Quote of the day:

“Be the love you never received” <3

In a society shaped by social media, dwelling on our perceived flaws and conforming to unrealistic norms is easy. Though we're encouraged to love ourselves, judgments on appearance and behavior contradict this message. This struggle has been a personal battle for years, as we invest excessive time worrying about others' opinions. However, true self-love lies in being unapologetically ourselves, without being confined to societal expectations. Comparing ourselves to others on social media is a futile game. Instead, we should prioritize self-improvement, love ourselves, and embrace our uniqueness to find fulfillment. When I have a bad body or self-image day, I try to remember that you must love yourself, and the love you seek should come from you first. I know it’s easier said than done, but over time, they will start becoming second nature and help you build unshakeable self-love.

Running as a newbie-

After not running for a few years, I tried running the other day, and I loved it. I chose to run because Andrew Huberman recommends doing some amount of zone 2 cardio daily (~180 minutes/weekly). Some things I learned from starting running again

• Start slow, like really slow - the key to running distance is to ensure you keep a sustainable pace. My goal was far from decreasing my mile time, so I tried to slow down and reserve my energy.

• Warm-up and cool down - Before I go on a run, I recommend doing some sort of dynamic stretches. Dynamic warm-ups include active stretch movements that help prepare our muscles for physical activity. When you finish your run, implement static stretches; these are things like child pose or pigeon pose.

• Breath - During my recent runs, I have brought more attention to my breath. Emphasizing nose breathing while you run will help your stamina because you increase the oxygen your brain and muscles receive.

• Don’t worry about people around you - Something that I always think about but shouldn’t when running is what people are going to think. I still deal with this fear of judgment, but slowly, I’m overcoming it. At the end of the day, you are improving yourself, and if people have something to say, that is their problem. Also, I learned that what people think of us is none of our business, and it’s not personal. People can only meet us as far as they’ve met themselves, so if they are judging us, they are probably subconsciously facing some insecurity.

I am not an expert on running, but these are just a few tips that I think will help you improve or get started!

The Dangers of Seed Oils

Seed oils, also known as vegetable oils, are commonly used in cooking and food processing. While oils like olive oil and avocado oil are healthy, others like soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil can be problematic due to their high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Consuming excessive omega-6 fatty acids can lead to several health issues, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and obesity.

To avoid the potential dangers and damages of unhealthy seed oils, consider taking the following steps:

1. Opt for healthier alternatives: Choose oils rich in monounsaturated fats or omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil.

2. Read labels: Be cautious of processed and packaged foods, which often contain unhealthy seed oils. It’s important to check ingredient labels and avoid products with high amounts of soybean, corn, or other unhealthy oils.

3. Cook with stable oils: Seed oils high in polyunsaturated fats can oxidize and become harmful when exposed to high heat during cooking. Instead, use stable oils like coconut or ghee for cooking at higher temperatures.

4. Limit fast food consumption: Many fast-food restaurants use unhealthy seed oils for frying, so reducing fast-food intake can help reduce your consumption of these oils.

5. Cook at home: Preparing meals at home allows you to control the oils used in your dishes and ensures healthier cooking practices.

6. Diversify your fat sources: Include a variety of healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and grass-fed butter, to balance your omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake.

By making conscious choices and avoiding the excessive consumption of unhealthy seed oils, you can reduce the potential dangers and damages they may cause and promote better overall health. Remember that moderation and a balanced diet are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy fats and oils to use -