As we continue to explore awareness of our feelings and emotions, we may begin to notice patterns and habits that we are forming around food. We can learn to embrace it all as part of our experience. We learn to recognize, reframe, and redirect our negative habits. We can begin to celebrate our many wonderful choices of food and our ability to buy, prepare, and savor our favorite meals.

There is no shortage of recipes for banana bread online right now. Banana bread has become a highlight of pandemic baking, a poster-child of comfort food, and a great way to use up ripe bananas! And with good reason - we all know the importance of “comfort foods” right now - they can make us feel nostalgic, bring us pleasure, and make us feel secure and safe during these unsettling times.

Recently, I have returned with a beginner’s mind to Lovingkindness practice and a comprehensive body scan. I have a link below to two of my favorite practitioners with their respective practice. I love these practices because they allow us to focus on sharpening and directing our awareness. For me, these practices help us to center/drop down in awareness - at times; into our bodies; often, into our hearts.

Many of us have questions about the safety of our food and how to safely prepare our foods at home during this time of the coronavirus and COVID-19. After researching many reliable sources online (referenced below), I have come up with my 5 tips for food safety during this time.  

As this pandemic continues, we are all reacting in different ways . Some are adjusting well to staying at home and living simply. There are some who are beginning to find true meaning in what is really important in their lives. For many that meaning is found in the gathering (virtually) - and sometimes reconnecting with family, extended family and close friends. Some young parents who have been working outside of the home, are finding meaning in spending more time at home. Others are living with incredible, almost crippling, fear and anxiety. And some are overcome with unimaginable sadness and grief. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you find yourself, or somewhere in between, now more than ever is a time for care and compassion for self and others .

We all know the importance of fruits and vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods as elements of a healthy diet. But do we know why these foods are more important than ever to eat now - during this time of Covid19? According to the Institute for Functional Medicine, there are three main reasons why we should be getting plenty of these foods daily.

I’m sure many of you are feeling overwhelmed with the health and wellness information coming at us daily - through the news, social media, emails, etc. I know I am! We hear daily (or many times a day) about how to wash our hands, maintain “social distance”, clean our counters and computer keyboards; what to eat and not to eat, when and where to exercise… the list goes on.

By now, you’ve heard about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and its impact on world health. While the news media is filled with sensational stories designed to grab your attention, the virus is real and you should take appropriate precautions based on the best data out there, including frequent, effective hand-washing, staying home if you’re sick, avoiding close contact with others, and covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze, among others. Visit the CDC website (or WHO) for the most up-to-date information.

We are excited to announce: Inspire Wellness and Nutrition is back! We have spent this past year learning, teaching, and enjoying the wonderful changes life has brought us.

The recent events of COVID-19 have made us think of the incredible need for health and wellness support. We have given much thought as to how we can inspire and encourage you during this time of uncertainty.