What is a holistic lifestyle? (NEW - Healthy Horizons, Health and Lifestyle Column)

In today's fast-paced world, the pursuit of holistic living has gained significant popularity. As individuals seek to enhance their overall well-being, they are turning to holistic approaches that address their mind, body, and spirit. Holistic living embraces the notion that true health and wellness can be achieved through a comprehensive and interconnected approach. By considering various aspects of our lives, such as nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and spirituality, we can create a harmonious balance that promotes vitality and longevity.

To kick-start the conversation, we will also share a delectable and nutritious recipe featuring homegrown tomatoes, but first let’s explore what holistic living means. At its core, holistic living recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of our lives. It emphasizes that each component contributes to our overall well-being. Rather than focusing solely on treating symptoms, holistic living aims to address the root causes of imbalance and disease. By considering the mind, body, and spirit as a whole, individuals can cultivate a sense of harmony and achieve optimal health.

One of the key pillars of holistic living is nutrition. What we choose to nourish our bodies with plays a significant role in our well-being. A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, abundant in nutrients and vital antioxidants, is essential for promoting vitality and warding off illness. To illustrate this, let's explore a mouthwatering recipe using tomatoes fresh from the garden.

Recipe: Sunkissed Fresh Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

● 4-5 ripe tomatoes, preferably homegrown

● 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

● 1 cucumber, diced

● Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

● 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

● 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

● Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a

large mixing bowl.

Add the sliced red onion, diced cucumber, and torn basil leaves to the bowl.

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.

Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Gently toss all the ingredients until well combined.

Allow the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes before serving.

This recipe is a favorite of mine, it’s one that I learned to make while living in Sarajevo, Bosnia. This delightful tomato salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors and nutrients. Tomatoes are abundant in lycopene, a potent antioxidant known for its role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Combined with the hydrating properties of cucumbers and the aromatic freshness of basil, this recipe showcases how simple, whole ingredients can be transformed into a nourishing and delicious dish. Side note, if cucumbers are not a friendly vegetable for you, there is an herb you can raise, called salad burnet - it gives the taste of cucumber, without the affects cucumbers have for some folks.

While nutrition is fundamental to holistic living, it is not the sole component. To achieve holistic well-being, it is crucial to consider other aspects of our lives as well. Physical activity, such as yoga, pilates, or barre, promotes flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Engaging in regular exercise not only enhances physical fitness but also contributes to mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Additionally, cultivating a positive mindset and managing stress play vital roles in holistic living. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and foster a sense of inner peace. Holistic living is a transformative journey that encompasses various facets of our lives, fostering

overall well-being and harmony. By adopting a comprehensive approach that incorporates nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and spirituality, we can cultivate a vibrant and balanced existence.

So, start your holistic living journey today by nourishing your body with wholesome foods like the garden fresh tomato salad shared in this column. Embrace the potential of holistic

living and unlock a path to vibrant health and wellness.

Note: Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to

your diet or lifestyle.

Donelle Gregston, founder of Sunkissed Studios to contact Donelle you may email her at donelleyogi@gmail.com, a quick video of the recipe can be found at www.sunkissedstudios.me