Tip#1056: Coping Tools & Methods for Mental Health, Part 2 – Alkaline Foods – The Martian

Once again I had a refreshing, rejuvenating time at my friend’s cottage up north this summer! The bright sunshine and clear, fresh water lake was so deliciously energizing for my mental health and wellness. The big difference was being conscious of what I ate and drank based on my recent discoveries of acid and alkaline foods. See previous tip#1055 

I ate more raw vegetables like broccoli and cherry tomatoes and drank less alcohol. I hydrated myself constantly with my trusty water bottle by my side. And when I ate baked potatoes I ate the skins which contained the most nutrients. I’ve learned that our bodies need to have more alkaline forming foods like raw vegetables and less of acid forming foods like meat products, dairy and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, cookies, snack foods). This means reducing so much of the foods I love and yet I already know my body and mind has been benefiting from my new diet and lifestyle changes over recent years. See related tips at bottom of this post.

This was the first food chart that helped me get started learning about acid & alkaline foods (click to enlarge)

Certain foods cause inflammation in the body and this is the working theory I’m following for a primary trigger for my depression symptoms. What has been helping me is studying Acid & Alkaline Food charts online. There are so many and not all consistent. So I’ll be following the definitive food chart from the book The Acid Alkaline Food Guide by Dr. Susan E. Brown and Larry Trivieri, Jr. It’s a small, compact book and you can see a sample of the foods at this link: Alkaline Food List

“No disease, including cancer,
can exist in an alkaline environment.” 
Dr. Otto Warburg,
1931 Nobel Prize winner for cancer discovery

I often think about this quote I shared in the previous post tip#1055 and have realized that an alkaline diet is where I’m headed. I also wrote about how Dr. John McDougall (see video interview) enthusiastically talked about The Martian movie where Matt Damon’s character survived on a diet of rations, supplements, water and potatoes. This was a good excuse to rewatch one of my favourite films on perseverance, resourcefulness and indestructible optimism!

The Martian (2015)

The science fiction film, The Martian, is about astronaut, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) left for dead on Mars by his crew and must use his wits and training to survive. This highly engaging and entertaining movie also inspires for demonstrating the inner strength of one man and the vast support from the people of Earth. Great performance by Damon along with a diverse cast including Jessica Chastain, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Benedict Wong, Kristen Wiig and Donald Glover. See: movie trailer 

In the film Watney is able to survive by creating water and growing potatoes which has been praised by the scientific community for its accuracy in reality. Potatoes offer a surprising amount of nutrition. They are high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iodine and some B vitamins. However sweet potatoes would have been a better choice with its added nutrients and alkaline levels as suggested in this article: Can You Survive Just On Potatoes… Like In ‘The Martian’?

The Martian is on my list of Top 20 Inspiring Movies for Indestructible Optimism and now it is a favourite film for inspiring me to learn and understand more about the benefits of nutritional alkaline foods. This hopefully will continue to help me reduce clinical depression symptoms and increase my health & wellness. The even greater picture is claims that diseases like cancer, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis cannot survive in an alkaline environment. This is exciting stuff and will continue to share my experiences and research on this blog.

Whatever challenges you face with your mental health and wellness remember that there is an abundance of coping tools and strategies waiting for you to discover. Find something you resonate with and then feed your mind with articles, books and success stories on the subject. And for inspiration and motivation find exciting movie heroes to empower your passion, perseverance and indestructible optimism to keep moving forward!

Related Tips:
Tip#880: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Fantastic Voyage
Tip#945: Believe in Miracles, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Miracles from Heaven 
Tip#1055: Believe in Miracles, Part 3 - Health & Wellness - What the Health 
Tip#1052: Coping Tools & Methods for Mental Health, Part 1 – Baby Driver
Tip#1056: Coping Tools & Methods for Mental Health, Part 2 – Alkaline Foods – The Martian



MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1055: Believe in Miracles, Part 3 - Health & Wellness - What the Health

Enjoying a freshly juiced carrot, apple, ginger juice while soaking up the summer sun's vitamin D!

I have a close friend who has an amazing success story for curing her son of autism early in his life. Despite doctors saying he would be limited and not be able to finish the 8th grade she remained defiant, optimistic and persevered in her research and discovered that a diet change was a huge key to helping her son. By eliminating carbonated drinks, processed meats, dairy and more, he is today a healthy, vibrant (and very tall!) young man successfully graduated from high school.

This reminded me of my own journey in focusing on a dietary change to help me eliminate clinical depression symptoms. Key words that were coming up were inflammation and autoimmune disease. Thankfully I’ve been finding success over the past two years thanks to my own research on gut health and gut/brain connections by Dr. Ax and Dr. David Perlmutter (see tip#880 and tip#945). What was encouraging was a timely episode of TV Ontario’s The Agenda Show where a young woman and her skeptical father both experienced profound improvements to their clinical depression based in anti-inflammatory, plant-based diets.

See: The Agenda - Digesting Depression

Recently I wanted to help a family member deal with her chronic rheumatoid arthritis and was surprised to discover another connection to plant-based diets by Dr. David McDougall. The success stories I’ve read are inspiring and he claims rheumatoid arthritis is 100% curable with a plant-based diet. Read examples…

• See: Juliea Baker: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• See: Diet: Only Hope for Arthritis
• Highly recommend this interview: The Truth About Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dr John McDougall

“There were Australians and New Zealanders in a prisoner of war camp in Shanghai... it's well-known and documented that the people with rheumatoid arthritis in the prisoner of war camp, who lived off rice and potatoes, all got rid of their condition."

This eye-opening quote came from the video The Truth About Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dr John McDougall where he also talked about The Martian movie starring Matt Damon and enthusiastically said that his diet of water and potatoes was completely valid and demonstrates the basic nutritional benefits of a plant-based diet. And no meat products and refined carbohydrates were also essential to healing chronic diseases.

Another recommended video where The Martian movie diet is mentioned:
The Potato Cleanse with Dr. McDougall

“No disease, including cancer, 
can exist in an alkaline environment.” 
Dr. Otto Warburg, 1931 Nobel Prize winner for cancer discovery

Another key factor that kept coming up in my research was the alkaline & acidic factor. Read more: Your Body is ACIDIC. Here are Very SIMPLE WAYS TO ALKALIZE YOUR BODY– AMAZING EFFECTS! 

• Good video introduction: Top 10 Alkaline Foods You Should Be Eating Everyday
• The Acid & Alkaline Foods List: Click here

What the Health (2017)

The Netflix documentary, What the Health, is about filmmaker Kip Andersen uncovering the secret to preventing and even reversing chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.) and investigates why the nation's leading health organizations don't want people to know about it. This highly engaging film is thought-provoking and will make you question your eating lifestyle! See: movie trailer

There are emotional and inspiring stories of people with chronic diseases and overwhelming number of pills they must take. They show their wonderful transformations when they simply found the courage to change their eating habits and increased their awareness of what foods were beneficial to living a fuller, enjoyable life.

The film also provides easy steps for looking into a vegan lifestyle. At times this documentary felt like a Hollywood movie because of the mystery aspects but was also riveting because of the shocking news about what is going on in our culture about food and what is nutrition. Ultimately it inspired me to really look into a plant-based diet despite loving foods that include meat, chicken, fish, butter and other foods I love! My mental health and wellness now come first and am determined to find a healthy balance!

Hollywood movies and documentaries can help you discover inspiration, information and life lessons to help transform your health and wellness. And if you or someone close to you is suffering from a chronic illness then be open to looking at possible causes because of diet. It takes courage for lifestyle changes and you can find your own inner strengths by looking at the success stories of other people. Profound positive changes can be miracles! Find yours today!

Related Tips:
Tip#880: How Movies Help You Visualize Success, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Fantastic Voyage 
Tip#945: Believe in Miracles, Part 2 - Health & Wellness - Miracles from Heaven



MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1054: Be Open to Unexpected Movies that Entertain, Part 3 - War for the Planet of the Apes - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

I have been so grateful recently knowing that my physical health has been really good this summer! Last summer I was dealing with sciatica pain, tennis elbow and a fractured molar (See tip#983). And yet what I learned was I just needed to face my fears of the unknown in order to find solutions to feel better.

It took courage to face my fears and apply tools and methods to heal myself (which I share on these blog posts). So today I am highly aware and happy I am free of back pains, my elbows is strong again and I can enjoy chewing and eating! These unexpected physical pains taught me not to focus on the pain but focus on how to improve my health and wellness.

I also had my go-to resources of cinema to inspire me to stay strong when I felt overwhelmed with physical challenges. And some films are ones I didn’t have any initial interest in seeing. I am always surprised afterwards that I remained opened and was highly entertained and inspired.



War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

The science fiction, drama film, War for the Planet of the Apes, is the finale to the trilogy about Caesar (Andy Serkis) continuing to lead his ape clan in a war with humans. The CGI effects and motion capture are stunning with another great performance from Serkis, as well as, Karin Konoval, Steve Zahn and Terry Notary. Actors playing humans include Woody Harrelson and Amiah Miller. See: movie trailer

Despite loving the first two chapters I wasn’t interested in seeing this film based on the trailers. But I took a chance and was so surprised at how entertaining and emotionally engaging the story and characters were. There was such a strong message of what it is to be human and feel compassion for others. This was ironic as this human lesson was coming from CGI apes! Plus I was a big fan of the original 60’s apes films and this movie has some great nods to them.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

The fantasy, action film, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, is a re-imagining of the legend showing the rise of Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) and learning how to use the magic of the Excalibur sword to defeat his evil uncle King Vortigern. (Jude Law). Packed with rich costumes, stunning special effects, exciting action sequences and a great soundtrack, this is definitely another over-the-top film by director Guy Ritchie. See: movie trailer

If you are interested in seeing the King Arthur story rebooted as a modernized superhero-like film then check this out. Once again the trailers didn’t interest me in seeing this film as well as the negative reviews but was surprised to be highly entertained by the epic re-invention and creative filmmaking by Ritchie. There are amazing montages and some breathtaking moments like when Arthur finally masters the power of Excalibur.

What I found interesting was the life lessons of each of the movie heroes, Caesar and Arthur, needing to find the courage to face inner pains to overcome their adversities. Caesar had to face his dark feelings of hate and revenge while Arthur had to deal with childhood pain in order to be free and triumph in their tasks. These are the type of life lessons I love receiving as they are wonderful bonuses from films I didn’t expect to see in the first place.

Being open to new ideas and hidden solutions can be difficult when you are in physical pain. But if you keep an open mind and activate your indestructible optimism you will actually be releasing your inner courage as well! And if you still find that difficult then start small and go see a film you were initially not interested in. You just might receive an empowering surprise!

Related Tips:
Tip#623: Be Open to Unexpected Movies that Entertain, Part 1 – Django Unchained
Tip#802: Be Open to Unexpected Movies that Entertain, Part 2 – The Judge – Labor Day
Tip#1054: Be Open to Unexpected Movies that Entertain, Part 3 - War for the Planet of the Apes - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword



MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017

Tip#1053: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 3 - Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

When I see delicious foods I always start eating them with my eyes! It’s the combination of scrumptious colours and textures that just excite me. As an artist, interesting visuals always stimulate my imagination. For example walking down grocery aisles can be a wonderland for me! Then, as someone who uses cinema to effectively relieve depression symptoms, the visual stimulus works on a healing, therapeutic level too.

When the first Star Wars film came out in 1977 it ignited my imagination and I would draw X-Wings and T-fighters all over my notebooks at school and at home! That film helped me develop my creative skills that later led to a successful illustration career. Decade’s later James Cameron’s Avatar film would activate my imagination and help me through some dark days and difficult times. It helped give my brain a rest from ruminating negative thoughts by escaping into a dazzling, colourful alien world.

And then in the summer of 2017 another epic film came along that transcended anything that came before! That movie would be created by famed visionary, writer and director Luc Besson!



Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

The science fiction action film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, is based on the French comics series about two special operatives in the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne). That’s all you need to know because this movie will treat you to an explosion of visual creativity and imagination! See: movie trailer

This film was pure EYE-GASMIC fun!!! I even had to use that new term to describe this kind of cinematic experience! Every scene was saturated with highly detailed creativity and imagination. The alien worlds and characters were so breathtaking and jaw dropping that I felt fully immersed into a new reality. On top of that there were fantastic inspirational and optimistic messages about mutual learning, loving and cooperation.

Despite some of its flaws, this visionary film reminded me of what I love most about exercising my imagination. And that is it helps me imagine and picture a better, more vibrant, healthier life when days look dark and hopeless. Imagination fuels my indestructible optimism and I hope you are allowing yours to do the same. It’s about activating a sense of play, wonder and childlike joy into your day when you need it most!

Whether you are an artist or dealing with mental health challenges always remember to keep your inner child alive and keep your imagination open. It will feed your abilities to imagine a better life and a better world to live in. It will allow you to picture a positive outcome in whatever adversity you feel stuck or hopeless in. It can help you problem solve the solutions that you seek. Activate your imagination today!

Related Tips:
Tip#980: Creative Visualization, Part 3 – Mental Imagery - Rio Olympics 2016 – 4 Inspiring Movies 
Tip#1004: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 10 - Arrival 
Tip#551: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 1 - Prometheus
Tip#777: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 2 - Lucy 
Tip#1053: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 3 - Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets



MOVIES & MENTAL HEALTH INTERVIEW:
Listen to Emmanuel’s interview on the podcast show THIS MOVIE’S ABOUT YOU with Thom Ernst (former host of TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies) and Louis Marrone. Emmanuel discusses his ideal double bill of GROUNDHOG DAY and PLEASANTVILLE and how they helped him cope with clinical depression. Click here

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT NEEDS CHEERING UP?
SEND THEM THIS: Uplifting Movie Montage produced by Emmanuel Lopez!

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: The Fresh Air Show

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker on Health & Wellness
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
 
© Emmanuel Lopez 2017