Walking On Sunshine: All The Reasons To Get Outside Right Now 🌞
Miracles in food news and a scientific argument for chasing sunsets.
4 min read
DYE ANOTHER DAY
Food giant Kraft Heinz announced this week their commitment to remove all artificial food dyes in the next two years, and General Mills was quick to follow suit, announcing their own plans to start with K-12 school foods, eliminating all dyes by 2027. This is an example of the rising tide lifting all boats and a win for those in the movement against big food. And while it comes on the heels of very unsettling news from the very same department of health services, raising further concerns over the future of vaccines, I stand by my belief that we have to celebrate the victories in light of the challenges. ✌🏻
PRAISE CHEESES
🧀 Now, here is the type of wellness news I get excited about! Cheese has long been considered an enemy of healthy living, owing to both its saturated fat content as well its high rank on the list of inflammatory foods. But new research shows us that 1) not all saturated fats are “bad” (check out my interview with Fatty15 founder Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson for more on this) and 2) depending on the type of cheese, it may actually help stave off inflammation. Examples: feta and goat cheeses, due to their natural fermentation process, or grass-fed cheeses like ricotta and Swiss, which contain higher levels of alpha-linoleic acid, linked to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. More info here, and a pro tip for my lactose intolerants out there: Swiss and all types of Cabot cheddar are naturally lactose-free. Christ on a cracker, this is some good news!
MORE THAN WORDS
A question to ponder:
Is the life you are living now a result of your choices or your fears?
HERE’S A TIP, MAKE THE CHANGE
Safe to say that no matter where you live in the USA, the weather has been GNARLY lately (she typed from the couch wrapped in a dry sweatshirt and socks). That said, we have to remain flexible, and as the Scandinavians say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” But when the sun is actually shining, there are myriad benefits to getting out in it (using whatever SPF level you believe in):
👁️ Your eyes: Optic Flow is the antidote to the headaches and tired eyes that come with staring at a screen for hours at a time. Getting out in the world gives you a better sense of panoramic vision, which generates optic flow, allowing you take in more than what’s ten inches in front of you.
👟Your workout: Trail running or even walking outdoors is more challenging than being on a treadmill. It engages your full cognitive and reflex system, as the variety in the terrain helps keep your body alert and nimble. All those episodes of The Last of Us will still be streamable on the treadmill in the dead of storm season. Press pause and get out in the air.
🧠 Your nervous system: Panoramic view can help reduce anxiety. When we are in a state of stress, our vision literally narrows, so allowing it a chance to expand can be a natural stress reliever and mood booster. Gazing at a horizon, for example, helps to relax the field of vision, making sunset an even happier hour.
😴 Your sleep: Once more, with feeling! Early morning light, late afternoon light, all the sunlight all the time. Especially in cases of jet lag or poor sleep patterns, chase it as often as you can get it for maximum circadian benefit.
Go on and get out there, don’t it feel good?
📣 PSA: Friends on the East End! For some excellent outdoor activity this weekend, check out my buddy Kristin McGee’s upcoming class at Gurney’s in Montauk! She’s the OG Peloton yoga expert setting off on new adventures, and this class is gonna be amazing.
Go for the 60-minute Core & Calm, stay for the killer gift bags and the most gorgeous of NY beach settings. More info and signup here.
Happy weekend, all! Just get out and do something!
