Gardening

from Nelson Magazine - December 2021

Health

Mindful eating

Heading into the holiday season is a time people can love and dread. If you have a difficult relationship with food (or alcohol) it can be challenging navigating work parties, family gatherings, and celebrations. Dr Marissa Kelaher shares some steps to create a better relationship with food.

Often we view food as 'good' or 'bad’, and the emotions this creates can be complex, especially if you've struggled with weight or disordered eating.

Relying on willpower often doesn’t work - we fail, then feel guilty, and give up - leading to yoyo dieting. Lifestyle medicine approaches food differently - as something positive to nourish our bodies and minds, including, rather than excluding foods, and in the context of the whole person. Lack of sleep, stress, activity level, social connections, and even medications can have an impact on appetite and food choices - and our hunger queues are often highly complex. The concept of recognising WHY we are eating or drinking, learning how to read our body, then addressing any underlying themes is something worth discussing. It involves a few simple steps: • Think about what you eat. • View your body as precious and worthy of being cared for.

• Think of what foods will nourish it and what helps you to feel well.

• Focus on including as many different healthful foods as possible that you enjoy, rather than excluding them. • Find foods you love that help your health. Be mindful of why. • Identify WHY you are eating, is it actually hunger, or is it stress, boredom, sadness, or loneliness?

• Learn to read your body's cues. Keeping a diary of when you're struggling can give great insight.

• Listen to your body and be self-compassionate. You aren't a failure if you aren't perfect or 'give in'. Try to look within and be honest about why you're eating, then forgive yourself when you stuff up, it's the first step to healing. Focus on the experience. • If you mostly feed your body optimum fuel, it's also OK to have treats sometimes, and focusing on enjoyment (quality not quantity) often helps cravings. • Eat without distractions. Research shows we are far more likely to overeat or make poor food choices if we eat while watching TV, looking at our phones or working. Most importantly, remember any sustainable changes take time, and small steady steps in the right direction is the best way to reach your goals! Don't give up if you struggle with this initially, it can be hard to overcome a lifetime of habits.

Keeping sight of your goals and working failure into the plan is a normal part of life. If you need more help, lifestyle medicine doctors, nutritionists, and dieticians are all experienced in creating personalised plans.

Dr Marissa Kelaher is a Nelson based GP who runs lifestyle, nutritional medicine and plant-based health clinics. She is based at Nelson Family Medicine. Check out Marissa’s blogs and health and wellness tips at thesimplicitydoctor.com or on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplicitydoctor

ATELIER Studio | Gallery

329 Trafalgar Square 021 166 8327 Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 1pm

atelier.org.nz

Belinda Wilson

15 South Street, Nelson Open every Saturday 10am - 2pm and by appointment. 021 731 007 belindawilson.co.nz

Lynette Graham Fabric Design + Artist

125 Mapua Drive, Mapua. 021 731 737 or see online shop.

Lynettegraham.co.nz

The Artist Goldsmith

Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler Central Nelson. By appointment 021 817 209

TheArtistGoldsmith.com

The Suter Art Gallery

208 Bridge Street, Nelson Open 7 days 9.30am -4.30pm 03-548 4699 thesuter.org.nz

Höglund Art Glass Studio & Gallery

52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Nelson Open 7 days 10am – 4pm 03 544 6500 hoglundartglass.com

Chocolate Dog Studio

Buy the book online at copypress.co.nz/shop/mr-otter-river

Michael MacMillan Sculptor & Country Homeware

252 Neudorf Rd, Upper Moutere Open December - Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon 10am – 4pm. 021 069 1401 michaelmacmillan.co.nz

Purpose Gallery

5 Iwa St, Mapua Thurs – Mon, 11am - 5pm, open to public. Tues – Wed, by private appointment. purpose.gallery

Nelson Classic Car Museum Museum Store Hawk’s Valley Sculpture Gallery Cathy Jones 4 Art

027 546 9499 1/47A Washington Rd. Open Wednesdays 12-5pm, and by appointment.

Ola and Marie Höglund at their Höglund Glass Studio.

The magic of glass

Glass can be mesmerising and at the Höglund Glass Studio in Lansdowne Road, there is a world of beautiful glass objects to be mesmerised by, in all colours of the rainbow. Famous the world over for their extraordinary level of glass crafting skill, the Höglund family have never lost their desire to make glass art affordable and able to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

To that end the extensive gallery is a showcase of the diversity of their work that includes many beautiful gifts under $100. Some items such as their twisted oil and vinegar bottles and goblets remain as sought after as they ever were. “We would be unpopular if we stopped making them,” laughs Marie. Their birds in many colours may look delicate but have travelled all over the world as gifts. Jewellery is a passion for Marie and long-serving staff member Mel who work together to produce gorgeous pendants, earrings and cufflinks from dichroic glass, a process that combines melted glass with tiny layers of metals and oxides to give a diversity of colour hues and iridescence that is unique to each piece. From $75 to $95, and these can be beautifully gift-wrapped too. Höglunds is very much a family affair. Along with Marie and Ola who established the business in Nelson in 1984, glass pieces are now made on site by themselves, son Ossie and daughter-in-law Annie. Their other son Oliver produces glass lampshades in Australia which are also sold in the gallery. “We really enjoy all working together,” says Marie. “Even our grandchildren are involved with one currently sewing masks that are for sale in the shop.” Marie and Mel have recently developed their own brand of glycerine soap with no animal fats or petrochemicals in their makeup. Providing moisture to the skin and leaving it soft and smooth, even they look like blocks of coloured glass. Most mornings, from Monday to Friday, the public can enjoy watching the glassblowers at work. This is completely free of charge and an opportunity to see the depth of skill that goes into every single piece. “People just love watching the workshop in action. It is such an ancient art form that never loses its fascination.”

Back in the extensive gallery with its magnificent displays, the swirling colours of the glass objects capture the light and shine. From small bowls and vases that blend pinks, purples and blues to the jellyfish paperweights that sit on lighted stands and on to the large art vases in rich orange and black, there is a world of pieces to choose from and the experience of being surrounded by so much craftsmanship and beauty is one not to be missed.

Höglund Art Glass 52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Richmond Ph 03 544 6500 Visitors welcome 10am – 4pm hoglundartglass.com