Martial Arts-Tai Chi

I watched both of my sons participating in a little Karate, but I myself have never tried any martial arts. The martial arts align with the Okinawan commitment to daily physical activity for the health benefits and as a means to attain higher goals.  Some of the following forms are practiced in Okinawa, some elsewhere: […]
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Practicing the Okinawa Program

In your thirties, if you have been more of a weekend warrior you may start to notice changes such as being stiff after physical pursuits other than normal daily activities.  It is never too late to start moving more. To increase fitness levels, include anaerobic, aerobic and flexibility activities.  Start the day with some stretching. […]
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A secret to longevity

Okinawans are the oldest living people in the world. Physical activity is part of the “natural rhythm of life” and  most older Okinawans are active in ways that keep them physically fit  along with connecting their physical selves with their psychological and spiritual selves. This is what helps them to feel whole.  In North America, […]
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Fit and lean

What an amazing weather weekend! Perfect for getting outside to work and play.  I spent the weekend outside walking, biking and cleaning my deck.  Find out this week how the people of Okinawa stay lean and fit. Get outside to work and play.

Western foods/herbs that are healing

Scientists do not have all of the answers to how the Okinawan natural herbs and medicines have played a part in their outstanding health, longevity and youthfulness.  However, they are certain that there is a beneficial effect.  As stated in the book The Okinawa Program, we Westerners also have many readily available healing foods. Some of these […]
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Sixteen secrets for minimizing excess calories

These strategies are listed in the book The Okinawa Program by Bradley Willcox and Craig Willcox.  This week I have been blogging about the healthy diet of the Okinawan people.  You may be using or have heard of some of these strategies, but there could be one on this list that you might want to […]
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Healthy eating Okinawa-style

I do not believe “you are what you eat”!  Each of us is much more than what we put into our mouths.  However, I believe as the Okinawan  people do “that the food we choose today is fundamental to our health tomorrow”. Being aware of food choices and the benefits of whole, healthy foods is […]
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The healthiest diet in the world

“Food should nourish life.  This is the best medicine.” Owkinawan proverb Six simple rules for healthy eating were developed by The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, The American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes for Health. These unified dietary guidelines include: Eat a variety of foods, mainly from plant sources. Eat at least […]
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Eating the Okinawa Way

My dad was stationed both in Okinawa and Hawaii during WW II. Foods he was exposed to from across the world sometimes ended up in our kitchen for us to try. I remember my first taste of avocado and it just melted in my mouth like creamy butter. Eating the Okinawa Way means “eating as […]
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Eat real strategies that work

I am spending the weekend in Eastern Washington.  The snow has almost melted and green is beginning to pop out.  On the west side of the mountains everything is already now in bloom.  This is a great time of year to trek across the Cascades and bask in some sunshine.  This week I will be […]
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