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Like most people, I am searching for the formula which allows for a healthy and active lifestyle at 50 years of age and beyond. The challenge we all face is simple. Our bodies are designed to function in movement (mostly walking) 70 % of the time and be at rest 30% of the time on a daily basis. They are also designed to eat more than 80% of our diet from plants (fruits, vegetables and nuts). It is not difficult to see the global problem with sedentary work, travel and entertainment (sitting at desks, in a vehicle and in front of a screen) combined with the highly processed and modified foods that make up more than 80 % of our diet. About three years ago, I changed everything about my life. With two suitcases and a one way ticket, this six month journey outside of my daily habits and patterns led me back to a balanced physical body. I depended on my two legs, public transport and lifts from people I met along the way. I had modified my diet to match the mostly vegan and plant based lifestyle of the West Coast and my energy increased exponentially while the quantity of food intake decreased. The key was that I was constantly in movement, in the mode of discovery and being in the present moment. As the toxins cleared from my body, my organs began to function more effectively and effortlessly. I felt better and slept better. Then I headed back to the East Coast. Although, I was aware intellectually of the possibility of slipping backwards, I had deluded myself into believing that I could handle the return back into my old daily lifestyle. Slowly but surely, I spent more time sitting and more and more processed foods made their way back into my daily diet. Today, I have gained back the 25 plus pounds. This time all in fatty tissue, distributed throughout my body, but more importantly around and within the organs of my waistline. My situation has the same origin than someone facing a much higher Body Mass Index (BMI). In most social settings, we are bombarded with addictive (check the list of chemicals in any package) processed foods and, like drug users, we are hooked when repeatedly exposed to the sights, smells and well crafted marketing campaigns of the five companies who create more than 80 % of what is on the grocery shelf. It is absolutely amazing how you can even make cardboard taste good when you trick a consumer's taste buds with artificial sugar, salt and fat. A few days ago, I watched an episode of Dr. Oz with the Australian, Joe Cross. Joe's journey back to health and his grassroots approach in getting the message out about juicing is very motivating. I will let you know how it works for me in the coming weeks as I gradually integrate these changes to my lifestyle. I am in no hurry since this is for the rest of my life. Remember the tortoise won the race. Be kind to yourself. For further research, check out these three websites: Joe Cross's documentary about his journey Juicing for Weight Loss with Joe Cross The New 3 Day Juice Cleanse
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