I label therefore I am.

Hey Guys,
Today we laid the ground work for the next chapter at MBG-Moorpark and MBG-LA, I am very excited about  our progress and prospects for the future.
Today I want to talk about "Labels" and the hangups, judgement and assumptions that come with them.  I am going to be dealing with "Labels" regarding how we eat.  Lets look at a few.

1. Omnivore:  eats both plant and animal-based foods.
2. Flexitarian: inclined to mostly eat vegetarian, but sometimes adds meat.
3. Vegetarian: eats no meat, including fish and shellfish, or any animal byproducts; also known as a lacto-ovo vegetarian (eats dairy and eggs).
4. Lacto-vegetarian: a vegetarian who eats diary products, but not eggs.
5. Ovo-vegetarian: a vegetarian who eats eggs, but not dairy products.
6. Pescetarian: a vegetarian who eats fish (may also avoid factory farmed fish).
7. Vegan: eats no meat, eggs or dairy, and no animal derived ingredients, like gelatin, honey or whey; usually also excludes wearing and other uses of animal products, such as leather, wool, angora and cashmere.
8.  Raw: consists of only unprocessed Vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
9.  Macrobiotic: consumes unprocessed Vegan foods and sometimes, fish generally avoids refined oils, flours and sugars.
10. Fruitarian: eats only plant foods that can be harvested without harming the plant.

Wow, now this does not include all the different diets just the labels for "recognized" labels from the International Vegetarian Union.   Really?? a Union?

As you know at MBG we recommend a  "PLANT BASED" diet, we use those words for a specific reason to avoid all the stigma and judgement that comes with each of the "labels" above.  Our brains have a need to make things ordered for memory and association so it takes a concerted effort to stop judging and labeling.  "The primary cause of disorder in ourselves is the seeking of reality promised by another..." Krishnamurti  although Krishnamurti was speaking of the spiritual self it is also true for your nutritional self, we must each seek to know ourselves, our body and how to provide it with nutrition for optimal health, vitality and wellness.  In order to do this each individual must embark on a journey of self-discovery find out what micro nutrient profile works best for them, what foods give them energy, what foods are energy toxins for them, what preparation strategy works best, and what habits/attitudes they must change to create the best strategy for their optimal wellness.
So let go of the "labels", focus on being the individual, unique and special human being you are, engage yourself in a process of discovery with a childlike sense of play and open mindedness.  We will help to guide you on your journey and I am sure we will learn as much from you as you do from us.
Your mission if you should choose to take it.....start the journey.

Be safe brothers and sisters,
Kevin

Mooooooving Forward

The yard sale is done.  Check that off the list, the Goodwill run is done. Check and Check.  The new house is amazing and I am so grateful that a fortunate series of events happened so we can move there.  As you know there can be a lot of stress and anxiety involved in the moving process.  I have been treating this move as I do any project that I work on, develop a plan, make a check list, execute the plan then evaluate the plan, evolve the plan and keep on moving.  Thus there is not as much stress and less potential for mess up on my 60 day challenge goals. 

MBG1: Training
Today the plan was get some movement in while executing the moving plan.  Lots and lots of lifting, reaching, pulling and a ton of walking.  Also, Ashlyn (my daughter) and I hit the trampoline at the New Casa de Dos Miquitos and had a lot of fun and a few laughs too.  As well as I felt obligated to get Sara (Dixon's dog) acclimated to the new environment which meant a perimeter walk and a lot of chase.  She is  a pit bull and has no concept of that retriever thing.  Worked up a good sweat doing both.  It doesn't have to be all about sets and reps folks.

MBG2: Restoration
I did some yoga today at various points to keep my low back loose and picked up a rest posture from Rodney Yee from his article in the Well Being Journal.   Legs up against the wall, great stress reliever and circulation builder. 

MBG3: Plant Based Nutrition
Today was so busy no time for sit down meals so I declared it a grazing day for myself and did so.  Apple here and there, rice chips and hummus while doing the yard sale,  a yam on a break, and we had a late dinner at Natural Cafe "Buddha Burrito" was the awesome!  Ash and I had a talk about quality of food, she has been having tummy troubles (nausea after meals, can you say food allergy? I knew that you could!) so we talked about better quality of foods and avoidance of any food that makes her ill.  She had soup and half sandwich at NC and as were walking out "Its amazing I feel great after eating that" .  I just smiled and nodded having had the same realization the past week.  Leading by example and walking the walk created that moment for me.  So, big Thank you to the Silverback (Jon Hinds) for the come to Jesus meeting. 

Starting to notice the physical changes now too.  More energy, better moods, increased quality of life and my teen aged daughter actually liked me today.  Good things are a happenin. 

Be Safe Brothers and Sisters,
Kevin