As I was leaving yoga class this morning, no doubt red-faced, smelly, and in my scrubbiest clothes [am I painting a nice picture?], I passed a man collecting money for the homeless [New Yorkers, you know the ones, with the empty Poland Spring tubs for cash and coins]. Typically, these representatives shout out predictable lines, asking for a penny or a dime, reminding us that no donation is too small. This morning, strolling by in my sneakers, mat on my shoulder, I instead received a catcall of sorts. ”Oh, oh, look: somebody’s staying healthy! Have a nice day!”
I didn’t acknowledge the comment – ignoring everyone is a way of life in this city. Yesterday, for instance, I ignored a Hassidic rabbi who asked me to shake a lulav (a Jewish tradition this time of year), a woman in Chinatown asking me to purchase a faux designer purse (horror), and two different people from Children International. It’s a crowded city, and we’re all in a rush.
post-yoga breakfast: oats, hemp milk, cinnamon, two baby plums, almonds, agave brazil nut butter
But while my actions brushed off the comment, the words echoed in my head throughout my journey home. Health is such a habit for me, that I often forget I have a choice. When my alarm rang before the sun came up this morning, I chose to put on my yoga clothes, step out into the darkness, and start my day with some movement. I chose to assemble the wholesome breakfast that awaited me after class. I chose to prep a variety of of vegetables for my lunch. It helps that I enjoy all these things, but nonetheless, it is still a choice.
Yesterday, I met two wonderful bloggers, Katie and Ellie, at Babycakes, a vegan bakery on the Lower East Side. I had a delightful mid-afternoon cupcake, the special of the day. Chatting with the ladies on a bench down the street, I had a sugary afternoon snack, because I know now that health is all about the give and take.
babycakes’ vanilla cupcake with chocolate-fig ganache
Maybe I had dessert before dinner, but as an adult who always eats her vegetables, that was a choice with which I was comfortable. Plus, I walked to and from the bakery, because I’ve had nearly no knee pain in three weeks, and I am relishing in my ability to be an active walker once again.
Sometimes, it’s important to take a step back and remember that living in a healthy manner is something to be proud of. No one forces me to stay active, to eat whole foods, to seek out vegan options, to get enough sleep. I do it because I want to, and because I choose to. Thanks to this morning’s catcaller for the reminder.
Tell me about a healthy choice you’ve made this week. And pat yourself on the back for it.
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The cupcake looks lovely! I’m always eating pretty healthy….. (pat, pat, pat). There…. I just patted my own back! :D
-A
Healthy choice I’ve made this week = made more “me time.”
Hm. Healthy choice? Adding nuts to my diet…and maybe fruit butter later this week. Variety:)
Healthy choices are a habit. One that I’ve been slacking on a little lately…thanks for reminding me that it’s about choices that built up to habits. I’ve been drinking green tea daily again, I love tea!
Ummm lately I’ve been forcing myself to eat some type of an healthy carb with every meal since I’m trying to gain weight. My anoxieties always yell at me to restrict restrict restrict but I know whats good for me and I push forward. So I guess my healthy choice is to live. I’m choosing life this week :)
Maggie
Baby cakes! chocolate fig ganache! :) sounds like you guys had a great time.
so amazing Leslie that you can see doing all those wonderful things for YOU are because you want to not because you have too.
i have always struggles with that feeling. but i am trying to take care of myself and look out for what i need..i think i could say a few choices i am proud of myself for choosing this week :) but i am proud that i am choosing to look after myself and give my body rest.
xo
maya
love this post! love baby cakes! and the theme of this post so great.
a healthy choice i made this week was to rest and take care of myself despite feeling sick with a fever and cold…i am still sticking to my meals and not restricting, because i know i must take care of myself.
lots of love xo
Eliza
you have such a healthy outlook on life and your choices, it is so refreshingg :) that cupcake looks sooo good! and the chocolate ganash frostin is just calling my name!! a healthy choice I am tryin to do is drink more tea. It makes me feel so good inside but I never have teh patience to drink itt. I would also like to ‘slow down’ in life…. I realize we are all in a rush sometimes and its nice to just slow down and think of everything you are thankful for and that you dont have to be someone so fast all the time!
I chose to pick organic, local apples. And I choose to be active every single day.
It’s funny how everyone ignores everyone in NY. I mean – not funny exactly, but interesting. I’m used to that. On the west coast people are slower and less uptight… but I feel much more at home in NYC :(
What is Lulav?
Chocolate fig ganache sounds really interesting.
Alison,
It’s basically a palm branch – it’s waved this time of year as part of a tradition for Sukkot, which is a holiday going on right now.
I only had 3 shots of espresso, not 5 :)
Healthy Choice this week: I almost skipped out on my pilates class last night but thought about how amazing I’d feel after and decided to go!
I want that cupcake!
Great reflection as always. Love the fig and chocolate ganache! Sounds so unique and delicious.
I think you are so wise, Leslie! This post really made me think.
Healthy choice, believe it or not, NOT to run a half marathon next week! Thanks for your comment on that post btw, you have a great attitude toward health.
Love this. Choice, choice, choice. Sometimes i like to just repeat it to myself. ;)
I went to bed to get some much needed ZZzzzzzs instead of doing hw :)
Sounds like you had a great yoga sesh! Those cupcakes look awesome!
This is my first time posting/reading your blog, but I guess I will still share a healthy action!
I’ve been running like crazy this week and loving it! I also hit up the farmers market.
hi leslie :) thanks so much for your sweet comment & compliment on my blog!
I love your style of writing. just read through some of your recent posts & I feel like I’m reading a story. v. nice
hehe, yay for staying healthy. umm. hmmm. i’ve made an effort to walk in the mornings this week & ride my bike to work… also yesterday I was feeling pretty blah and wanting to eat massive amounts of junk food, but I kept it in moderation. :P :) have a good friday!
Hey Leslie! Hope your having a great day! As to the question you asked earlier….I made the cashew vanilla butter at home. I soaked a tiny amount of cashews for five hours then whipped them in a food processor with vanilla and coconut oil. Then I drizzled my favorite agave nectar and cinnamon. I bet you could add some awesome spices here to make it exotic and even more delicious. Maybe put it on top of a sweet potato?
Maggie
Great post. I loved the line,”As an adult who always eats her vegetables…” Sometimes we get so immersed in our own “healthy” world that we don’t realize it’s not a reality or routine for others around us. A break, a cupcake, a rest day here and there are normal and most deserved.
With that said, my healthy choice this week was to limit myself to just a gentle walk for three days in a row instead of going to the gym or overdoing it. Sounds lame, but it’s something.