inspiring active women to explore their passions
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spring 2009 free!
Green Day
Planning an Eco-Chic Wedding
On the Fly A Breast Cancer Survivor Hooked on Fly Fishing
Breaks Dealing with SportsRelated Injuries
Vegging Out
One Woman’s Nutritional Awakening
Meditation 101 Be healthy. Be still.
health bites | eco-friendly cleaners our favorite spring gear | getting out on the trail
Keeping active people active.
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RUN STRONGER, RUN LONGER
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SPRING 2009
18 Green Day
Destinations, inspiration, and advice for planning an eco-chic wedding.
22 Tough Breaks
The physical and emotional pain of sports-related injuries.
25 Meditation 101
The practice of being still, and how it can positively affect your health and your life.
28 On the Fly
A breast cancer survivor talks about the calm, and camaraderie of fly fishing.
30 Vegging Out
Jayme Otto takes us through her Nutritional Awakening.
Magazine
features
contents
editorial
editor in chief Lindsey Grossman lindsey@readbreathe.com
ART & P ROD U C TIO N
art director Megan Murphy senior designer Amanda Powers associate designer Christa Albano IT director Craig Snodgrass C O N TRI B U TOR S
Melissa Lamkin Monica Johnson Katherine Klein Kirsten Ott Jayme Otto Cindy Posey Amanda Straus Kath Younger AD V ERTI S I N G
publisher Martha Evans
departments
martha@readbreathe.com
8 fitness
Getting out on the trails.
10 mind body + soul
Good for you, good for the planet.
11 green living
Eco-friendly Spring cleaning.
16 gear
A few of our favorite things.
27 nutrition
Put a spring in your step at the farmers market.
in every issue! 6 editor’s note 24 health bites
president Blake DeMaso blake@readbreathe.com
account executives Abby Hafflet abby@readbreathe.com
Charles Leonard charles@readbreathe.com
Tom Daly tom@readbreathe.com
C O N TA C T
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How busy moms can work in a workout. 4
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Play. Stay. Experience more of West Virginia.
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spring 2009
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editor's note As the newest member of the Breathe team, I’m excited to jump in with an issue that’s all about health: healthy minds, healthy bodies, healthy planet. Spring is a time of rebirth, a time to start fresh (and a “doover” for those of us who have already broken our New Year’s resolutions). I’ve boosted up my cardio routine from walking to running, with a goal of running my first 5K this May. With all of the hills in my neighborhood, this is quite the daunting task. But I’m running three times a week and trying out trails in nearby parks to mix it up and explore my new town of Asheville, NC. I’m also doing my part for Mother Earth by remembering reusable shopping bags, and reducing my carbon footprint by walking places whenever possible. The biggest challenge comes with mental relaxation... my acupuncturist is dumfounded by the mountainous knots in my shoulders. Why can’t I simply decide not to stress? This issue’s feature on meditation brings to light the importance of taking some “me” time to just breathe. You’ll also find stories about the health benefits of hitting the trails and the farmers market, and a guide for adding “something green” to your wedding. I’m especially moved by the women in this issue who have overcome illness, injury, and personal obstacles to better themselves and others. I hope they will inspire you, too.
Editor in Chief
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fittness
trail workouts
trail vision Triple Your Workout Benefits on the Beaten Path By Amanda Straus and Monica Johnson
Is it just us, or has it been a really long winter? Did the front of your treadmill, even with a juicy gossip magazine or TV in front of you, get kind of monotonous? If your time at the gym has become tedious, or if you’re burned out and making excuses not to go, it’s time to shake things up this spring and take to the trails! Whether you cycle, run, or hike, trails offer plenty of ways to get your heart pumping, your mind refreshed, and your soul reenergized.
get that heart and body pumping Take your usual indoor treadmill, elliptical or bike workout— add in some uneven ground, logs and rocks, a steep incline, then a few hills, twists and turns, and you’ve created a recipe for more. More calories burned, more coordination, agility and balance, more muscles stimulated and engaged, more core strengthening, more work for your metabolism, and did we mention... more fun? When you cycle, run, walk or hike the trails, your body will enjoy more of the benefits of exercise. Just make sure that you warm up properly and have footwear to support uneven and lateral motions—the one thing we’ll take less of, is injuries.
recharge your brain battery When you’re out on the trail, you can expect the unexpected; roots may trip you, hills spontaneously appear, and critters can surprise you and require immediate attention. That’s reason number two we love the trails—they require you to be mentally present and focused. When you’re on the treadmill or stationary bike, you can zone out with little focus on what you’re actually doing. In contrast, the unknown of the trail requires you to temporarily disconnect from everything else and be present in the moment, which leaves your mind refreshed as well as your body. Mentally disconnecting from the treadmill of your everyday thoughts can be an energizing part of your workout. Just as meditating challenges you to disconnect from the chattering in your mind, watching out for a root, a rock, or a branch can also place you in the mental “zone” where the rest of the world is simply on the backburner. How refreshing!
Myles Dumas
reenergize your soul
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Since the beginning of time, people have recognized that nature has the ability, both in tangible and intangible ways, to touch our souls. The sunshine provides valuable Vitamin D, the fresh air whips your ponytail and fills your lungs, and the spring buds on the trees give you a sense of joy and possibility. Trails provide you with a safe passage—right through the middle of nature—to stimulate your senses and lift your spirit. On the other hand, the last time the gym stimulated my senses was when the guy on the treadmill next to me apparently forgot to wear deodorant, and the volume of the TV and chattering could not be drowned out by my iPod. We’ll take clean air, sunlight, and nature’s distractions over that any day. Are you ready to take a mental break, lift your spirit, challenge yourself, or just try something different? Check your city’s Parks & Recreation Department for a list of trails. Then grab a friend and your favorite cycle, run, walk or hiking gear, and hit the trails for a fun and fulfilling workout. It can be hard to change your routine, but the benefits are worth it on three levels, and we’re confident your body, mind, and soul will be revitalized by taking it to the trails! • Amanda Straus is a freelance writer and owner of The-Next-Step Life Coaching in Charlotte, NC. Monica Johnson is a freelance writer and owner of No Excuses Fitness Training in Charlotte, NC.
Gear & Clothing for Active Women
Valle Crucis • Boone • Asheville • Waynesville Hendersonville • Greenville, SC • Knoxville, TN www.MastGeneralStore.com • 1-866-367-6278
mindbodysoul
good for you, good for the planet. mind Pages of enlightenment. What’s wrong with synthetic? How can you go green on a budget? Find the answers to these questions and so much more in The Green Beauty Guide. Registered nutrition specialist and beauty expert Julie Gabriel gives us the real deal on organic products in this comprehensive go-to resource. Get the lowdown on labels, reference her list of toxic ingredients (what not to buy), and let her recommended products point you in the right direction. Or learn how to make your own natural products with homemade recipes scattered throughout. In addition to beauty advice, Gabriel includes green chapters on baby care and sun protection. $16.95 • amazon.com
body Clean body, clean conscience. Save Your World, a company committed to protecting the Guyana rainforest in South America, has added a Save Your Body brand to their line of eco-friendly personal products as part of their “Earth Day Every Day” initiative. Made with nutrient rich yerba maté and soothing aloe vera, every bar of exfoliating soap sold saves one acre of rainforest for a whole year. You won’t find any animal fat or byproducts in these bars — the creamy suds come from all natural palm, coconut and olive oils. Shop for Save Your Body products at Whole Foods Market and The Vitamin Shoppe. Save Your Body Organic Oils Exfoliating Bar Soap, $5.98-$12.98 • saveyourworld.com
soul Buy a tee, grow a tree. Organic, stylish, and affordable, BuddhiWear hits the eco-fashion trifecta. Their women’s tees and tanks sport Zenful images and sayings, promoting their mission of positive empowerment. Rooted in socially responsible practices, the Maryland-based company plants a tree for every garment sold. You can also feel good about wearing their clothes, knowing that they only use environmentally friendly dyes and sweatshop-free manufacturers. BuddhiWear partners with Dharma Merchant Services to donate a percentage of their credit card transactions to charity. It’s no surprise that we’re sweet on their “Breathe” design. Seated Breathe Basic Tee, $32 • buddhiwear.com. 10
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win it!
We’re giving away copies of The Green Beauty Guide to ten lucky Breathe readers. Find giveaway details and enter to win at readbreathe.com
green living
cleaning produc ts
spring cleaning Eco-friendly Products for Your Nest By Kirsten Ott
Despite Kermit the Frog’s memorable ballad, it’s actually becoming easier to be green. And this translates to the way we clean our homes, too. The war on dirt, germs and grime is a fiercely fought battle, but the conventional household cleaners are petroleum-based and can cause serious health and environmental problems. Opting for natural products that maintain your clean nest without the toxic side effects is a wise choice. Here are a few to try in your home: Building biologists, husband-andwife team Lisa and Ron Beres co-founded Green Nest, a company of homehealthy cleaning products. The Green Nest All-Purpose Cleaner breaks down completely into water and carbon dioxide in 27 days, and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) gives it the all-clear, non-hazardous rating. Likely because it’s free of solvents, bleach, ammonia, caustic chemicals and acids, which can cause illness in humans, pets and the Earth. Available at greennest.com. A popular line of non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products, Seventh Generation offers tools for every surface in your house, from counters to carpets to everything in between. The company successfully uses natural ingredients in its cleaners for tough jobs, proving that harsh chemicals aren’t needed to kill bacteria. For example, the Emerald Cypress & Fir Toilet Bowl Cleaner works as well as conventional cleaners and deodorizes without harsh fumes, harmful chemicals or dyes. Available at mainstream grocery stores and health food stores. Keeping your car bright and shiny with environmentally friendly cleaners is just as important as using Mother Earth-approved products in your home, as the run-off affects your grass, which pets and insects snack on. Laura Klein’s Green Cleaning car care products debuted last November and include a
degreaser, glass and mirror cleaner, waterless wash-and-shine detergent, tire and dash dressing, wax, and a carpet spot remover safe to use around children and pets. Washing your car without a water hose saves 80 to 140 gallons of water. Each product is made from sustainable products that biodegrade within seven days, and includes 100 percent pure aromatherapeutic essential oils with no synthetic fragrance. Available at organicauthority. com and Sam’s Club. You want to get your clothes clean without killing sea creatures, right? The Laundry’s Finest, a pH-balanced and bio-degradable laundry powder, is made with organic surfactants that give clothes a cleaner wash, make fabrics last longer, and protect even the most delicate colors for decades. It contains no harmful additives, optical brighteners, bleach, or significant quantities of phosphorus. The organic surfactants are biodegradable in oceans, lakes and streams, returning to nature naturally. The detergent is packaged in a sturdy and attractive 40-ounce reusable canister good for 20 loads of laundry, and
comes with a handy dispensing spoon and simply constructed, pre-measured plastic bag refills. It’s powerful enough for towels and denim, but gentle enough for fine knits. Available at thelaundrysfinest.com. Environmentalist and conservationist Laura Turner Seydel, daughter of CNN founder Ted Turner, has built an entire home devoted to being ecofriendly. EcoManor, located in Atlanta, houses the Seydel family, with every possible building and décor detail as either sustainable (such as the floors) or recycled (countertops, insulation). The eco-living expert uses homemade cleaners in her home. Try her easy fix for linoleum floors: Mop with a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar in a bucket of warm water. The vinegar odor will dissipate shortly after the floor dries. Find more green cleaning tips from Laura at lauraseydel.com. Kirsten Ott is an Atlanta-based writer specializing in lifestyle, travel, art and dining. For more about her and to read more of her works, visit kirstenott.com.
spring 2009
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Taste the Best of the Brew Ridge! Blue Mountain Brewery • Devils Backbone Brewing Co. Eades Whisky • Saunders Brothers Cider • South Street Brewery • Star Hill Brewery • Vintage Virginia Cidery Visit brewridgetrail.com or call (800) 282-8223 Lexington • Buena Vista RockBRidge county
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Let your hair down.
If you’re ready to hit the trail, then head to the Roanoke Valley. You’ll find hundreds of miles of trails and greenways for hiking, running, biking or just plain meandering. The best part is that at the end of the day
1.800.635.5535 www.visitroanokeva.com
it’s in our nature.
you can rest your weary legs or kick up your heels in one of the Blue Ridge Mountains most charming places. You’ll have no trouble refueling your body and spirit in the Roanoke Valley where we have more restaurants per capita than any other place in Virginia. Your adventure begins with a single step. Call or log on today for a free Visitors Guide and RED Card good for discounts on lodging, dining, shopping and attractions.
gear
great finds
spring into action A Few of Our Favorite Things
genius in a bottle hiking, but be sure to check out the other styles in the SL series built for alpine, bike and trekking adventures.
Its good looks will grab you, but a gulpable, wide mouth and one-handed hinge opening will win you over when it comes to this premium water bottle. The KOR One Hydration Vessel aims to steer you away from harmful, pesky plastic in favor of a smart, clean design that’s BPA-free. As a member of 1% For The Planet, KOR donates one percent of their sales to non-profits that focus on water-related issues.
hoodie love Cloudveil introduces their new Edamame Collection, an eco-friendly line of activewear made from ohso-soft soybean-based fabric. The Edamame hoodie is the perfect layering piece for yoga, bouldering, or a brisk morning run. Diagonal seams and the right amount of stretch make it as flattering as it is functional.
worth wading for The first women-specific product from fishpond, the Firefly Vest adheres to the company’s thoughtful (and colorful) design aesthetic. Built for comfort and functionality without surrendering style, the vest comes in a light, breathable fabric with several features including fishpond’s signature zip-down fly bench. Eight pockets on the front and a large back pouch offer ample room for raingear and other river essentials.
it’s about time The Proformer from tech4o is more than just a watch. Made for running, swimming and biking, it features personal programming options that allow you to not only calculate interval/lap times, but also compare the results to your previously set goals.
get a grip
om my god
Climb every mountain with prAna’s Sultan Chalk Bag. You’ll find prAna has gone green with several of their spring items including this mediumsized chalk bag, made from 100 percent recycled poly. The Sultan’s super modern design features dual attachment straps and a tight cinch closure.
If you’re looking for a yoga mat that will protect your body and the planet, look no further than the Manduka eKO Mat. Made from natural rubber, this mat uses a toxic-free softening process that won’t leave a landfill footprint. Not to mention its cushiony goodness goes easy on your wrists and knees, for a yoga experience that’s more peaceful and less painful.
quite a pair
leader of the packs When Deuter created their Futura 24 SL pack, they truly had a woman’s body in mind. A slightly shorter back system accommodates a woman’s shorter torso, and the S-shaped shoulder straps are narrower and shorter to fit comfortably over the shoulders and around the chest. Finally, the waist and hip belts are shaped at an angle to account for curves. This particular pack is ideal for
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ABOVE: KOR One Hydration Vessel • $29.95 • korwater.com
Newton co-founder and cancer survivor Jerry Lee teamed up with Athletes for a Cure spokesperson Michellie Jones to design The Cure Distance running shoe. Newton uses “Active Membrane Technology” to make running in this lightweight, cushion racer simulate running barefoot. The limited edition Cure Distance (in Jones’ signature pink) is the right fit for any running goal, from 5Ks to marathons. $10 from each pair purchased goes to prostate cancer research.
clockwise from top left Fishpond Firefly Vest • $139 • fishpondusa.com; Manduka eKO Mat • $70 • manduka.com; Deuter, Futura 24 SL • $125 • deuterusa. com; Cloudveil, Edamame Hoodie • $60 • cloudveil. com; tech4o, The Proformer • $39.99 • tech4o.com; prAna’s, Sultan Chalk Bag • $28 • prana.com; Newton, Cure Distance • $155 • newtonrunning.com spring 2009
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it’s a nice day for a…
green wedding
BY Melissa G. Lamkin
Eco-friendly invites from The Lettered Olive collection.
help save the earth, save a little money and plan a sustainable (and stylish!) event for your nuptials engaged and eco-conscious? If you want to add “something green” to your wedding, you’re not alone. Kate Harrison, author of The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget, has seen a substantial increase in interest for green weddings in the last couple of years. “Almost every bride I talk to has heard of a green wedding, and many are thinking about including eco-friendly elements in their event,” says Harrison. Like-minded family members and friends will easily identify with your desire for a green wedding; the estimated 2.5 million weddings a year in the United States pack a mean environmental punch. Still, others might not know the first thing about being green. “Include a small blurb on the back of your program, on your website, or on the inside of your seating cards explaining what you have done and why,” suggests Harrison. See it as an opportunity to show friends and family that you can be green without sacrificing style or comfort. 18
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A BEACH WEDDING at Green Lodging-certified Amelia Island Plantation.
location, location, location. To start, you can choose a location that is near the majority of your guests. Without having to travel far, you will save your guests money and cut down on carbon emissions that contribute largely to global warming.
Kelli Beale, 26, plans to marry Eric Fletcher, 28, in May of this year at Lands End—a community where her parents own a vacation home—located in Emerald Isle, NC. The couple has made a few small decisions that will have a big, positive im-
pact ecologically. “I live in Massachusetts and some of my bridesmaids don’t live in North Carolina,” says Beale. “To minimize costs and prevent unnecessary travel, I’m planning to schedule my bachelorette party the weekend before the wedding so only one trip has to be made by everyone.” Beale will have her friends spend the week leading up to the ceremony on vacation with her and on-hand to help her with last-minute wedding details. Search for a resort, park, or hotel that engages in green and sustainable practices within the property, or one that will happily comply with your request for a green event. “Look for outside venues where you can enjoy nature and all it has to offer,” says Maria Cooke, owner and event designer of Ritzy Bee Events in Washington, DC. You won’t find many destinations in the region as green as the year-old Proximity, in Greensboro, NC, to host your big day. The hotel has large windows that ensure natural lighting, furniture in the rooms made from recycled materials, and art designed and created by local artisans. In the plans: a green vegetated garden on the roof of the restaurant to reflect heat and minimize the energy needed for refrigeration and cooling of the building. If your dream wedding includes a sandy beach and laid back sunset ceremony, look for hotels that promote ecologically friendly practices like the use of energy efficient appliances, water conservation, or recycling programs. Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, FL, just received their green lodging certification last year. For weddings, this means options like using organic and locally grown fare for dishes and biodynamic wine selections from Benziger and King Estate. The resort will also donate your excess food to local homeless shelters or the Second Harvest Food Bank on the island. Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA, takes pride in their commitment to green wedding ceremonies. There are various garden locations available for ceremonies, and the chefs have created six options for couples to choose from to aid in the decision process. The property’s sustainable organic vegetable garden is the source of most of their produce and what they don’t
grow is purchased from other greenminded local vendors. Wildlife and nature preservations and state parks are great locations for outdoor ceremonies and typically already have many green practices in place. You won’t need electricity for lighting and most donate their proceeds to support ecofriendly causes. Wine vineyards typically grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs to use in winemaking and food preparation, and are filled with beautiful gardens that serve as an ideal ceremony location. Mary Ann and William Hardman, owners of Persimmon Creek Vineyards in Clayton,
GA, are dedicated to the environment in their farming and winemaking. All planting, picking, crushing and bottling is done by hand and they utilize biodiesel fuel for any mechanical processes. They also recycle all reusable byproducts of the winemaking process by returning the prunings and pomace (pumpkins, tomatoes, corn, wildflowers) to the gardens as natural fertilizer, tilling them into the soil. This spring, the vineyard will open The Cottages at Persimmon Creek Vineyards, three new bed and breakfast style luxury bungalows for overnight guests, which are built from natural and recycled materials.
woman with a plan.
Ensure your wedding planner/coordinator’s personality is compatible with yours and your groom’s, and that they fully understand the importance of an eco-conscious event. Sure, they can help with local vendors for catering and venues, but what about flowers, favors, and gifts? You’ll save on transportation and support local business and economy with every item you purchase or rent close to home (or your venue). “We think it is so important to focus on the green movement when it comes to weddings,” says Cooke. “When it comes
to planning, we can work on behalf of the couple to ask the right questions on their green practices.” If you are planning a wedding in a city other than where you live, or have to work with more corporate or larger resources and vendors, be sure to research their practices and make sure they are in line with your eco-responsibilities. “The growing trend is prompting more and more resources and suppliers to answer the demand to be more environmentally friendly in their offerings and practices,” says Cooke.
on the menu
LET THEM EAT ORGANIC CAKE: Short Street Cakes in Asheville, NC, uses all-natural ingredients, specializing in organic, locally grown, edible flowers.
Locate caterers who are willing to use local and organic food items, as well as reusable plates, glassware, tableware, and linens. “We’re going to encourage guests to reuse their glasses when getting refills from the bar, and encourage the bartenders to remind guests of the same,” says Beale. Ask them about recycling empty bottles and cans, and if there are shelters or organizations to whom you can donate leftover food and beverages. If you can’t find a pastry chef who can create an organic cake, request that they substitute in organic flour, milk and cagefree eggs for ingredients. Not only are you keeping with your desires to plan an environmentally friendly event, you’re educating others in the process. “When you start talking to vendors about what you want to do, and explain your choices to your spring 2009
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guests, you can change the way people in your community think about what it means to be green,” says Harrison. “You make being green seem possible and help get the word out about sustainable alternatives.”
4 days 4 stages
look for locally grown, seasonal blooms. “Asking your florist to use local seasonal blooms is easy, costs less, and is much better for the environment,” says Harrison. “Most flowers are grown in hot houses and are flown in from countries like South America covered in pesticides.” These pesticides are harmful to the flowers and the environment. Florists often have to spray roses with perfume that replicates their
er A sup onic rom Ch .
Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys Donna the Buffalo Mamadou Diabate Ray Abshire Justin Townes Earle Amy LaVere Eilen Jewel Boulder Acoustic Society Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers & many more...
bio
uttl l sh -diese
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PETAL PUSHER. Author and Environmentalist Kate Harrison suggests local, seasonal flowers.
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scent because of the chemical damages. Organic roses, on the other hand, are naturally fragrant and edible. Purchase your flowers from a florist who supports organic flower farms and buys locally. You’ll save money on the cost of shipping and once again reduce your carbon footprint with less travel required to deliver them. If you’re having trouble finding an organic flower farm, visit localharvest.org, a great resource for locating organic farms in your region. Also ask if vases made of recycled glass are available for rent or purchase. When the festivities are over, think about donating flowers and non-returnable decorations to a local nursing home, hospital, or palliative care facility for others to use and enjoy. Designate a wedding party member or family member to be in charge of delivering the goods, or call the center to which you wish to donate and ask about scheduling a post-event pickup.
emissions as a thoughtful favor alternative. These can easily be purchased from organizations like Maryland-based Carbonfund.org that supports renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects globally to reduce the threat of climate change as a result of carbon dioxide emissions. The Green Communities Offset Fund uses your carbon offset purchase funds to support the development of green, energy efficient (and carbonreducing) homes for low-income families.
get creative with invitations + favors. Invitations are a must, but typically involve a lot of paper and can be wasteful. When choosing your invitations, search for paper that is made from alternative fibers like hemp or bamboo, or one with a high-recycled content. Tara Guérard of Charleston-based Soirée has recently launched The Lettered Olive, a collection of environmentally friendly wedding invitations. The facility that prints the papers uses wind-powered energy to print on the cardstock papers made of reclaimed cotton fibers using vegetable oil-based inks. If you’ve got a lot of event information to convey to guests, forgo multiple cards in your invite. Instead, include one small card that will send them to a website for all of the wedding details. Save paper at the reception by placing menus at the entrance, or one menu per table instead of each place setting. If personalized place cards are a must for you, utilize the same environmentally friendly printing practices (recycled paper and soy or vegetable oil-based inks). For weddings requiring a considerable amount of travel, consider buying carbon offsets for guests to compensate for the
the green gown. Your dress is probably one of the most important details of your event … so how can you ensure it also has a positive impact on the environment? As the green trend grows, so does the number of green gown options. Designer Adele Wechsler created an Eco Couture collection, made with certified organic hemp and silk blend fabric, recycled lace and remnant fabric, and vegetable dyes. Deborah Lindquist uses vintage lace and recycled leather to add accents and creative touches to her line of bridal gowns, created from fabrics like hemp/silk organza and organic linen. Purchasing a sample dress or “off the rack” is another way to ensure a positive environmental impact. There’s no shipping and no new fabric needs to be cut to create your gown. “I purchased a discontinued dress, so the sample hanging in the store became mine instead of the pattern having to be cut, made and shipped to me,” says Beale. You can also take the recycled route. Bridal e-boutiques such as Once Wed, Encore Bridal and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com allow you to buy a dress that’s already been worn, and then re-list it once your event is over.
THE “FERN” GOWN from Adele Wechsler’s Eco Couture collection.
Your entire wedding doesn’t have to be green to make it an eco-chic event. Incorporating elements here and there can make a difference, too. “If every couple made just one green choice, that would be 2.5 million green choices a year,” says Harrison. “The more eco-friendly elements you can include, the better. But if
you have your heart set on a certain dress, or can’t convince your caterer to compost, don’t feel too bad about it. Do what you can and know it can make a difference.” • Melissa G. Lamkin is a Charlotte, NC-based freelance writer who regularly contributes to the Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Magazine and Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine. spring 2009
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Breaks
Dealing with Sports-Related Injuries BY KATHERINE KLEIN
Not only do we know the joy of physical activity; we know how hard it is when injury prevents us from doing those activities, especially when we’re hurt while doing the very thing we love.
A blizzard did not stop me that morning last February from going on my planned five-mile run. I had a busy day ahead and I badly wanted to start it off with 45 minutes of my favorite outdoor activity. I thought I would be alright if I ran slowly, sticking to quiet neighborhood streets and a familiar park. After a few minutes, however, I realized the snow was coming down hard and piling up fast. Still, I kept running. I was nearly home, completing the last stretch of the park, when a pickup truck approached. Carefully, I slowed my pace and moved to the side of the unplowed road. Just as the truck pulled alongside me, however, my right foot slipped. I sat down hard on my left ankle and felt something pop deep inside. When I stood up, the ankle did not feel right. I limped the remaining half-mile home, humiliated and with a feeling worse than the physical pain—the feeling that I wouldn’t run again for a long time. A few blocks from my house, a woman offered me a ride home in her mini-van. She took one look at me and nodded. “I’m a runner,” she said. “That’s happened to me, too.” 22
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Active women share a bond. Not only do we know the joy of physical activity; we know how hard it is when injury prevents us from doing those activities, especially when we’re hurt while doing the very thing we love. Some women have been slowed down by aging bodies or sickness, but many others have injured themselves by running too many miles, biking while fatigued, or straining during a yoga class. But even with the best prevention or the most cautious approach, injuries do occur.
Talk About the Passion Tracy Lott, 31, from Atlanta, says that even though she’s currently injured, nothing could replace running. “I guess that’s part of being passionate about something,” she says. She’s taking a whole year off from running due to a knee problem that developed over years of too much training and not enough cross-training. A college runner and former marathoner, Lott had
built up so much muscle in her legs from running, her kneecap was being pulled out of alignment. Her doctor said if she continued to run the way she had in the past, she soon wouldn’t be able to run at all. Lott is still recovering from her knee injury, but on the rare occasion she does run, she fees like a completely different runner. New core strength from yoga has made her body stronger while biking and elliptical machine workouts have kept her lungs and legs in shape. “It has taught me how important it is to keep running a part of my life,” she says. “Once upon a time my goals were focused around improving times and seeing how many marathons I could run. Now my number one priority is to stay healthy so running can continue to be a part of my life over the next few decades.
Identity Crisis Bethany Harry, a 28-year-old physical therapist in Winston-Salem, NC, rup-
tured a tendon in her ankle during a run last July. She had surgery in September to repair the torn tendons and started physical therapy eight weeks after the surgery. As a physical therapist herself, she understood many aspects of the surgery and the recovery, but that didn’t make the time away from running any easier. “The knowledge does not suppress the emotional aspect of an injury,” she says. “Running has forever been a part of my identity.” Harry says that patiently waiting is the hardest part of being injured, but her perspective has changed over the years; now she is happy she can bike and swim while she works toward a full recovery.
New Balance Laurie Mehler, a triathlete and race director with the Richmond Triathlon Club in Virginia, says that injury doesn’t have to stop you. In fact, a season of forced recovery can lead to new activities, and a new attitude. There are an infinite number of solutions for women who face injury, even if that means stepping back. Time off to focus on family, business, mind, and spirit can even be a gift. When Stephanie Lareau was a college freshman, she was hit by an SUV while road biking. The crash completely fractured her right forearm, halting her favorite outdoor activity, mountain biking. She couldn’t commute on a bike to class. She also missed out on a planned SCUBA trip to the Florida Keys, but she stayed active. “I shifted to running,” she says. She also rode stationary bikes at the gym. It took a long time to build up the arm strength needed to ride a mountain bike the way she had before, and to recover from the mental challenge of biking on the road, where cars became a source of worry. Now a fourth-year med student at Wake Forest University, Lareau suggests talking to experts who participate in a new sport before giving it a try. “They can often give you tips and make learning much easier since you can learn from their mistakes.” Amy McGinnis of Winston-Salem, NC, injured her back two years after getting serious about her yoga practice. “I was shocked,” she says. “Who knew you could get injured doing yoga?” New to yoga and enthusiastic, she had been pushing her-
An Ounce of Prevention For Kathy Jacobs, 56, an exercise physiologist and personal trainer in High Point, NC, an existing strain turned into a sudden injury when, in a competitive situation, the pain suddenly moved to her hip. She has faced injury before, including chronic back pain, but in this case, she actually feared she would never run again because even walking was painful. “I tried to push myself and do too much speed when I was not ready for it,” says Jacobs. After being sidelined, it’s hard not to look back and wonder, like Jacobs did, what you could have done to prevent an injury. “Common sense can help prevent most injuries,” says Dr. Daryl Rosenbaum, a physician and assistant professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Simple measures like starting a new activity slowly, increasing duration gradually and using the right equipment will go a long way to stopping an injury before it starts. It’s also important to pay attention to what Nothing can replace running for Tracy Lott. your body is telling you. Pain, Rosenbaum says, is not a normal response to exercise but rather a sign that something is wrong. self in class beyond the point her teacher recommended. Her weakened back gave out suddenly while she sat on the floor Stephanie Lareau shifted to picking up her children’s toys. “You have running after an accident kept her from mountain biking. to be mindful,” McGinnis says in retrospect. “I wasn’t being mindful.” After two months away from yoga, she slowly started back. She remains cautious about her practice, but she’s also wiser. “Sometimes you have to slow down your life,” she says. “Yoga teaches that.” Betsy Armentrout, 36, of Winston-Salem, NC, developed a persistent soreness in her piriformis (a large pelvic muscle) nearly two years ago, but she didn’t stop running. “I ran with it or through it for several months,” she says, but the soreness didn’t go away; in fact it led to soreness elsewhere, such as in her hamstrings. Eventually it got to the point that she dreaded running. After running through the pain for a long time, Armentrout discovered that a more moderate approach and a new activity—yoga—would help keep her healthy. “If I don’t take that time away from running, I won’t be running at all,” she says. “You have to find a way to achieve that balance.” spring 2009
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health bites By Kirsten Ott
baby mine Trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization? Atlanta-based Reproductive Biology Associates recently opened the Reproductive Biology Egg Bank, the only donor egg bank in the United States that routinely uses the vitrification freezing process (but not the only one freezing eggs). Recipients can even select a donor online. myeggbank.com.
seeing is believing Losing weight is challenging—there’s regulating your caloric intake, motivating yourself to exercise, getting the right nutrition and resisting temptations at parties or even at home. Success coaches often recommend visualizing yourself reaching your goal, so seeing yourself thinner might give you the surge of encouragement you need. Upload your photo for free at weightview. com to see yourself transformed into a slimmer version. Amy McGinnis achieved balance through yoga. It’s never a bad idea to see a physician when you suspect you might have an injury.
The Healing Process “It is tough to recommend one best way to treat all injuries,” says Rosenbaum, “but when in doubt, at the onset of an injury remember the acronym RICE.” Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, he says, will prevent further aggravation of a sudden (or acute) injury, and the same techniques can treat symptoms of a stress injury. Admitting that you need medical attention—that a sore knee or tight back won’t get better on its own—is often the first step to recovery. Then, after the diagnosis, a good attitude is a key component of a quick and thorough recovery, says Scott Oliaro, a staff athletic trainer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Oliaro tries to get his patients to accept the fact that they are injured and they need to take responsibility to get better. His best patients approach recovery with the same energy and positive attitude they might throw into a game or a race. You can take a practical tip from me, the “expert” runner: don’t run in a blizzard. Now that my left ankle is fully recovered, except for a tiny lack of flexibility, I can honestly say my bout with injury last winter has made me a more balanced person. I no longer run every day, but mix in walking or yoga every other day. I’m also more cautious about taking risks on the road, remembering that one day off is a small price to pay for the joy and freedom of having a healthy body. • Katherine Klein lives, writes and runs in Ithaca, NY. 24
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sleep on it Think you don’t have enough time to get that extra hour of shuteye? It’s worth more than you might think. New research from the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that just one extra hour of sleep a day could lower the risk of developing calcium deposits in the arteries, a precursor to heart disease.
share yourself If you’re ever feeling alone in your emotions—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a recent diagnosis of a health condition, dealing with stress on the job or at home—there are millions out there fretting about the very same things. With Experience Project, a multimillion-member support community, you can anonymously share what’s going on with you and read about other people’s lives. experienceproject.com.
hip or hype? The superfood on everybody’s lips right now is the açaí (ah-sigh-ee) berry. The high-energy berry of the Amazon palm tree is packed with antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats, but little research has been done on its ability to speed up weight loss or increase energy. Medical experts advise getting it in juice or frozen form at your local grocery store—not capsules or pills.
Healthcare Tailored Just for Kids When it comes to your child’s healthcare, one-size doesn’t fit all. The team of pediatric specialists at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital (CCCH) in Roanoke, Va., recognizes that each patient is a unique individual, no matter their size. Our team of healthcare experts provides an environment tailored to support the comprehensive needs of your child and family. The subspecialty areas at CCCH include pediatric surgery, critical care, neurosurgery, genetics, psychology, gastroenterology, cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology, hematology/oncology and radiation oncology. With this group of experienced pediatric specialists, you can be confident that your child will receive the care she needs close to home.
For more information about services at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, call 266-6000 or 1-800-422-8482. www.CarilionClinic.org/childrens
meditation101
BY KIRSTEN OTT
The practice of being still, and how it can positively affect your health and your life.
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ing—and nothing else. From there, the world of meditation is your oyster. There are guided meditations, solitary silence, walking meditation circles, retreats, temples, and entire communities devoted to finding inner peace through meditation. A plethora of meditation variations exist, and a trip to a bookstore or the Internet will provide the education, if you yearn to know the 2,000-year story of Buddhism. Though it’s important to note that you needn’t change your religion to enjoy the grounding powers of meditation. Swamiji Nithyananda, a world-renowned leader in the practice, is quoted as saying, “Meditation is nothing but a preparation to rediscover the state of bliss that is already inside you.” A visit to a meditation center, a class, or a retreat will provide the beginning of a life or could be the catalyst of change in your life. Slowing life down with the focus of meditation helped Kara Danner, 37, of Washington, DC. A member of the Insight Meditation Community of DC, Danner attends meditation classes weekly. “I love it,” she gushes. “There’s a bunch of things offered in the community: retreats, programs and events. But what I really like— and am committed to—is a weekly program. Teacher Tara Brach starts off with 30 minutes of quiet meditation, and then she does an hour-long talk after that with moments of silent reflection in between.” Danner became interested in meditation when it was offered as part of a business conference curriculum several years ago, but when her personal life got rocky within the last year, she found herself yearning for more self-reflection. “Taking some time to settle down and look inward has been remarkable for me,” she says. “It’s not easy. It can be painful sometimes, but it brings a sense of clarity like nothing
else that I’ve experienced before.” In addition to helping us deal with the emotional stress of life, meditation offers a multitude of other health benefits. Along with having better posture and lowered blood pressure, which can lower your risk for heart disease, Muse says meditation is “helpful with sickness and dying—for both the patient and the caretaker. There’s a lot of anxiety involved, but meditation helps you relax and let go.” One draw for meditation, then, is the allure of silence and stillness. “The first thing that happens with meditation is you sit down and stop the body. Then the mind has a place to come home to. So we’re really talking about making friends with ourselves, taking a journey inward and rediscovering ourselves,” Muse says, “And then you can see what’s going on around you.” • Kirsten Ott is an Atlanta-based writer specializing in lifestyle, travel, art and dining. For more about her and to read more of her works, visit kirstenott.com.
SCOTT ANDERSON
We’re busy creatures, us humans. Everything’s whizzing by as we rush out the door in the morning to work, race to beat the clock on projects and deadlines, shoveling our quick meals in our hungry mouths as we go. We extend this frantic lifestyle to our children, as our parents did to us. We are always on the go. It is the American way. Achieving success takes all our time—we have none of it left to give ourselves, or do we? What would we gain if we were to stop, sit and be absolutely silent and completely still? The world would not leave us, as we might fear. It would wait for us, available as soon as we came back, but we would return to it differently, with a heightened sense of self-awareness and be able to connect to the world and its inhabitants much better. This is just one aspect of the practice of meditation, but it is a very important one, as it is a major draw for people who are drowning in life, for whatever reason. But you don’t have to be in inner turmoil to meditate. “I think most people come to meditation because they have a feeling that they’d like to connect more in their lives, and they’d like to have more sense that they’re actually living their lives, that it’s not just passing them by,” says Jackie Muse, practice and education director of the Atlanta Shambhala Center, of which she is a founding member. “Especially in our culture, it seems like life gets speedier and speedier as we go along so people have a feeling that their mind is racing. Some people that I instruct say they don’t feel like they have control of their mind, like their mind is driving them crazy, pulling them along.” So what does it mean to meditate? The basic practice of meditation begins with sitting cross-legged, spine upright, eyes closed and concentrating on your breath-
nutr ition
spring greens
put a spring in your step at the farmers market By Kath Younger
One of the best things about spring (other than warmer temperatures and sprouting flowers!) is the long-awaited opening of the farmers market. After a winter of grubby root vegetables, bushels of bright green springtime produce glistening in the early morning sunshine make healthy eating all the more appealing. That is, until you get them home to your kitchen. We all know what to do with asparagus and spinach, but how do you cook mustard greens, fennel, and artichoke? When choosing produce to put into your reusable bag, always look for vegetables you’d want to photograph. They should be free of blemishes, bruises and browning, all of which can indicate damage. You’ll want to store vegetables in the refrigerator crisper and use them as soon as possible, or at least within 3-4 days. It’s a good idea to go to the market with a few recipes in mind so you’ll have a plan for each vegetable and your produce won’t sit in the fridge forgotten.
first you’ll want to wash it, pull off the lower leaves, and cut off the stem to create a flat bottom. Then cut the tips of the petals off, about half an inch down. To steam an artichoke, place it on a rack above two inches of boiling water, cover and steam for 30-45 minutes, or until an inner petal pulls out easily. If you’d like to keep it bright green, add a little lemon or vinegar to the water to raise the acidity. To serve, eat the artichoke in its simplest form by dunking the petals into a dip, such as thick Greek yogurt mixed with dill, your favorite salad dressing or hummus, and pull the buttery meat out with your teeth. After steaming, artichokes can also be grilled or stuffed.
now a little more about some springtime all-stars:
mustard greens Mustard greens are just what you think: the greens of the plant that produces mustard seeds. Full of antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin C along with vitamin K, vitamin B6, folic acid, beta-carotene and manganese (among others), it’s no surprise mom told you to eat your greens. But that doesn’t have to mean a pile of mush. To prepare mustard greens, break out your salad spinner and give them a wash and rinse. Then trim the greens from the thick stems and cut into pieces. Soften the bitterness of the greens by simmering them in a small amount of water mixed with a few tablespoons of maple syrup. To serve, toss with chopped nuts, dried fruit pieces and a drizzle of syrup on top. ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Kath shares her recipes for fresh seasonal salads at readbreathe.com.
fennel
artichoke Artichokes are chock full of potassium and are also a great source of vitamin C, folate and magnesium. At the market, choose one that feels heavy for its size. If its petals squeak when rubbed against one another, you’ll know it’s super fresh. You’ve had them canned before and over pasta in restaurants, but what do you do with this funny flower of a vegetable at home? The nutty-tasting artichoke can be boiled, steamed or baked until tender, but
More like an herb than a vegetable, all parts of the aromatic fennel plant can be eaten, from the white bulb to the feathered greens and stalks. Fennel contains a host of antioxidants, including phytonutrients and flavonoids that reduce inflammation. Fennel is an excellent source of vitamin C along with manganese and potassium—all for only 26 calories per cup. Crunchy, sweet fennel has a slight licorice flavor, but don’t let that keep you from putting it in your bag! Its flavor goes perfectly with citrus fruits, avocado and sunflower seeds for a simple salad or baked with salmon and capers and served over quinoa. To prepare a fennel bulb, slice off the base and the greens (save them for garnish) and cut vertically through the bulb, slicing it into long strips.
fennel + beet salad Kath Younger writes the popular healthy food blog Kath Eats Real Food, which you’ll find at katheats.com. Having lost over 30 pounds since graduating from college, Kath is now studying to become a registered dietitian and lives in Charlotte, NC. spring 2009
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“My daughter told me ‘black people don’t fly fish,’” says Carolyn Harvey, 60, of Largo, MD. “I proved her wrong.”
A Breast Cancer Survivor on the Fly The Calm, and CamAraderie of Fly Fishing BY LINDSEY GROSSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS GRAVES
Carolyn was first intrigued by the idea of fly fishing when she saw a flyer in the elevator at the Washington Cancer Institute for a Casting for Recovery retreat. She’d never been the outdoorsy type, but saw an opportunity for a new adventure and applied. Casting for Recovery, a non-profit that caters to women with breast cancer, organizes fly fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors to help them both mentally and physically in their healing process. Relying on the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and donations, the two-day fly fishing retreats are free—and priceless—for participants. First as a participant and now as a devoted volunteer, Carolyn helps other women find hope and healing through fly fishing. A breast cancer survivor of 17 years, Carolyn was first diagnosed in 1992, when her doctor discovered a mass in her left breast. “I was shocked to no end,” she recalls. “During the time from the biopsy and seeing the doctor the next week, it never entered my mind that it would be malignant. I was 44 years-old.” After a partial mastectomy and six weeks of radiation, Carolyn has been cancer-free for 16 years. Carolyn attended her first Casting for Recovery retreat in 2003. Far into her remission, she appreciated her ability to provide encouragement to some of the other women who were still undergoing, or not too far out of treatment. “It was a wonderful experience,” she says. “I got to meet an incredible bunch of women in the participants and staff. All of us were in different stages of treatment or survivorship. Putting on the waders and boots was an adventure in itself,” she laughs. Carolyn was hooked. And it didn’t take long for her to realize she wanted to do Cancer survivor Carolyn Harvey ties one on.
more: more fly fishing as well as more for the organization. “The bonding with each other was remarkable,” she says. “The fishing was fun and I knew that I wanted to do more. The staff was full of wonderful women and they saw to our every need. I thought, ‘I’d like to be a part of this.’” The Chesapeake Women Anglers generously gave each participant a free one-year membership to their group. Carolyn took advantage of this gift by attending some of their outings. And it wasn’t long before she got involved as a volunteer with Casting for Recov-
tic because it doesn’t take brute strength,” she says, explaining the benefits of the sport. “The casting techniques are an extension of your arm and wrist, which is great for soft tissue mobility. Some of the scenery is breathtaking. It makes me appreciate all the more of what God can do.” For Carolyn, it’s really about the tranquility and sereneness of it all. “Sometimes you don’t catch anything, you get a few nibbles. And some days you don’t even get a nibble. But just standing out there is so peaceful and relaxing.” However, she can’t deny the thrill of the
Casting for Recovery Retreats This year, 43 retreats in 28 states will help women in their bouts with breast cancer. The following retreats in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions are still accepting applications: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia Where: Lake Logan Center, Canton, NC When: August 14-16 Application deadline: June 5 Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware Where: Rising Phoenix Retreat Center, Flintstone, MD When: October 2-4 Application deadline: July 24 For more info, visit castingforrecovery.org. ery as the Participant & Gift Bag Coordinator for the 2005 Maryland retreat. Currently, she’s serving her second year as Lead Coordinator for the Virginia retreat, held in May. Carolyn says having cancer has made her so much more aware, and in turn, involved. She not only volunteers with Casting for Recovery, but has also volunteered in several positions over the past 15 years with the American Cancer Society, and speaks on breast health awareness. This is all in addition to her full-time job. “I have to sometimes be reminded to slow down and take time for me,” she says. Although she doesn’t get to fish as often as she’d like, Carolyn does spend some of her “me” time on the river. “Fly fishing is therapeu-
catch. “Oh wow, it’s exciting!” she gushes. “You just want to yell and holler but you know you’re fishing so you can’t be yelling and screaming and jumping up and down.” Still, Carolyn’s daughter wasn’t too far off the mark with her statement. That’s why Carolyn has made it her mission to get more women of color involved in Casting for Recovery. Through her efforts, a lot more African-American women have been applying to the program and she’s also working on getting the word out to the Hispanic community. “I’ve enjoyed being a part of CFR so much and I want others to experience that same joy.” • Lindsey Grossman is the editor of Breathe.
CAST AWAY: Carolyn shows off her casting skills.
Vegging Out There is an epiphanal moment in our adult lives that I’ll call the “Nutritional Awakening.” For some, it’s a dire situation brought on by health concerns or first-time pregnancy. For others, it’s inspired by a book like Skinny Bitch, read at precisely the right time. For me, it was Joe, a personal trainer in über-fit Boulder, Colorado, where I moved at age 23. The wall behind the gym’s front desk held photos of Olympic snowboarders, skiers and runners, all autographed for Joe. “Couldn’t have done it without you, man,” read one. Needless to say, the first time I felt Joe’s eyes on me during a workout, I was terrified that I wouldn’t live up to his holiest of standards. “Where you from?” he asked when I’d completed my set. “Ohio,” I replied. “Tell me about your diet,” he said, smiling. “Ummm,” I stammered, not sure what he wanted to know. “You’re a meat-eater, right? Milk and cheese too?” “Yeah,” I nodded proudly. “I make sure I drink at least one glass of milk every day.” Joe crossed his tanned arms over his regal pecs. “I can smell it on you,” he said, wrinkling his chiseled nose. “The cow is a disgusting human experiment.” I spent several days in mortified confusion. What ever happened to “Milk, it does a body good?” Soon afterward, I developed a voracious appetite for any and all literature regarding healthy food. I scoured the Internet for information on superfoods, raw foods, whole foods, organic foods, seasonal foods, locally grown foods. Apparently, my eating habits were all wrong. Even my choice of grocery store was wrong. I wanted to learn more, I wanted to fit in in this new town, where everyone looked like an athlete. So I went to the Mecca of nutrition: Whole Foods. Over the course of the next few months, I enrolled in a six-week whole foods cooking course. I learned to decipher labels—high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and words I could not pronounce indicated items 30
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BY JAYME OTTO
to be avoided. My new friend Joe was pleased with my progress. He shared his “if you can’t kill it or grow it, don’t eat it” philosophy. I cut out foods with labels all together. Soon the Nutritional Awakening spilled into other areas of my life. I regarded my home cleaning products with suspicion. Were they non-toxic, biodegradable, all-natural? What about my beauty products—my makeup, my lotion, my deodorant? The ingredients were even creepier than those in processed foods—petrochemicals and carcinogens—all waiting to be slurped up by my unsuspecting skin. Was nothing sacred? Only when my entire life had been overhauled did I find a sense of peace. My vegan world of whole grains, legumes, nuts, organic seasonal fruits and vegetables, filtered water, natural deodorant, and Bare Minerals makeup kept me safe. I was converted, walking undetected through Boulder’s nutritionally elite. Smell me now, Joe. Then I went back to Ohio to visit my family. “There are leftovers in the fridge if you haven’t had lunch,” my mother said upon my arrival. Great! I ripped open the fridge door and investigated. Whole milk, Kraft cheese, deli meat, iceberg lettuce, last night’s spaghetti and meatballs, Diet Coke. Strike one. I flung open the pantry door. Macaroni and cheese, canned soup, Captain Crunch, white bread, Doritos. Strike two. I turned to the kitchen counter fruit basket. Red and green apples. I selected a Red Delicious, took one bite, and spit it out in the sink. Strike three. I could literally taste the pesticides. And what was that waxy stuff? “There’s nothing to eat in this house,” I yelled to my mom upstairs. She came running down. “What are you talking about?” she said. “This house is full of food. You must just not be hungry.” With my dad, I thought I’d have a little more leverage, due to his recent triple bypass heart surgery. “Do you really think you should be eating
bacon with your eggs, Dad?” I asked as gently as I could the next morning. “Well I don’t want to eat any carbs, you know,” he replied. “Have you heard of the Atkins diet?” As it turns out, my parents were less than enthusiastic over my newfound healthy food fanaticism. But worse was the contention that arose from it. Sharing a family meal is such a simple pleasure, and apparently I had ruined it. Then an interesting shift occurred. Perhaps it was due to Dr. Atkins’ untimely death. One day, my mom called me up and requested a recipe for beets. Real beets. Not beets from a can. “Dad’s doctor said they’re good for his heart,” she confided. The next time I was in for a visit, she made those beets. She also had brown eggs in the fridge—organic from free-range hens. “If the hens can roam free and the eggs are unfertilized, maybe you could eat them?” she suggested. Perhaps it was due to Joe’s move to California, but I obliged. That morning, we all sat down to breakfast together—scrambled eggs, oven-roasted beets and fresh squeezed orange juice from an old juicer I found in the basement. They weren’t organic oranges, but I realized that some things were more important. As I shared the first real meal with my parents in seven years, I chewed on this: the Nutritional Awakening is an unfolding that leads to more vibrant health and well-being. It doesn’t have to be a revolution to be an evolution. • Jayme Otto lives and writes in Boulder, Colorado, where she’s been known to eat an occasional buffalo burger. She is the Assistant Editor for Elevation Outdoors magazine.
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