Keeping my Eyes on the Prize

Bend and Stretch with Maria Lauren

Staying motivated helps us to stick to positive activities. Reminding ourselves of our vision sometimes takes a gentle but strategic reinforcement from a team.

A healthy workforce is encouraged at Kaiser Permanente where I am proud to be a lifestyle educator…

“Our goal is to support and inspire ourselves and each other to be our best in mind, body and spirit. Because when we thrive, so do our members, our communities and our organizations.”

The views at Kaiser Permanente can be applied to all areas of our lives…

“Communication is the glue that holds us together. Is communication at meetings open, direct and respectful? Are decisions based on consensus? While all changes do not lead to improvement, all improvement requires change.”

I embrace the following Kaiser Permanente quotes/suggestions! I recommend that you apply these tips into your lifestyle too…

“Exercise is medicine: It’s official. Physical activity is one of the best things for your health. Even small amounts of activity reduce stress, improve your sleep and lower the risk of disease. People who exercise live longer than those who don’t and they have lower rates of ailments such as heart disease and dementia. Also, kids get better test scores the more fit they are!”

“Plan on health: A healthy lifestyle requires some planning, but once healthy choices become a habit, living healthfully will feel easier.”

At Kaiser Permanente, I enjoy teaching certified classes in Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Muscle Conditioning, Dance and fitness for patients with physical challenges.

At the conclusion of every fitness class, I lead my participants in a big belly laugh while we ‘shake the blues away’ to lift our spirits!

“Practice humor: Modern science is beginning to confirm that laughter is enjoyable and promotes good health. A robust laugh gives the muscles of your face, diaphragm and abdomen a good workout. Your heart rate temporarily rises and oxygen surges throughout your bloodstream. Smiling and laughing generates endorphins, powerful feel-good hormones. A good laugh can burn up as many calories per hour as brisk walking. And hearty laughter may even lower blood sugar.”

“Living optimistically, with pleasure, zest and commitment enriches if not lengthens life.” – David S. Sobel, MD

I was raised on a vegetarian diet. Raw nuts and seeds were the foods that supplied most of my protein but I ate some diary and eggs too. There was no white sugar or white flour in our home and our family of eleven people thrived. Growing up with healthy values was a blessing that helped me to survive the rigors of touring as an entertainer in my early career.

“Go meatless: Going without meat one day per week can make you and the planet healthier. Reducing our meat intake could be a strategy for reducing global warming. Estimates indicate a 20 percent reduction in meat consumption would save as much energy as if everyone drove a hybrid vehicle instead of a standard sedan. Try some new meat-free recipes using high protein ingredients. Use bean or tofu – which is made from soybeans – or try quinoa, a nutty-tasting high protein grain. There may be significant health benefits to eating a vegetarian diet, such as lower rates of heart disease and colorectal cancer.”

In the past years, I’ve added some fish to my diet and continue to exercise daily. Most importantly, I’ve found that feeding my mind and spirit with positive thoughts contributes to my well-being. The words of the Bible have guided me out of many stressful situations and into the peace of knowing that a Higher Power is in charge.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1: 12

Wishing you many blessings,

Maria Lauren – yourpowerfullife  (AKA: Maria Elena Alberici – Riccio)

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Book selling on-line at Amazon and Barnes & Noble: Read more about my fitness background and stories entertaining with legends like the Rat Pack: Frank, Dean and Sammy etc…. www.BeyondOurWildestDreams.com  

Facebook page for retro entertainment video/pictures: www.facebook.com/beyondbook

Contact for personal fitness and singing training: YGTPower@aol.com

Maria’s Website: www.MariaLauren.com

Kaiser Permanente classes: http://southerncalifornia.kaiserpermanente.org/panoramacity/prevention-wellness/health-education/

This is a blog about LIFE: Living, Inspiration, Fitness, Entertainment…. It is produced in my own time and solely reflects my personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated. All content is copyrighted.