Healthy living is a vital part of conscious life and an essential component in our pursuit of Enlightenment. However, many of us (myself included) often neglect the simple act of making the right choices on a daily basis that foster a healthy lifestyle (personally I’m thinking of that cheeseburger I had earlier). Fortunately, that’s why we have experts such as Lauren Forney from 3 Healthy Chicks to help guide us along on the path of health and well-being.
I was lucky enough to have the chance to sit down with Lauren, founder and co-owner of 3 Healthy Chicks, and pick her brain for some tips on how you can make the right choices in 2011 & beyond concerning your health and overall sense of wellness.
Conscious Connection: What is 3 Healthy Chicks and how did it all get started?
Lauren Forney: 3 Healthy Chicks are board certified holistic health counselors and graduates of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. We met while attending school where we shared a passion for improving the health and wellness of others. Right before graduation, we pooled our knowledge together and launched 3HCs! All 3 of us live green, eat organic and practice yoga. We lead nutritious lives filled with yoga, art and advocacy and inspire others to do the same.
Conscious Connection: Can you provide a brief bio for yourself?
Lauren Forney: As 3 Healthy Chicks, LLC, Lauren Forney, Terra Pfund and Jill Rizzi individually and collectively provide personal health and nutrition counseling, group workshops and yoga practice to those interested in improving their health, minds and bodies. Their health counseling promotes local sustainable foods and wellness opportunities, no matter where a client may reside.
Lauren is a corporate wellness director for well over 280 employees at Amscan, Inc., a worldwide corporation, and is a registered yoga instructor who specializes in health counseling individuals with hectic lifestyles, stress and/or digestive issues.
Terra, also a registered yoga instructor, holds additional certifications in pre- and post-natal and “Mommy ‘n Me” yoga. Terra specializes in providing support to those experiencing temporary, yet life-changing transitions such as marriage and parenthood and incorporates vibrant health and clean living principles to her counseling.
Jill specializes in helping people who are suffering from auto-immune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Celiac Disease and MS. She recently returned from living abroad in Kigali, Rwanda, where she was working with various organizations including Gardens for Health and Project Rwanda.
Conscious Connection: What are some tips for people looking to foster a healthier lifestyle?
Lauren Forney: Set simple goals of the things you’d like to change about your diet and lifestyle. Reward yourself with something special and/or relaxing when you achieve them such as a massage, a bubble bath or a quiet night, curled up on the couch with a good book and a hot cup of tea. Go easy on yourself when you do not achieve them, as everyone slips up and you can always just start over. Take a moment after reading this article and jot down a few of the things you’d like to tweak or add into your lifestyle. Even making the smallest change to your diet or lifestyle can make a huge impact on your health.
Conscious Connection: What role does yoga play in promoting healthy/conscious living?
Lauren Forney: Yoga raises awareness on a mental, physical and metaphysical level. When one has awareness, they are able to make changes to their lifestyle. Yoga’s therapeutic benefits help cleanse, restore and refresh the body on a regular basis. It also helps tame stress and allows us to live and enjoy the present moment (something that many of us struggle with!).
Conscious Connection: Why is diet so crucial and what are some tips on eating healthier?
Lauren Forney: We are what we eat. If we fuel our bodies with healthy, whole foods we allow it to perform at its best! Food affects our thoughts, moods and the way we feel each day. A clean, healthy diet also lessens the chance of developing diseases.
1. Drink Water.
Our bodies are made up of mostly water. We need to keep ourselves hydrated ALL day long for the systems of the body to run properly. Jazz up your water with an orange wedge, cucumber slices, frozen berries or a dash of your favorite seasoning!2. Eat Mindfully.
Be aware of what you’re eating and be present while you’re eating it. Take 3 deep breaths before you begin a meal. Eat slowly and chew your food (at least 20 times before swallowing). Enjoy your food.3. Eat the Rainbow.
The brighter the colors, the higher the nutrients! Fill your cart with a variety of fresh, colorful produce for your health. Whether you’re concerned about losing weight, a specific health issue, or just eating healthier…less-processed foods are the answer!
Conscious Connection: What are some events you have coming up that may be of benefit to our readers?
Monthly Healthy Happy Hour – Healthy Happy Hours are a Happy Hour generally on a Thursday or Friday night from 5-7pm at a new bar in the Monmouth County/Ocean County area. Check our website and/or Facebook page for more info.
Monthly Lunch N’ Learn – 3HCs hold a Lunch N’ Learn every 2nd Friday of the month at Fair Haven Yoga Studio at 12pm. These informative, interactive talks will be one hour-long where you are encouraged to bring your own healthy bagged lunch. Each month we will be discussing a new topic! We also hold many other nutrition seminars and Lunch N’ Learns at other studios, check our website and/or Facebook page for more info.
If you would like to learn more about 3 Healthy Chicks or Lauren you can find them on the web here: 3 Healthy Chicks.