Sunday, June 2, 2013

super nature superfoods

Healthy, it's an elusive concept. My definition? Being healthy is spending time with people I love eating food I enjoy, food that nourishes me in the ways I need nourishing; falling asleep soundly and dreaming for 7+ hours; taking every opportunity to use my legs to explore, my arms to carry, and my core to hold it all together; taking alone time to reflect, rejuvenate; letting myself cry sometimes, but trying to laugh more often than not. To me, being healthy is being happy, and in that happiness, treating myself and all around me well.
My individual understanding of "healthy" becomes especially interesting when I place it in a distinct cultural context. Previously, it's been Ecuadorian, Chilean, and French... and now, even more specifically, it's Parisian. There are characteristics that remind me of the New York health food scene: organic open-air markets, green juice bars, vegetarian cafés. And then there are others that are distinctly Parisian: 3-course, prix-fixe brunches with dessert, for instance. A recent experience at Super Nature comes to mind.
Boy have I been craving healthy, in every sense of the word. The craziness of these past few weeks has meant lots and lots of mental stimulation, but it's also meant less girls nights, green vegetables, and quality rest. I've been sitting at my desk more often than not and stress-induced insomnia has all but replaced a good night's sleep. I can tell, too. I feel sluggish, breakouts have been more frequent and my clothes don't fit quite like they used to. And it's because the Hive last weekend that I reflected on it.
Believe it or not, I used to identify as "a healthy food blogger." I studied nutrition, ran a few races, and drank a ton of green smoothies. And then, at some point, I lost interest. I wanted to be able to embrace travel and food without worrying about whether or not it fit my narrow view of what was "good for me." I reveled in the joie de vivre. I become more flexible in my lifestyle. But, I never stopped caring; I still believe that if we don't feel our best, we can't possibly enjoy all the goodness around us. So, this is my pledge to focus on healthy living a little bit more in these weeks to come. It is possible to embrace healthy in a (dare I say it) healthier way, even here in Paris. And with that, I'm off to bed. Looking forward to cleaner eats and exercise tomorrow.

11 comments:

  1. I hear you!!! And I totally feel the same way! That's why I prefer to think of myself as a Happy Living Blogger. Besides, I could never get behind oats in a jar anyways! :P

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    1. Love that! Oats in a jar are the worst, haha. I feel like I miss out on so much quality nut butter.

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  2. This looks yummy - it can't possibly be healthy. ;)

    It's so difficult to stay on track in Paris. I find myself indulging in all of the creamy goodness and then realize I've gone days without eating enough vegetables (I always have at least a little bit).

    Good luck with the rest of your chaotic schedule!

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    1. Right?! Ha, to be fair, it was a bit too much food, and overeating is hardly healthy ;) but, it was a cleaner brunch meal than usual. The vegetables were incredibly fresh and plentiful. The most important thing in the day-to-day health is just being mindful, I think. Thanks for the luck!

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  3. I find your transition from a 'healthy' food blog to a ACTUALLY healthy blog interesting too- and it makes perfect sense. I wonder if The Hive made you reflect upon this because it wasn't a 'healthy' food blogger conference. I'd like to know more about how you compared the Western ideals on healthy food and lifestyles to the French version of healthy - but defs only something to think about in say...August haha! You've got a CRAZY fun few months ahead so a bit of balance now will be good to sustain.

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    1. Exactly! That was exactly it. I'll reflect more on a comparative analysis soon enough :)

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  4. Feel you on all of this. You put it so beautifully and I always love your approach. My healthy happy place is one of balance. Have fallen a little off balance lately with French/Berlin over the top feasting and drinking and looking forward to re-balancing a little this week. x

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  5. I just sent you an e-mail, but I felt I had comment on this! (Hi, I'm Erika by the way, just in case you don't read your e-mail before this comment.) I just wanted to say that right before my year abroad in France, I was really torn between staying a vegan (whole foods) or enjoying my time there... and because my veganism wasn't attached to an extreme devotion to animals or anything, I decided to let it go. In France, it really is about just savoring life and enjoying it. Not to the point of crazy excess, but the measuring and the strict rules are out of the window in favor of laughter, little indulgences, and true enjoyment. So, I totally understand this and definitely miss this attitude of eating here in the U.S. :)

    --Erika
    http://www.chimerikal.com

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    1. (I did stay pescetarian while I was there, though, just to clarify! But I was all about the cheese!)

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    2. Glad you know exactly what I'm talking about, dear :) I replied to your email!

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