiles) For real!!!!
 Even though I would deny having bacteriaphobia or bacilliphobia (grinning ), I strongly believe in desinfecting and sanitizing things. When I buy things from yard sales or second hands places,  I make sure to desinfect and wash them as soon as I get home! I don't even wear brand new clothes from department stores until I wash them (my theory with that is that there are packaging chemicals on them and many people have touched that item before I purchased it) . So when it comes to yard sales I take certain precautions by spraying everything, even books, with Lysol, and everything ,except for books, get washed with soap water and vinegar. Let's just say that I do not believe in recycling people's germs or any kind of germs for the matter! More people need to make it a priority to washing their hands and the things they come in contact with as that would keep us all in much better health.

That's all for my simple ways to live an eco friendly life! As you can see there are simple ways to live an eco-friendly life and be good to yourself and to the environment without being a Green fanatic!

              Happy Eco friendly & Green living and tell us what you think!

Is there anything here that you already do often or plan on starting? What are your personal suggestions to an eco-friendly lifestyle?

N'na

The benefits of exercising -Introduction

Hello you all! This is a quick note because I am ready to venture through this rain here and go do some shoppiiiing. Naaah not clothes. I am shopping for some craft material and inspiration for the cards I have to design for a few customers! I will share those pictures soon on my craft blog! (Click the Card's picture on the top right to access the link)

I wanted to take a minute to encourage you to take your week-end to plan your healthier life!

The weather is getting better so no more excuses that you can't walk because it's too cold or don't feel like going to the gym etc!
Having some sunshine and this much needed Vitamin D that your body needs to fight some laziness, boost your mood and get you more active is certainly a plus to plan a successful regimen this Spring)
Okay, so the weather is no longer cold but now it's getting warmer and heat can discourage you to work out just as fast as the cold did! Don't make excuses and don't despair just keep reading for inspiration...


First of all, if you have a problem staying disciplined or having a strong jumpstart, just do this :
 Plan your workout, write it down in your planner, as a reminder, whatever but just like you make an appointment to go to the dentist mark it!!!!
If you plan on spending 30 minutes-1hr walking, doing an aerobic class once or three days a week, write it down! By doing this you will be motivated, committed and accountable, to yourself at least!
Think about it this way, many things in life seem to have enough priority for you to do it and ensure that you do it, well...isn't your health a priority? No but!!! Write it down!!!

If you don't like working out alone find a work-out buddy but please DO not use it as an excuse! If you have a work out buddy who can't make it to some of your planned workouts do not use it as an excuse to cancel it unless it's late in the evening! If you have to work out alone then do it! You are first responsible for your own health so do not use a lack of partner as an excuse!  Only you know how important it is for you to be fit! Nobody can't make you healthier unless you want it for yourself! Your efforts might actually motivate others to follow your lead as they watch you being so committed and getting results!


Two: If you intend on exercising outdoors please plan it in the morning before 10 a.m if you can (on a hot day)! Do it before it heats up! Or after 2:30 pm. Regardless of the time of day preferrably look for shade, pick a path, a park, an area where you can benefit from some shade.

 If you can't work out in  the morning do it in the evening! Ladiiies, please take a buddy with you if you plan on excersing in the later parts of the day. I recommend exercising before it gets dark but as long as you pick a safe area in the company of a strong and brave man by your side I suppose you will be allllriiight!!! Do not go out late and alone now! I say exercise but I am also saying be safe and smart! No need to endanger yourself by being brave and trying to go on a walk or run in late hours.

Three: Wear appropriate clothing each time you exercise and for added safety ladies limit jewelry and keep you hair pulled in a ponytail. You will be surprised by how many accidents can occur with our hair looses or a necklace,bracelet or rings getting caught in something!


Four: When exercising outdoors keep your safety in mind, be aware of your surroundings, tell someone where you are going and how long to expect you gone, depending on the form of exercise and where you are heading keep an emergency card/IDwith you and always carry some water with you.

Five: Last but not least for today: Always drink some water before, during and after you are exercising especially if it's longer than 20-30 minutes! Dehydration is dangerous for your body in more ways than you think!

Okay got to go, hope this post motivates you to get rolling! Have a great week-end!

N'na

Southern Style Sunday Stroll by the Tennessee River: Welcome to Chattanooga!

Tennesse River, Delta Queen Steamboat, Coolidge Park...

My husband & I enjoyed our Sunday evening walking downtown yesterday! The Sunday before we had fun riding our bikes in the same areas but we just opted for a much slower pace this time! I had promised myself to share some of the pictures I took on my bike ride last Sunday but I haven't committed much time to downloading the pictures. Today I am making time to share with you some of the pleasant things that were on my path as we were walking around our beautiful Scenic City! I will add a few more pictures by the end of the week, but for today here are some to charm you! A taste of a Southern city with some southern charm that make you feel so happy to be alive!

Enjoy!

The Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium! I did not take a lot of pictures yesterday because I already have plenty of them representing the TN Aquarium!

What's new since the last time I walked around this street are those guys here! They are parked by many of the restaurants like EASY and passed the theaters! Whoever came up with that idea is a pretty smart dude! But I don't need them to "Take my butt home" as I am here to enjoy myself and get me some exercise at the same time!

In a few minutes I will be crossing that bridge and walk to the North Shore!


Engraved in the ground, you will read those words as you step on the TN Aquarium toward the members entrance!

My view from the Market Street bridge, I just left the TN aquarium...

The Southern Belle on the Tennessee River. Chattanooga Tennessee!

I have been telling myself that I need to take a trip on the river aboard the Southern Belle or the Delta Queen, the day I do I will let you know! For now, just keep in mind that if you want to experience the southern charm at its best, riding on a steamboat my just be the thing to do!!! For now I am just walking and enjoying the breeze, the view, my husband quietly walking along...and... enjoying myself!



The Riverfront

 I will have to commit some times to share with you the special history of this area!

The Trail of tears @ the Riverfront!

A restaurant along Frazier at the North Shore! Isn't it cool that some of the art represent fish! Ha ha ha! I will have to try this restaurant some days and find out if they have any good pescetarian meal worth recommending!

A restaurant on Frazier with cool metal art!

I am now on the Walnut street bridge, it's a pedestrians only bridge. The first time I shared with you pictures from this bridge I was spending time at the Hunter Museum and the art district. Here I am coming from the Coolidge Park entrance on Frazier Street! In the distance you see the bridge leading to Market Street and The TN Aquarium's two buildings!

Coolidge Park Chattanooga Tennessee, Delta queen on the Tennessee River!

Coolidge Park, Chattanooga Tennessee

During the summer the statue of each animal fountain below releases a jet of water that delights children and adults during the hot summer days!

Coolidge Park, Chattanooga Tennessee!

To my surprise,the park is not crowded at all! I guess being Sunday evening it's nothing like what you would see on a Saturday, but things might be different during the summer time!

There are not too many people on the bridge! Couples walking side by side, a few groups of women walking together, people seating on a bench watching the River, a single lady enjoying a book and an ice cream, toddler pacing his walk while licking an ice cream cone next to his young mother...Hm Sunday walks are not just healthy for you, they are good for your mind as well...

On the Walnut Street Bridge a.k.a "walking bridge"! You see the Hunter Museum I mentioned to you when I introduced to you the Lois Mailou Jones Exhibition on my post http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/02/time-at-museum-food-for-intellect.html

I love this street here! This is my favorite street to walk on, I simply love those homes! They are huge! Each home has a garage on the basement level, a rooftop deck, an elevator to accommodate access to all the floors, and of course a fabulous kitchen among their many amazing amenities!

Something funny happened at this point! A father walking along with is little girl saw me taking pictures of those homes and offered to take a picture of my hubby and I! I declined at first, he kindly insisted and after a little hesitation I agreed! He was so charming, how could I decline his kind offer when he said

" It's free"! He was persistent and cordial all at once!

That was true after all, it did not cost me anything to have him take our picture! As my hubby and I posed for the photo, I got on my tiptoes for more leverage, any extra inches help...as long as the inches are upright not wide( at the waist)! 

 Anyway, as he returned the camera to me, a man driving in a red Ford excursion stopped his car. Waiting on pedestrians, and looking at us, the driver and the passenger were smiling! The driver said something I did not quite get and my impromptu photographer kindly chatted with him and said " I could take your picture too!" We all laughed as the amused driver made a small joke about wanting is picture taken as well! It was a simple moment but it felt good!

 It always feels good to be helped and offered a smile and to laugh when you least expect it! But you know what that scene makes me thing of?! You got it: Southern Hospitality! Sweet! You see, having a Southern experience is not all about food! What's for sure my Southern experience yesterday didn't include binging on food. I had my healthy lunch at my ususal Sunday's spot and ate my usual Salmon Panini from F2O but I must say that there I had Southern love from my wonderful helper Joshua. I ended my day being active by enjoying a peaceful Sunday walk & more!

If you have a Million dollar you could enjoy living here!

We walked away from the houses, toward the many restaurants on Market Street, and we saw one of many carriages passing! There are always some carriages carrying people around downtown. It seems old school but....

 I love that! It adds a certain flair to the town!

I think the carriage ride is one of the most charming "Southern touches" of our gorgeous Scenic City!

A carriage on Market Street!

Well it was fun wasn't it?! My hubby and I stopped at the Hilton Garden to enquire about their rates because we are thinking about spending a night downtown one day and take more time enjoying our gorgeous city!

We spent some times at the gym located behind the Children Discovery Museum and then had dinner before visiting one more hotel and heading back to suburbia to our kids! 

(A little note about the gym! It was my first time at that location and when I saw that their indoor pool faces the street I wished that location was closer to the house! I was not prepared for a swim but I promised myself that one Sunday very soon I would treat myself to such an experience! An empty pool on a Sunday afternoon with a view of downtown! I met a young lady there who told me that most times she has the pool to herself as people rarely use it! She was enjoying a book while in the Jacuzzi! Hm! I like that! So check back in a couple of week, I might share some pictures of my Sunday Swim!)

The Children Discovery Museum by the Hilton Garden Hotel behind it is the Double Tree Hotel

Walking is good for you!

I have a few more pictures to share with you and truly this post is still under construction (ha ha ha), but I am kind of an impatient person so I might as well share with you some of the things I have available!
If you come back you will see more...

Is it your first time around here? Please take some times to become a Follower and leave some comments, I love to know what you think! As I am finishing this the weather is turning ugly and we have a thunderstorm warning! I am glad I enjoyed my Sunday and the gorgeous day nature granted us yesterday! It's raining now, the wind's blowing strong and it's getting dark and gray outside, thinking of it, it's a blessing to have those pictures and some pleasant memories to start my week on a bright note! Since it means a lot to me to brighten your week as well I hope you found inspiration here! I hope all is well with you and I wish you a blessed week!


I hope you enjoyed your stroll here and felt the love from your Southern hostess! Did you enjoy your little stroll here? From the pictures I just shared with you which one is your favorite?



N'na