Mens sana in corpore sano

Latin for "A healthy mind in a healthy body", however it is often translated to "A sound mind in a sound body". This quote derives from Satire X of the Roman poet Juvenal in which he describes what makes a virtuous and sound life:

It is to be prayed that the mind be sound in a sound body.
Ask for a brave soul that lacks the fear of death,
which places the length of life last among nature’s blessings,
which is able to bear whatever kind of sufferings,
does not know anger, lusts for nothing and believes
the hardships and savage labors of Hercules better than
the satisfactions, feasts, and feather bed of an Eastern king.
I will reveal what you are able to give yourself;
For certain, the one footpath of a tranquil life lies through virtue.

orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano.
fortem posce animum mortis terrore carentem,
qui spatium uitae extremum inter munera ponat
naturae, qui ferre queat quoscumque labores,
nesciat irasci, cupiat nihil et potiores
Herculis aerumnas credat saeuosque labores
et uenere et cenis et pluma Sardanapalli.
monstro quod ipse tibi possis dare; semita certe
tranquillae per uirtutem patet unica uitae.


I have taken on a new perspective about how I eat, mostly influenced by my new fitness program. A friend of mine at work (by the last name of Larson) summed it best - eating with a purpose.

There are two main "guideline" rules to my diet:
1) Does it have nutritional value?
2) Does it contribute to my fitness goal of being as healthy and fit as possible?

A sample day in the week of how I eat:
Breakfast - 3-4 egg whites, oatmeal or whole wheat toast, fruit, coffee.
Snack 1 - Almonds and a fruit or veggie snack.
Lunch - Chicken with steamed spinach or broccoli
Snack 2 - Half can tuna and celery
Post workout - Whey Protein Shake
Dinner - Venison, veggies, 1/2 cup brown rice
Snack 2 - Greek Yogurt or cottage cheese (I'm still figuring out a way I can enjoy the texture of this cheese)

This particular way of eating does include a lot of protein, that is because I am doing weight training juxtaposed with HIIT workouts and cardio. This week - my new workout goals are:

1) Include real HIIT workouts twice this week, let's say Monday and Thursdays. I tried HIIT on a treadmill...not quite the same. High Intensity Interval Training for me would work best running outside or on a spin bike where I don't have to wait 10 seconds for the speed to catch up.

2) Increase the amount of weight I use by 5 pounds.

Being meticulous about how I eat and disciplined with my workout routine has begun to help achieve a sound and focused mind - a necessity for improving upon being a better individual, wife, mother and friend. Loving myself first and being secure with myself is essential to effectively loving others around me. I strive to value life, and I know I have my shortcomings, but such struggles are temporary.

Journaling and articulating fitness and nutritional goals have been a motivational tool for me. This is only week 2 on this regimen, but this will definitely be a lifestyle to maintain Mens sana in corpore sano.