BY LEE COGHLAN

BY LEE COGHLAN

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

When the holidays roll around, people tend to ignore their bodies. They are too busy to stop and think about what they are doing to themselves. Kathy Edwards, a certified natural health practitioner, offers some counsel as to what a individual can do to take care of their bodies during this time.

One misconception is that one’s body needs more fat during the winter. Only 25 to 30 percent of one’s diet should consist of fat. Another 30 percent should be protein. And the rest of one’s diet should be vegetables and whole fruits.

Edwards says, “I think that just the vegetables are delicious on their own. They do not need to be overcooked. Overcooking takes away the flavor, and then sauces are added to give flavor. You don’t need all those sauces.”

High fat content hides itself in desserts, alcohol, sweets, gravies, cream sauces, cheeses, animal fat and refined white foods, such as bread. These items need to be eaten in smaller quantities.

Edwards says, “We need to feed our bodies nutritional, vital food so that we feel good. We don’t need all these stimulants, such as coffee and sugar. We’re feeding our bodies dead food when we should change to vital, nutritious food. And exercise is definitely a good part of the program.”

Most people complain that they do not have the energy to exercise. But what they do not realize is that exercise gives you the energy to exercise. And exercise does not have to be a long, involved thing.

People need to relax

Edwards advises people to slow down and relax. She says, “We need to relax. Breathe stretching would be good. Or taking a walk out in the woods, out in nature. This type of activity grounds and centers you. And breathing out in nature clears your head. A short walk is all it takes. It will be amazing how good and relaxed you feel. And

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