Fall Fashion - Inside and Out by Nikki Burnett
Nikki Burnett MS MNT CNTP is a Functional Nutritionist at Taste Life Nutrition. Nikki works with ambitious professionals to help them overcome hidden barriers to both health and success. Challenges such as chronic stress, brain fog, low energy, and stubborn chronic issues frequently have their roots in unhealthy foods and unknown inflammatory conditions. Functional nutrition is based on the science of functional medicine. The goal is to understand the body through functional lab testing, genetic testing, environmental factors, stress, and lifestyle.
Photo: Kalen Jesse Photography
We’re recognizing how important it is to feel good, both inside and out. While the outfits we wear can help us feel confident and successful on the outside, feeling good inside means that we are taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health. And when we feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside – in our face, eyes, skin, and the way we move. Feeling good on the inside makes us look amazing in any outfit!
We know that when we are healthy, we feel good. However, many of us struggle with our health and well-being in our busy, modern world. We may stay physically in shape but leave our spiritual life or our emotional health behind. We often allow stress to take over, causing more inflammation, fatigue, and disease. The worry, fear, and negative self-talk are as detrimental as unhealthy foods and environmental toxins. This understanding has brought to the forefront health modalities that may be incorporated into our everyday health practices, so we feel good inside and out.
In many ways, we’re getting back to our roots when it comes to our physical health. Instead of just hitting the gym, we’re moving our bodies in meaningful and enjoyable ways through ancient practices, including Tai Chi and yoga. We are seeing classes specifically for stretching to keep muscles flexible and healthy. Physical therapy is now viewed as a way to stay healthy and prevent injury instead of a prescription after an injury has occurred.
Infrared saunas show amazing benefits for both prevention and helping chronic conditions such as Lyme disease. Today, we have access to cryotherapy, IV hydration & nutrient therapy, massage, facials, and so much more. There are so many amazing therapies meant for prevention, vitality, longevity, and just plain looking good!
Taking supplements to boost our health is certainly gaining momentum as well, but supplements shouldn’t take the place of healthy food or a well-balanced life. I am a believer in therapeutic supplementation, but I am very careful about the supplements I give to my clients. It can be hard to know what supplements are good and which ones are not.
I would never suggest purchasing supplements from companies such as Amazon or eBay, as the data shows all too often it is not what it claims to be or it’s expired. Believe it or not, when products were tested, some came back as sawdust! Consider the chemicals put on wood – scary! I also would not recommend supplements from big box stores or drug stores. These are often full of binders and fillers, so they don’t break down and often contain synthetic nutrients that the body does not recognize and may actually be harmful. Supplements can be very beneficial, but they can also be harmful if not used properly or have inferior ingredients.
We’re also prioritizing our mental and emotional health more today. People are looking more for mind and body enhancing experiences to maintain health and self-care, such as retreats, hiking, competitions, and building community. Therapy has become more common and accepted, and services have expanded through virtual sessions. We are also seeing therapists not only after trauma but also as preventive care.
Mindset is another key ingredient to good health. Meditation, prayer, and positive affirmations all add to overall mental and emotional health. We live in a fast-paced world where moving on to the next thing is more important than living in the moment. Taking time to enjoy the present and putting the focus on your health helps to create a healthy family and community.
We also know that animals provide physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Then there is earthing or grounding. According to Clinton Ober, “This is a timeless practice and a modern discovery. It simply means living in contact with the Earth’s natural surface charge – being grounded – which naturally discharges and prevents chronic inflammation in the body.” There is also the practice of “No shoes, please!” “…we are learning that the Earth’s electrical energy maintains the order of our own bodily frequencies…”. “We live and function electrically on an electrical planet.” Clinton Ober
In addition, we’re taking better care of ourselves by taking better care of our environment. We put more of a focus on organic, sustainable, and fair-trade clothing and goods. We’ve gone from recycling to upcycling. We also know that what we put on our body is just as important as what we put in our body, as well as what we use to clean our homes and clothing. Chemical-free is the new trend!
Remember, a well-balanced life is a daily practice. Don’t create more stress by starting too many things at once but do try new practices - it only makes for a full, well-lived life – Taste Life!