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April 10, 2012

Healthy Habits Spotlight: Debra Oakland

by Nicole Burley

Health begins in your mind – not your mouth. Every week I ask the same 5 questions, and shine a spotlight on how different people think about health.

I met Debra Oakland during The Motivation Marathon in January, and I was instantly struck by her story – and her mission. I know you will be, too. Read on – and prepare to be inspired!

Debra Oakland

Over a 6 year period, Debra lost her 21 year old son Wade, her unborn baby girl in the 8th month of pregnancy, both brothers to AIDS, and her father to prostate cancer. The loss of other friends occurred during this time as well. Instead of giving up, Debra knew deep in her heart that the answer was to live a life of courage, to encourage others, and to be happy.

Debra is a Courage Advocate, Writer and Joy-Full Experiencer. She has created a website called Living in Courage Online – “A Spiritual Oasis for Overcoming Life’s Biggest Challenges”. Today Debra and her husband Cody live in Laguna Beach, CA.  They have walked this journey together lending each other support, strength and courage every step of the way. They live a blessed and happy life together.

Sign up for Debra’s free e-book and monthly ‘Living in Courage’ Newsletter at www.livingincourageonline.com.

What does ‘healthy’ mean to you?

My personal definition of health is a balance of body, mind and spirit. The food I take in feeds and supports my entire whole being and is of the utmost importance.
I listen very closely to what my body is telling me.  If I have a feeling a food is not working for me, I muscle test for clarity.

What are your specific reasons for wanting to stay healthy?

First, because I love and appreciate myself. Second, a strong desire for healthy living began in my teens and continues today. It has been an amazing journey
that has supported me throughout my life. Third, it just makes sense to take care of my health for so many reasons, a few being that I am stronger, more alert, happy and energetic.

What is a simple healthy habit that you practice every day?

Before I get out of bed in the morning I meditate and give gratitude for my life.  I drink some chia milk to start the day and have a light breakfast.  I walk along the beach or the
beach path here in Laguna Beach where you can walk for miles. This puts me in touch with nature, and invigorates my whole multi-body system to begin the day right!

How do you handle ‘cravings’ or those challenging moments when you don’t feel like making a healthy choice?

If I have a craving, it is very rare, but I indulge myself without guilt.  The majority of the time I make wise food decisions for my body, so when a decadent moment comes along
I embrace it!

Name one ‘health’ food that you used to think was weird – but now you love it!

Chia Seeds…not so weird anymore – as I did not know how to utilize them. Now one of my favorite things to drink is Chia Milk.  It is easy to make and delicious, also versatile!

Chia Milk

 

4Tbsp Chia seeds (Ruth’s Chia Seed..gluten free – raw)
2Tbsp Chopped organic walnuts – whole foods
2Tbsp Raw Sesame Tahini…do not used roasted.
2Tbsp Honey
a good pinch of vanilla scraped from vanilla bean
Soak chia seeds and chopped walnuts in 3 cups water overnight. In the morning add 1 more cup of water and blend in blender till
smooth and color is lighter…you will still see the dark seeds a bit.
Add 1 more cup of water, the tahini, honey and vanilla. Blend until it looks good.  This is very good cold, so you may want to refrigerate before drinking.
For a change of pace add cinnamon or nutmeg.  A bit of 100% Raw Balinese Cacao powder is good as well!

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