Organic Digest VOL1. Issue1 Jun. 2014 | Page 15

Photography by Bahamas Daylight Studios among circles of individuals and families seeking support and information about how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. I’m excited about continuing and building on this work through NaturaLife. We both share in the lifestyle and continue to expand our resource pool everyday. ME: Explain to us why you think it’s important for the Bahamas or the world in its entirety to “Go Green”. Aisha: The reasons to Go Green are as diverse, simple and yet as complex as existence itself. But they are all critically important. To me, simply put going green is about going back to source or back to Nature. The last 2000 years of increased industrialization has robbed and raped and exhausted our planet in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend. But we look around everyday, no matter where we are in the world, and we see the effects of it. Environmentally, we’re dealing with air pollution, aquatic contamination, land erosion, a bio engineered food industry, species extinction, global warming, over exposure to toxins and so and so on. Every living thing is affected by all of these poisonous realities. We each have a role to play in reversing the damage and restoring the health of Mother Earth. If we do not make changes - necessary changes - our planet will not survive and neither will we. ME: Okay, we have to start to wrap it up. There’s so much more we can talk about, but we’re running out of time. What advice do you have for someone wanting to make a lifestyle change? Rhonda: Firstly, I would say to make up your mind and decide that you really want to do it. Change begins in the mind first. Be clear about why this choice is important to you - the ‘why factor’ will help to keep you on track. Then from there, take it one day, one plate, one step, one change at a time. Remain confident in your choice (despite the naysayers); surround yourself with like minded individuals, inspirations, daily reminders and motivators. Stay strong on your path, yet be gentle with self, and if/when you fall off, simply stand back up and start again. As much as possible, align your choice or reason with your passion and purpose. Stay focused and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Finally, and most importantly, know that this is a life long JOURNEY, NOT a DESTINATION! ME: And what are 5 simple ways to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle change? Aisha: 1) First thing I would say is start to keep a journal if you don’t already do. Take 15-20 minutes (or more) out of your 1440 minutes in each day, to write down your thoughts: goals, desires, needs, defeats, victories, whatever comes to the surface. This helps you to purge negative energy and bring clarity to positive energy. 2) Spend more time outdoors - barefeet. Find spaces where you can connect with nature without reservation. This is beneficial on so many levels and we are fortunate to have incredible beaches and luscious parks. Don’t forget to take advantage of them. 3) Incorporate exercise into your weekly routine. Walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, yoga, boxing and martial arts are just a few options for fun ways to get in some movement. Your body requires it for optimal health, so this should never be optional. Two to three days a week at minimum can make a huge difference. 4) Make conscious dietary decisions. Record what your food choices are like now, and make a note of what you want them to be. Do your research on your body (learning about your body is important) and what it needs to function optimally. In the interim, swap out the refined, processed, engineered, hydrogenated, crappy junk for wholesome, nutrient rich foods that are good for your body. This is where the guidance and direction of a professional nutritional coach is useful. 5) Last thing I would suggest, is to surround yourself with like minded individuals, people who can support you and keep you focused on your goals. There is nothing like being the odd one out. It makes it that much more difficult to remain consistent and relevant. Make use of local as well as online communities that focus on healthy living and transforming lifestyles. Find that support system. ME: Okay great! So these are my final questions. What are the Head Naturals up to next? And what message would you like to leave the reading audience with? Aisha: We are still navigating. We understand that we have a huge charge and that anything substantial will take time, effort, commitment and patience. So we are both going to go in even harder at the foundational level and plant a seed that will sprout for generations to come. In the interim, we are going to enjoy who we are, what we do and who we do it with. More events like Green Earth Festival should be expected, which focuses on educating and empowering in an indirect way. Not to mention that I am really loving what we can do and who we can reach with Organic Digest. Rhonda: You can imagine that with two headstrong, passionate women such as ourselves, both with huge goals and desires, we have a lot that will be co