Love and Pride

Downsize >>> Optimize

This week, Elissa Fisher Harris returns from a brief hiatus to discuss the benefits of downsizing. Yes, our current economic situation may make it a necessity for many of us, but downsizing by choice can have massive positive after-shocks on us too.

Read on, in "Downsize >>> Optimize" from our HEalthy Life Guru:

Downsize >>> Optimize

And remember, you can leave your life questions for Elissa in the comments of all of her articles. 

The Benefits of Married Life

I'm not married. But one day I think it would be nice. And not just for the tax-breaks, but because apparently I could potentially be happier and healthier overall. 

According to our resident Healthy Life Guru, Elissa Fisher Harris, there is definitely an argument for the legalization of marriage for all couples, not just the straight and narrow kind. Long term health benefits that everyone should be able to share. 

Read her latest article here about why the nuptials should be for everyone!

The Benefits of Married Life, from Elissa Fisher Harris. 

Study Confirms: Laughter is Really the Best Medicine

You know that old phrase, "laughter is the best medicine." 

Well, it turns out whoever said it first wasn't kidding - which is sometimes hard for me to accept because I always thought it was Penicillin. Clearly, I'm wrong. It's laughter.

In this week's article from Elissa Fisher Harris, we dive right into this laughter philosophy - and discuss the actual, medical and emotional benefits of gut-busting silly-giggle sessions. That's a technical term, by the way. 

Click here to read the latest article from our Healthy Life Guru: Laugh 'Til You Feel Better.

Laugh 'Til you Feel Better, by Elissa Fisher Harris.

Organics Vs. Economics

I never make New Year's resolutions. I don't like them. There are so many ways in which I could improve myself, who am I to pick just one of my many shortcomings to try and fix? (for January, at least, am I right?)

My least favorite resolution that people make, year after year, is to "be healthier". 

What does that even mean? Health is such a vast, fluid concept. It could mean anything from hitting the gym, to cutting out sweets, drinking more water, or no more Wendy's. 

Health IS important, but speaking in generalities will get you nowhere. So this year I have made a promise to myself: a conscious effort to be more aware of what I put in my body. 

For me, that means educating myself, reading labels, watching calorie count, and making smart decisions at the grocery store - aka PAYING ATTENTION. This does NOT mean turning into a gastrobot (I JUST made that up... you're welcome!) who only drinks my food, and makes organic/soy/grass/tofurkey/macrobiotics a way of life. 

Who has the time? OR the money!?!?! On my meager blogger's salary, I can barely afford to type this. 

Free range, antibiotic free, organic, eco-friendly, locally grown: it gets confusing. And expensive. Elissa Fisher Harris, our resident Healthy Life Guru, has a few answers for you on how to maximize your organic intake while stretching your dollar in this wacky 2009 economy!

And tonight, as I sit on my couch, watching The Biggest Loser, and eating a Skinny Cow Ice-Cream Sandwhich, I'm confident that the small choices I make today will make a huge difference tomorrow.

Check out her article, Organics Vs. Economics, by clicking the link below. 

Organics Vs. Economics, by Elissa Fisher Harris

The Power of Choice

When I was a kid, my dad would repeat this mantra to me: "Evan, the best situation to find yourself in, is the one where you have choices."

I didn't really understand what he meant when I was young, but through college, and today as a young adult, it makes so much sense. To have no choices or options is to find yourself backed into a corner. In the workplace especially, this scenario can play out every day. 

In this week's column from Elissa Fisher Harris - our resident Healthy Life Guru - Elissa takes this philosophy to new heights, and teaches us how our choices make a difference in our lives: our health, our soul, and our environment. 

In sharing her own difficult experiences, and the tough choices that followed, Elissa makes her message universal. Click here to read the full article.

"The Power of Choice", by Elissa Fisher Harris. 

9 Healthy Living Tips for '09

I'd like to introduce you to Elissa Fisher Harris. Elissa is a healthy living consultant and wellness coach whose work has propelled her to Guru status, making her THE Healthy Life Guru. Her approach to wellness is fun and unique, and with life experiences that are textured, heartwarming and real, I promise you she has the answer.

Elissa's work is about more than diet and exercise, the Healthy Life Guru connects your body, soul, and environment, and we are extremely excited to have her as a friend and contributing writer here at Love and Pride. Elissa will be contributing stories, advice, and healthy tips on a weekly basis - but she will also answer your questions on occasion. You can leave them in the comments section below each of her articles, or email her and visit her official website (opening next month).

I asked Elissa to kick off the blog with some tips for the new year - 9 ways you can have a happier, healthier 2009. Combining tips from each branch of her expertise - I can't think of a more concise way to stick to my New Year's Resolution. Leave your thoughts and comments below - we can't wait to hear from you.

From water and almonds to meditation and new foliage, these tips are Spot On!

Enjoy!

Click here to see all 9 Tips, after the jump......