Earlier this month, I took my corporate wellness seminar model to the public. Overwhelmingly, attendees said the most important takeaway for them was what they learned about food combinations. We began the event by enjoying the very food we were to discuss!
The first section of discussion examined the proper mindset for achieving goals- and how it carries over into the rest of your life. If you have ever wanted something bad enough, you set forth to get it. Likewise, with fitness and health, it takes setting forth with the right plan of action.
We discussed the power of visualization and how keeping your goal ever-present in your mind will propel you toward it. Once you have a vivid picture of what you desire, the next step is to write it down. Writing down your goals is a form of kinesthetic learning. Kinesthetic learning is hands-on, learning by doing. Often people find they fit into one of three categories of learners- audial, visual, and kinesthetic. A fourth mode and one that is gaining increasing recognition is interpersonal learning. This is learning by interacting with other people- like a classroom discussion. When you are in the audience and actively participate by asking questions and offering input, you are tailoring the material to your individual needs. Other attendees’ questions spark interest and raise curiosity, prompting new ideas or revelations. This mode of learning is also referred to as a “Flipped Classroom.”
Strategies and action steps for dealing with common obstacles such as “I don’t have time” or procrastination were also outlined and practiced. The time management techniques for these obstacles can be applied to any area of your life.
The second section of the seminar gave attendees a clearer understanding of nutrition and how the human body processes food- and how you can use it to your advantage. We debunked myths and examined the importance of choosing the right foods at the right time. Portion sizes for men and women were explained. Glycemic load, how your body handles a given portion of carbohydrate, was a key point. It is the master key to losing bodyfat and maintaining healthy bodyweight. The menu proved that eating healthy does not and should not make you feel like you’re eating cardboard.
The third section gave attendees clarity on exercise. Modes, intensities, frequency, and duration were addressed in a way that you can decide what’s right for you at the stage you’re currently in- and what levels of each you can work towards. Proper form in resistance training was examined through not only photos but also cinema-quality video. We discussed in detail how properly performed, regular exercise- particularly resistance training- can slow and in some sense reverse the aging process.
It was a gratifying experience to share the keys to wellness. The attendees were all busy professionals from various industries- finance, medical, engineering, instructional, real estate, and food processing. Some were currently in a regular exercise program, and others were new to exercise. Several came in feeling like they had a generally good idea of what they needed to do diet-wise, but admitted that what they learned was a different approach. Others were looking for clarity and a blueprint- they knew what they wanted to accomplish, and just needed direction. Within the next couple days, many of the attendees had already purchased butternut squash and lentils! We’re already looking forward to the next one in January on Tuesday 28th, at the Renaissance Hotel in Raleigh.