Hello everyone!

This weekend, I attended Black Alumni Weekend for my alma mater - the University of Virginia. While there, I took a seminar by a graduate of UVA, Dr. Deborah Stroman who is a professor at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. She presented the 4 components of the N.E.S.S model for healthy living which are:
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Sleep
4. Spirituality

Now, I've heard of all of these things in terms of living a healthy lifestyle, but I wanted to share a few things with you all that I think are encouraging. I know we all know about eating healthy, but I think that this weekend - it really hit home for me. She discussed the dangers of processed foods, sugar, etc and I realized that I could have probably been at my goal weight by now if I cut back on my sugar intake! If we really make a conscious effort to THINK about what we eat and really evaluate if we're fueling our bodies or trashing it - it can really impact how we see food. When we eat junk, we look like junk!

Another key component that stood out to me was spirituality. I know that on MFP, we all have different religious beliefs. However, for those of us who are Christians - the Bible reminds us that our bodies are our temples. When I think about an actual temple, where services are held - I remember that temples are clean, they are decorated and they are kept in excellent condition. When I asked myself if I treat my body that way - I had to honestly evaluate if I was treasuring it the way I should. She shared an interesting point in general - regardless of religious beliefs and simply said that spiritually, we have to be positive, encouraging and mentally focused on living a healthy lifestyle.

Just wanted to share a brief summary of a few of the awesome things I learned this weekend... Remember, we are in control of our goals and how we accomplish them. It's mind over matter! You a stronger and powerful than you may think. Fuel your bodies for LIFE and exercise to live longer.

Stay encouraged pals!