The Zombie Apocalypse is upon us...

Not these kind of Zombies....

Or even these kind of Zombies...

What I'm referring to, are those folks that are so out of touch with BEING ALIVE that they don't even know what being truly alive feels like!

They are so brain-washed by advertising that they don't even know what real food tastes like anymore.  They are so used to numbing every sensation with chemicals, whether prescribed by an M.D. or self-dosed, pharmaceutical or recreational, that they don't even know what a normally functioning mind and body should feel like.  They are so used to plopping in front of the television that they have forgotten how to communicate, or even how refreshing it can be to go for a walk on the beach, or in the woods, or even around their own neighborhood.  They have no idea what it is to disconnect from technology, and connect with themselves and those around them.

So many of us are screen-hypnotized, caffeinated, sugar-addicted, pharmaceutically-manipulated, instant gratification-seeking ZOMBIES!

WAKE UP!

There is a world out there where it's possible to be blown away by the beauty that abounds.  Our bodies are capable of so much more than we give them credit for! Like the butterfly my mother just hatched from her garden, despite being seemingly dormant, amazing things continue to go on within our bodies and minds that we are unaware of on the surface, but if we break out of our self-imposed cocoon, miraculous things can happen. 

My best suggestion is to start small, but START.  Start making better choices.  Turn off the T.V.  Do something that scares you.  Start something new.  Try a new food. Talk to a stranger.  Charlie Tremendous Jones said, "You are the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read."  Break out of that rut and do something different!  And if you're looking for companions on your journey, come to the Wellness Club or come to the Wellness Center for guidance.

What is one thing you are going to do to make yourself naturally feel more alive today?

Living healthy on a budget

Impossible, you say? I've heard it all... "But doc, all I can afford is mac and cheese out of a box!" "But the dollar menu at Mickey D's is all I have money for..." Those, my friends, are words that stem from pure laziness.

Let me start from square one. Let's assume you live in a 200 square foot studio (for argument's sake), and the closest you come to a kitchen is a hotplate and a bar fridge. All hope is not lost. First of all, rice and beans are not only a complete protein, but pay a buck for a bag of each (if that) and you're eating for a week! They are easily flavored with herbs from a small window herb garden (a desk lamp with a fluorescent bulb will do the trick if your place is devoid of light). Other things you can grow inside? Salad greens, tomatoes, and peppers can all make it with a grow light, however, if you have a "black thumb" all hope is not lost! Frozen veggies are an excellent economical option. The methods used these days regarding harvesting and flash-freezing are so effective at preserving nutrients that in today's market, frozen can often be better than fresh that has been sitting in a warehouse, truck, or store for two weeks or more. Once something is harvested, it's nutrients immediately start breaking down. Flash-freezing stalls this process. Watch for sales and use coupons and stock up! Frozen veggies are always on sale and a whole bag can often be purchased for a dollar or less!

Another thing to remember when grocery shopping: The more packaging, processing and marketing, the higher the price! Stick with simple ingredients - eggs, milk, produce, beans, rice, and herbs - and you'll not only spend less, you'll be eating healthier!

As far as exercise goes, who needs a gym membership to get moving? My friend Godelieve Babey, a personal trainer, shows people how to use playgrounds, parks, and even their own backyard to get a good workout. Really, all you need is a good pair of sneakers and your imagination. A jump rope, a few cans of soup, a flight of stairs... all can be used to create a great workout that gets your heart pumping, muscles stronger, and nerve cells firing to make a healthier you!

But truly, the most powerful instrument you can use to be healthy and stay healthy is free and everyone comes into this world fully equipped with one. It's your mind. Refuse to harbor unhealthy thoughts. We cannot control the world around us, but we can control the world within us. Be kind to yourself, refuse to pass judgment, accept yourself and others... Love yourself, and healthy actions will simply be the logical choice. Now go and get 'em, tiger!