In the book Eat Pray Love, a true story based on one woman’s journey across the globe, we get to follow along as she eats, prays and loves her way through three very distinct countries. Starting August 13, women will be flocking to theaters to see and experience what this journey was really like as the film opens nationwide, starring Julia Roberts.

While we may not all be as carefree or brave as Elizabeth Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love has its share of lessons that many of us can benefit from. In keeping with the three main themes of the book, which I myself read and loved, I wanted to share my advice and lessons that I gathered:

Eat:

Elizabeth begins her journey in Italy. This is where she works through a large portion of her emotional turmoil and turns to food as many of us do to help her through the difficult time.

The fact that she is in Italy with delicious food surrounding her could only have made it that much easier. While food should never be your crutch, pasta and pizza are not the enemy. Carbohydrates are an essential part of one’s diet and by including whole grains and loads of fresh veggies, this hearty meal will keep you feeling full and happy!
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With so many diet and weight-loss tools available online, it seems to make sense that wireless scales would come to market. These online scales advertise benefits of improved or even faster weight loss, and while I don’t think a scale will ever have the power to remove those unwanted pounds, there are several benefits specific to the Withings scale that are definitely worth highlighting.

Charting your weight online is a great resource, as it provides you a reference from week to week and month to month. I especially like this, as it may help bring light to time periods where you may have gained weight. What happened during that time period? Was it the holidays? Were you on vacation? Were you going through a tough time? This reflection will help you understand your eating and activity habits to enact changes if need be.
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Did you know that your water may not be as clean as you think? I recently had my routine physical with standard testing and blood work done and when the results came back I was surprised to learn that I had elevated lead levels. Chatting with my doctor, we discussed the sources of lead, which can be the following:

• Paint
• Dust
• Soil
• Drinking water
• Children’s toys
• Lead-glazed ceramics
• Car batteries
• Radiators
• Some inks

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Potato chips are one of the most popular American snack foods. They come in more flavors and variations than one could ever dream. From the fried (which are totally unhealthy), to the baked versions (which can sometimes lack flavor), a new chip is on the block.

Popchips are made through the “popping” process of adding heat and pressure to keep only half the fat of fried potato chips. Not a bad start to making these chips easier on the waist line.

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The Fun Bus is a kid’s fitness center on wheels with the philosophy to “enhance learning going on inside the classroom and home, using hands-on approach to fitness and making it fun.” These bright green school buses have all had the seats removed and in their place are padded walls and carpets along with colorful mats, swings, tunnels and even ladders.

The Fun Bus exists to give kids from 18 months to seven years old a fun and active experience. The focus on health and fitness is one the company feels is extremely important as studies have shown that staying fit can help improve a child’s self-esteem and decrease their risk of serious illnesses.

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