August 2007 Issue
Dear Reader,
Everyone is looking for a great relationship. Today we read so much about how to
have better relationships—with your boyfriend or girlfriend, spouse, children
and co-workers. While connecting with others is valuable, the most important relationship
you will ever have is your relationship with your body. Like any relationship, this
one requires time, attention and communication. When is the last time you checked
in with your body to say, "I love you. How are you feeling? What do you need?"
No matter how you feel about your body, your body is very supportive of you. Your
heart never misses a beat; your lungs expand and contract; your belly converts your
food to fuel; your legs take you where you want to go. When you don't give your
body love and support in return, you can end up with a one-way, dysfunctional relationship.
Many people today don't treat their bodies well. They feed them poor-quality food.
They binge on sugar, alcohol or cigarettes. They don't get enough sleep, exercise,
water or downtime. Then they expect their bodies to perform at optimal levels. They
wonder why they are exhausted or overweight. That kind of relationship is probably
not going to work out in the long run.
At Integrative Nutrition we teach our students and graduates how to have a loving
relationship with their own bodies, which is one of the reasons why they achieve
high-level wellness. They learn to listen and respond to their bodies' messages,
such as what foods to eat, when to sleep and when to play. Anyone, anytime, can
create this healthier relationship with their own body. Summer is a great time to
start. As you enjoy vacationing, summer sports and walks in the sun, notice what
it is like to be fully present in your body. Then start communicating with your
body about what it needs to be healthy. Your body will thank you and you will feel
younger and happier.
Joshua Rosenthal, MScEd
Founder and Director
