Vitality Foods  - June 2016 - Santa Fe

How to Live a Vital Life at Any Age

By Valeria Alarcón

 

Do you want to feel exuberant energy at 23, 41, 72 or 90 years of age? Then the time is now to take care of your body, mind and spirit so that you can experience a wealth of health at any age. Every day we are given new opportunities to honor ourselves. Every day we are offered with a new set of cells that have regenerated and with that new choices to make right by our body. Regardless of your current health status or age each day you have a new opportunity to choose how you will feed your vitality. There are several common denominators that I have witness in people living fulfilling lives. Passion, purpose and self-love I have found to be the top contributors to living a happy and healthy life no matter what age. Every time I see someone who embodies these three qualities in the most effortless manner I see an individual who is living life to the fullest.

 

Culturally speaking we don’t think of or appreciate the richness that aging brings. Having grown up in Ecuador for part of my childhood I was raised to respect my elders but I was also fascinated by how inclusive and actively engaged all of my elders were. As a five year-old child I listened attentively as my great-grandmother of 99 enjoyed sharing stories that imparted so much wisdom. Her passion was to connect with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which brought so much joy to all and instilled family values that still live on today. This is when I recognized passion fuels life. Having the passion for something that brings joy in ones life, and in others, feeds ones soul. I have seen the combination of passion and purpose in close friends who are in their 70’s living in engaging ways by living their purpose be it through teaching, riding horses, cooking and spending time with friends and family. Being in community and having a sense of family (literally or figuratively speaking) feeds the soul, makes you feel loved, cared for and supported. I know that we can all appreciate these qualities of life at any age. Last but definitely not least self-love is center stage to living a vital life. How you take care of your body, the vessel that carries you through your daily life experiences is to be honored with healthy food choices, suitable fitness, self-care and a loving relationships.

 

Here are some tips for living a vital life at any age:

 

• Do what you love and love what you do!

• Commit to healthy living, clean eating and fun physical activity.

• Keep hydrated, it will support proper detoxification, digestion and will keep your skin hydrated.

• Keep up with proper food combination, add more fiber through leafy greens and healthy fats.

• Maintain good vitamin B, vitamin D and E, and Omega 3 and CoQ10 levels for healthy mood and brain function.

• Digestive enzymes and pro-biotics are a great addition to support digestion and boosting the immune system.

• Consume wholesome foods that are naturally planted, cultivated or raised. Remember you are what you eat!

 

Avocado Salad

2 ripe avocados

1 Heirloom tomato

1 ripe mango

1 cup of sliced cucumber

 ½ cup of thinly cut red onions

 ½ cup of chopped cilantro

 ¼ cup of green onions

 ½ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

 ½ cup of olive oil

Celtic sea salt and pepper

Choice of protein, preferably grilled or seared.

 

Instructions

1. Cut the avocado, tomatoes and mango in bite size chunks

2. Slice the cucumber and thinly slice the onion

3. In a large bowl mix the lime and olive oil, season with sea salt and pepper

4. Add the vegetables and mango, along with the cilantro and green onions

5. Mix well and serve as a side dish to a grilled piece of salmon, enjoy!

Evolving Magazine

Valeria Alarcón is a Holistic Health Coach and Advocate AADP, whose mission is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals who are committed to reclaiming life and vitality through health and wellness. 

 

As a cancer survivor Val knows what it takes to reclaim life and vitality, and she is delighted to be of support to her community. For more information visit www.VitalityWithVal.us