What's in your cart?

What’s in YOUR cart?

Today I took my monthly trip to Costco to stock up on goods. It had me thinking, what are people buying? Are they buying healthy goods because of the “new year, new me,” or do they actually enjoy it? What about the carts filled with processed foods only? Is it to last longer than fresh produce because they have a larger family and need it to go a long way for a longer time? I never try to look at any given situation in black and white because you really never know what the story is behind it. I personally buy healthier food items because my body LOVES it.

When I was 14 I was diagnosed with a heart condition, which caused my heart to speed up at any given time. The doctors tried a procedure that failed so we went to meds and diet. Growing up in South Louisiana the foods surrounding you are full of heavy cream, fried and usually a larger portion than one may need. I was told to cut out large meals and eat smaller meals multiple times a day, stop drinking sodas and caffeinated beverages, eliminate fried food and start to exercise. Doing those things did help some parts of the condition and it kept me in shape. Now as an adult in my 30’s, (omg I just said that out loud and I now feel old AF), I exercise regularly and eat healthy because I LOVE IT. Now when I go home and eat the foods there, I’m usually pretty sick pretty quickly because my body has adjusted to other foods for its fuel.

Moving to California was my second big health change in my life. I remember in my first year of living there a doctor asked if I worked out regularly. Well, I didn’t at the time but I when it was recommended I decided to hit the gym. I started with lifting weights and then I was introduced to yoga, which I thought was kind of cheesy at the time. There were so many options for working out in Los Angeles that I also would go hiking, run on the beach and take different classes through Groupon. Groupon saved my bank account because the classes in that town are pricey and it allows you to try them out for a lower cost! I believe there is so much truth in your environment affecting your life. When people around you are active, there are plenty of options for healthy foods that taste amazing, the sun is out almost every day and your ACCESS to these are abundant, you very easily overlook the fast food place you used to stop in for lunch.

So how am I living my life today? I try to exercise a minimum of 3 days a week. I have a green juice almost everyday that I make in my own kitchen. You can use a juicer or a Vitamix for these at home juices and I’ve got plenty of mixes in case you need some ideas! I have protein in almost every meal with some kind of vegetable and carb, (yes I NEED carbs in my life). As for beverages, I really just drink water- all day, everyday. Now let me be clear here, I STILL EAT FOODS THAT AREN’T THE BEST FOR ME. I enjoy chocolate, pizza, burgers, cheese, wine and on fun occasions, tequila. If you are exercising regularly and you eat like crap you can still look pretty good but adding a healthy diet will show you your change and you will FEEL it.

My passion is helping others. I love to entertain, educate, make people smile, laugh and help them live their best life. I offer many services and I am available for travel. If I can be of any help to YOU, feel free to email me at clairearceneaux@gmail.com

Happy New Year to you and yours!