Introduction:
Have you ever thought about staying healthy and strong? It’s like going on an adventure, a journey where we learn to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, this journey can be as exciting as a big trip, just like my special walk on El Camino de Santiago. Let’s talk about what I learned on this amazing journey and why it’s important to follow healthy tips from functional medicine. Also, I’ll tell you about a fun weekend I had with my granddaughter and how it taught me a big lesson.
El Camino de Santiago: A Path to Feeling Better:
Imagine walking on a long path that’s really old and famous. That’s what El Camino de Santiago is! It’s like a special journey people take in Spain. I did it too, and it changed how I think about my health. For 45 days, I walked and talked with other people walking with me. It felt great to be connected with nature and learn new things about myself.
Before the journey, I followed some smart ideas from functional medicine. It’s like a set of rules that help us stay strong and happy. I ate good foods like fruits, veggies, lean meats, and healthy fats. I made sure to rest well, stay calm with things like deep breathing, and I did some easy exercises to keep my body moving.
Weekend Treats with My Granddaughter:
After my big journey, I was excited to see my granddaughter. We had a special weekend together, and guess what? We went for treats! Ice cream and yummy junk food sounded fun, so we enjoyed them. But guess what happened next?
Eating too much sugary and not-so-healthy food made me feel not so good. I couldn’t sleep well, felt tired, and even got sick. It was like my body was telling me, “Hey, that’s not good for me!” It made me realize how important it is to make good choices, even when having treats.
Why Functional Medicine Is Cool:
Functional medicine is like a helpful guide for staying healthy. It reminds us that everything is connected – our body, feelings, and mind. Just like El Camino de Santiago taught me. Eating good foods, sleeping well, and being calm are all part of it.
This is even more important when you have a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eating Right:
Think about food as beyond being fuel for your body, as medicine. If you eat good stuff, your body will work better. Veggies, fruits, and lean meats are like superfoods. But eating too much sugar and junk can mess things up. So, it’s better to choose good foods most of the time.
Sugar Story:
Oh, sugar! It can make you feel happy for a little while, but then you crash. That’s not fun. Too much sugar can also make your tummy upset and your body tired. Sugar can mess up your gut microbiome.
Sleep and Rest:
Sleep is like magic for your body. When you sleep well, your body fixes itself and makes you feel good. But not sleeping enough can make you feel tired and grumpy. So, having a good sleep routine is like a secret to feeling great.
Conclusion:
My journey getting ready for and on El Camino de Santiago plus the weekend with my granddaughter taught me a lot. Staying healthy is like a puzzle – you need to do many things right. Eating good food, getting good sleep, and being calm are like puzzle pieces. When you put them together, you feel amazing! Functional medicine helps us understand this puzzle. So, let’s remember: making good choices every day helps us stay strong and happy, just like on a big adventure!