4 Ways You Are Undermining Your Health Efforts

Introduction

Having trouble achieving your health and fitness goals? You may find the biggest obstacle within yourself….and here’s what it might be:

1. Using the phrases “I can’t”, “I won’t”, or “I don’t”.

   Wedding Officiant Wisdom: After 14 years of personal training and nearly 18000 hours of one-on-one sessions, I find that this factor determines one’s sustainable success more than any other (and it makes sense). Consider the language: The very nature of these phrases is negative and self-limiting. Is one truly open to the change that he needs to make, or is he only willing to do something as long as it doesn’t compromise his wants? “I won’t cook.” “I can’t possibly make this change.” “I don’t work out.” Hard-line phrases that express unwillingness to determine and consider what one must really do to reach success. Even though the verbal resistance may sit at the tip of the tongue, the alternative phrases, “How can I make this work?” or “Let’s examine the possible solutions”, are positive options that might open new doors to one’s well-being.
   

2. Haven’t established a routine.

   Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Long-term sustainable change relies on a foundation of routine and habit. While a quick fix to lose 30 lbs in 3 months is enticing, it will soon be part of a never-ending life cycle. Most fasts, pills, and detoxes serve an impulsive need and rarely establish the structure needed to maintain the weight loss. The most vigorous habit has been reinforced daily for 30 days. It has become part of a new normal operating on autopilot at times. The further the habit is from a day-to-day routine, the longer it takes to reinforce (45-60 days). Lack of this focus will most certainly lead to short-term change and a return to the prior normal that led to poor health.
   

3. Lack of distinction between “wants” and “needs”.

   Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Unfortunately, the grammar school curriculum lacks the necessary lessons on the physical, mental, and emotional selves. Children (and adults) are left to haphazard self-discovery and assessment, as well as, often, misguided mentors. Essentially, students are never taught how to recognize their actual needs and are left to figure it out on their own over a lifetime. With the barrage of mixed messages, seeking optimal personal health is a confusing and frustrating journey. All of this might change, though, with the simple question “Why do I feel this way?” It is the first step in awareness—an examination of the underlying influences on behavior and its physical manifestations. With guided investigation and testing, actual needs can be identified without relying on haphazard guesses about wants.
   

4. Unwilling to accept what needs to be changed and the necessary steps to change it.

   Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Although awareness is an essential first step toward change, acceptance is necessary before adaptation can take place. Is one willing to accept a current state of being (healthy or not, it is what it is) and the needed approach to redefine health? Surprisingly, acceptance is the roadblock for most. Without accepting a current state and the necessary path, doubt, frustration, and insecurities will unravel the new efforts. It may emotionally steer the adaptive process in the wrong direction and stunt it as a whole.

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Quick Diet Guide to Losing Weight

Introduction

Here is the quick weight-loss guide I share with my wedding couples to steer their new dietary choices.

Baseline Intent (Philosophy)

Eat nutrient-dense foods. If you make any change in your diet, this is it. Filler foods are sooooooo 1984. You’re better than that. “Eat with intent” is your new mantra! If you’re hungry, feed your engine with something meaningful!

Inflammation and Deficiency

Inflammation

Healthline says (reviewed by Seunggu Han, MD): “Inflammation refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger an immune response. This response includes the release of antibodies and proteins, as well as increased blood flow to the damaged area. The whole process usually lasts for a few hours or days in the case of acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. Over time, chronic inflammation may harm your tissues and organs. Some research suggests that chronic inflammation could also play a role in a range of conditions, from cancer to asthma.”

Inflammatory Foods

• Grains, including whole grains or all-bran products (breads, crackers, rice, cereals, etc.)

• Processed foods (products with additives and preservatives; genetically modified foods; or anything else not in their whole, natural form)

• Dairy (butter, milk, and cheese processed from animals)

• Alcohol

• Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners

• Animal protein with high levels of saturated fat (red meat, pork, wild game, etc.)
  

If I don’t eat those inflammatory foods, then….

• If you need fiber, eat beans or dark leafy greens instead of processed grains.

• If you need calcium or vitamin D, eat dark leafy greens instead of dairy.

• If you need antioxidants, eat grapes instead of drinking red wine.

• If you need protein, eat lean meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and other protein-rich foods instead of drinking a protein shake. Please note that the plant-based option is the least inflammatory in most bodies.
  

Deficiency

The body is composed of 2 central systems: the core and the peripheral. The core system—the engine—has particular demands to maintain homeostasis (the perfect balance between effectiveness and efficiency). The peripheral system supports adaptive software that manages behaviors, compensations, toxins, and compromises of our natural processes, as well as the operation of our biological clock. It helps the body manage periods of fasting and stress, as well as day-to-day physical hacks. It can also help the employee assigned to the midnight shift adapt her biological clock to meet her basic needs… even if it's not ideal. It’s important to note that just because the body can adapt, it doesn’t mean it’s sustainable or ideal. The body will always try to steer you back to its original processes. Long story, short: Yes, you can survive on periods without food, but consider how the body may compensate (and it may not help your health goals).

Starved or Stuffed

You never want to starve (which can lead to the compensatory, deficient state described above) or be stuffed (your body may hold onto more than it needs or convert even the extra good stuff into fat, triglycerides, etc.).

Specific Food Approach

General Guidelines

• Daily caloric range: 1200-1500 calories (determine the healthiest amount for you).

• Meal caloric range: 3-500 calories

• Meals per day: 3-4 every 3-5 hours (allow enough time for proper digestion and absorption)
  

Simple Plate Ratio

• Use this breakdown for every meal, small meal, snack, or what my 20-month-old son, Preston, calls “snat”.

• 45-55% Plant Nutrients/Vegetables (dark green, starchy, red/orange, etc.)

• 25-40% Protein (lean white meat, fish, soy, eggs, vegetables, nuts, beans, etc.)

• 25% Fiber (beans, legumes, fruit, seeds, vegetables, etc.)
  *****Although I haven't explicitly mentioned it, you should still be mindful of the number of good fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil, etc.) in your diet, too. You shouldn't exceed 15% in any given meal unless deemed necessary.
  

Biological Clock and Circadian Rhythm

Your body wants to be an efficient machine that operates on autopilot. Most of the time, it depends on its biological clock - a blend of natural and reinforced forces. With this being said, you can train your body to efficiently release a flood of hormones to help you utilize the fuel you feed it at the same time each day. You already did this in grade school when you ate lunch at 11:37 every day and still felt the hunger pangs at the same time over your summer break. The principle also applies to your efficient recovery while you sleep each night. Your body will naturally wake you gradually over the next 3 hours leading up to your wake time. Going to bed at the same time every night will reinforce this habit and wake you up without an alarm clock as well!

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

4 Quick Meals for Weight Loss (Only a 12 Minute Prep)

One of the reasons my wedding couples avoid eating healthy is the time it takes to cook. With the Instant Pot, cooking at home is no longer a task. My wife, Sammy, and I recently tested several recipes and found four great ones (with some changes) to help you lose weight.

Wedding Officiant Wisdom: Feel free to substitute any 1 lb of meat with 2 cups of beans, quinoa, or lentils. Also, sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot first if you have the extra 3-5 minutes.

INSTANT POT GROUND TURKEY LENTIL CHILI

INSTANT POT GROUND TURKEY LENTIL CHILI

 INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup dry green lentils

• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

• 2 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp pepper

1. Turn your Instant Pot onto “saute.” Brown the ground turkey. Add in the diced onions, garlic, tomato paste, and salt, and cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and translucent.

2. Add in the lentils, water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and pepper.

3. Cover the Instant Pot and turn it to “manual,” set the timer to 13 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing.”

4. When the timer beeps, let it sit for 10 minutes, then slowly release the pressure by turning the valve to “venting.”

5. Remove the lid and ladle the chili into bowls. We topped ours with some diced green onions.

Source: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-ground-turkey-lentil-chili       

HEALTHY INSTANT POT CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

HEALTHY INSTANT POT CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

 INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup of minced onion

• ½ tsp minced garlic

• 1 lb asparagus, ends, and tips snapped off

• 3 cups of cauliflower florets

• 3 cups of vegetable broth

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1” strip lemon peel

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1/8 tsp cardamom

• 1/8 tsp ginger

• ¼ cup white wine

• 1 cup of coconut milk

• 1/8 tsp white pepper

• Shaved almonds (topping)

• Hemp seeds (topping)

1. Add the onion, garlic, asparagus (except for the tips), cauliflower, vegetable broth, thyme, lemon peel, bay leaf, onion powder, salt, cardamom, ginger, white wine, coconut milk, white pepper, and mix well.

2. Place the asparagus tips in a foil packet and place on top of the asparagus mixture.

3. Put the lid on, make sure the steam release handle is set to sealing (or closed), then switch to the manual setting on high and set the timer for 2 minutes.

4. Carefully move the pressure valve to the steam release position and manually release the pressure. Set the foil packet aside for serving. Discard the bay leaf and lemon peel.

5. For the blender, transfer the cooked asparagus and cauliflower mixture to your blender along with nutmeg. Blend until smooth and season with more salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve topped with asparagus tips and sprinkled with shaved almonds and hemp seeds.

Source: Adapted from the book The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for your Instant Pot 

INSTANT POT FIRE-ROASTED BEAN STEW

INSTANT POT FIRE-ROASTED BEAN STEW

 INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of soaked (or drained from a can) white (or cannellini) beans

• 2 cups of soaked (or drained from a can) kidney beans

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can organic fire-roasted tomatoes, diced and undrained

• 1 cup of vegetable broth

• ¼ cup dried parsley

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 3 cups baby carrots

• 3 cups cubed sweet potatoes (1-2 medium)

• 2 cups chopped celery (about 4 stalks)

• 2 cups sliced white button mushrooms

• 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 5 garlic cloves chopped or thinly sliced)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste

• 3 tbsp hemp seeds

1. Place all of the ingredients in the pressure cooker.

2. Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL function high pressure, and use the +/- buttons until the display reads 20 minutes.

3. When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, switch the pressure knob from SEALING to VENTING to perform a quick release. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot.

4. Open the cooker and stir everything in the pot, adjusting salt to taste.

Source: Adapted from the recipe “Fire-Roasted Beef Stew” in the book Instant Loss Cookbook

INSTANT POT TUSCAN SHREDDED CHICKEN STEW

INSTANT POT TUSCAN SHREDDED CHICKEN STEW

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb chicken breasts

• 2 cans white (or cannellini) beans

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 medium onions, sliced

• 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes, undrained

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp white or black pepper

• 1 cup white wine

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 3 cups diced red potatoes

• 1 cup diced zucchini without skin

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

1. Place all of the ingredients in the pressure cooker.

2. Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, select the MANUAL function high pressure, and use the +/- buttons until the display reads 12 minutes.

3. When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, switch the pressure knob from SEALING to VENTING to perform a quick release. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot.

4. Open the cooker and stir everything in the pot, adjusting salt to taste.

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

The Detailed Itinerary You NEED for a Honeymoon Weekend in Mexico City

Introduction

I now know that Mexico City, home to 23 million people, is the best-kept secret in the Americas. Rich with architecture, public art, and an incredible culinary scene, Sammy and I won’t wait long to take another long weekend trip south (about a 4-hour direct flight from Chicago!). Under Spanish rule for nearly 250 years, you clearly see the European influence throughout the city. While you must be mindful of any town you visit, we felt completely safe exploring the vibrant and interesting neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Centro Histórico. Here is our itinerary for my recent birthday trip:

General Itinerary

• Airfare: About a 4-hour direct flight that left Chicago at 8:35 pm and arrived in Mexico City at 1:50 pm. Flights ranged from $500 to $600 for direct, round-trip flights. We’ve spent $450 round-trip for nearly the same flight to San Francisco. 

• 17th: Fly to Mexico City from Chicago, Arrival, and the Centro Historico Neighborhood

• 18th: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood

• 19th: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood

• 20th: Shop in the market and fly to Chicago from Mexico City (2:40)
  

Sprint International Call Settings

Samsung Galaxy Phones

Go to settings, click on connections, click on mobile networks, click on data roaming, turn off all domestic roaming (voice, text, and data), and turn on all international roaming (voice, text, and data). We’ll receive a welcome message upon arrival. 

Money Overseas

Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account

Transfer cash for free ATM withdrawals and no transaction fees. 

Credit Cards

Bring the Chase Sapphire, Mileage Plus Explorer (20% off on-flight purchases), and Chase Business Ink for no transaction fees. 

Currency

1 USD = 19.16 Pesos: Think about $5 USD for every $100 Pesos. Overall, dining is cheaper in Mexico City. Most experiences are 20-30% less than in Chicago, after a 15% tip (sometimes as much as 40% less for a meal). A few of the historic sites were free or cost only $10 USD.

Traveling Throughout the City

Although we could’ve taken public transportation (bus or train) throughout the city, we always chose Uber…which was a reliable, safe, and cheap option. With that said, be prepared for a 15-43-minute ride to a neighboring area. I’ve never witnessed more traffic in a city (sorry, Manhattan). With that said, we enjoyed the ample time to look at the public murals, sculptures, and parks along the way. The fare is still cheap (USD 5-10) for this length of time, and you avoid the risk of cabs (especially pink cabs). I highly encourage planning your trip with a neighborhood for the day in mind (to minimize back-and-forth travel time). Walking is also an option, but you must know the surrounding communities and stick to busy streets to stay safe.

Airbnb Mexico City

Where We Stayed

17-20th: Mexico City (Centro Historico Neighborhood)

• Airbnb Listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17924711?guests=1&adults=1 

• Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 1:00 pm

• Directions: Uber was an easy, cheap, and safe option to Dirk’s Airbnb (20-30 minute ride for $8-10 USD). 

• About the Airbnb: The apartment features three private rooms and two terraces in this vintage Mexico City home. We enjoyed the privacy and quiet of interior designer Dirk-Jan Kinet’s trendy upstairs apartment. The space was a true reminder of why we stay in Airbnb homes across the world. The unique design inspired us to begin transforming our home, and the hospitality was unmatched (sorry, hotels). On our first day, Dirk’s partner, Jose Luis, gave us an informative 2-hour walking tour of the historic area, offering a sneak peek into local life and bountiful suggestions. Of course, we couldn’t resist sipping the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine left in our new home later that night! Without a doubt, this Airbnb enhanced our experience on our first visit to Mexico City.

Mexico City Airbnb

Airbnb Mexico City

Centro Historico Neighborhood in Mexico City

Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Historico Neighborhood

Since we arrived early afternoon, we didn’t book any tours. We started our journey with an espresso at Café Jekemir and a tour from our host around the Centro Historico neighborhood — the city center, home to government buildings, a public square, cathedrals, pyramid ruins, historic buildings, and hidden restaurants. After seeing the Mexican military remove the national flag from Zocalo Square at 6 pm, we headed to Azul Historico. From the outside, the historic building gives very little insight into the gastronomic experience floating in the air inside. As we entered, it opened into a closed courtyard of dining tables among a forest of trees. This famed restaurant typically featured chefs from different regions of Mexico, and that night, we met the various tastes of Veracruz. After indulging in traditional cuisine that included tortilla soup, the shrimp and mackerel ceviche Rojo mixto, and the mouthwatering empanadas rellenas de papa dishes, we explored the city streets and found performers practicing traditional Aztec dances in an unassuming area. Night one: Check! 

Catedral Metropolitana in Mexico City

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Sites

• Alameda Central (visited) 

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (check out the top floors, walked by) 

• Catedral Metropolitana (visited) 

• The Zocalo (where the marathon began in the 1968 Olympics, visited) 

• Palacio Nacional (walked by) 

• Museo del Templo Mayor (visited) 

• Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico (incredible interiors featured in a James Bond movie, will visit next time) 

• Palacio de Carreos de Mexico (will visit next time) 

• Museo National de Arte

• La Ciudadela Centro Artesanal (market for artisan crafts and more) 

Azul Historico Restaurant Mexico City

Azul Historico Restaurant Mexico City

Centro Historico/Centro/Alameda Central Restaurants and Bars

• Azul Historico (Make reservations) 

• Puntarena (Beautiful courtyard restaurant in the same building as Azul Restaurante, great breakfast)

• El Mayor (Beautiful rooftop views of the ruins near Zocalo) -Café Jekemir (coffee) 

• Bar la Opera (tequila, will visit next time) 

• Miralto (amazing rooftop views, will visit next time) 

• Casino Espanol (checked out an event…perhaps we weren’t on the list 😊, will visit next time) 

• El Cardenal (lunch) 

• Nonsolo Mx (traditional Mexican) 

• Maison Kayser (pastries) 

• Hosteria “La Bota”

• Café de Tacuba

• Tio Pepe (historic bar)

• Beer La Bota (late-night bar)

Puntarena Restaurant Mexico City

Bike Tour Mexico City

Day 2: Bike Tour, Cocktails Overlooking the Ruins, and the Polanco Neighborhood

What do you do in Mexico City if you’re a wedding officiant? Sign up for a bike tour, of course! With the tour starting at 10 am, we had time to eat chilaquiles in Puntarena’s open-air courtyard nearby, though. The grassy wall with a tricycle created a memorable backdrop for our breakfast. Considering the amount of traffic in Mexico City (the most we have ever witnessed in a city), we needed to jump in an Uber for our 24-minute ride to the Polanco neighborhood after a time-pressed meal (assuming it could take 13-43 minutes to drive to any neighborhood). Upon our arrival, we jumped on our bikes and began our private tour of the city. From Polanco and back, we traced Mexico City’s history across many neighborhoods and documented the Spanish and French influence on its architecture, public sculptures, and art. The city was a far cry from the rural Mexican style we envisioned. After 250 years of Spanish rule, you clearly see the European influence on every neighborhood (especially the Centro Historico). 

By the tour’s end, we covered most of the historic sites and parks in the nearby neighborhoods and stopped in a traditional taco stand to indulge in Roma’s authentic cuisine. Feeling parched, we took an Uber to the terrace restaurant, El Mayor, in the Centro Historico. While enjoying the 70-degree weather, we sipped margaritas and looked over the Aztec pyramid ruins. To cap our night, we enjoyed a drink at Unica before our reservation in the celebrated traditional Mexican restaurant with a modern finish, Dulce Patria.

Reforma Street Mexico City

Polanco Sites

• Mexico City Bike Tours (http://mexicobiketour.com.mx/): $38pp, 4-4.5 hours, includes a tour of the Polanco, Centro Historico, and Roma neighborhoods (and everything in between) and a taco stop -A walk through the beautiful tree-lined streets looking at the mansions

• Castillo de Chapultepec and the Museo Nacional de Historia (Castle on the hill looking down on the French-inspired street, Reforma) 

• Bosque de Chapultepec (one of the biggest parks in Latin America) 

Castillo de Chapultepec Mexico City

Inside the Castillo de Chapultepec Mexico City

Dulce Patria Restaurant Mexico City

Polanco Restaurants and Bars

• Pujol (book reservation 2-3 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in the world, will visit next time)

• Dulce Patria (a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes, restaurant design is very simple with an 80’s flare, book a reservation 1 month in advance)

• Quintonil (book a reservation 2 months in advance, one of the top 5 restaurants in Mexico City, will visit next time)

• Jules Basement (speakeasy, will visit next time) 

• Unica Restaurant (neat place for a drink, too) 

• Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time)

Cooking Class: Mexico City

Cooking Class: Mexico City

Day 3: Cooking Class, Castillo de Chapultepec, and the Roma Neighborhood

With no time for breakfast, we went straight to our cooking class at 9 am at Roma’s Aura Authentic. Luckily, our chef-teacher, Graciela, already had breakfast in mind for us. Before preparing homemade salsa, a zucchini salad, tortillas from scratch, white mole, and cornbread, we ventured out to a local market for ingredients. On the way, we stopped at a delicious corner quesadilla stand to taste a familiar dish in a not-so-familiar way (quesadillas in Mexico City are made without cheese and filled with a variety of ingredients, including squash blossom and cactus). After learning about the differences between peppers of various regions, we capped our first meal with Oaxaca worms, grasshoppers, and flying worms (and, yes, we did taste each and they tasted good). Once we returned to the kitchen, we began preparing our master feast, which ended with a traditional birthday song and a candle on cornbread. 

With daylight hours to spare, Sammy and I Ubered to Latin America’s biggest park, Chapultepec. During our visit to the Castillo de Chapultepec, we hired a docent to guide us through its history. Soon after, we returned to Roma for Italian cuisine at Rosetta and a night of cocktails in the same area. 

Parque Mexico

Roma Sites

• Aura Authentic Cook Class (https://www.auramexcooking.com/cooking-classes): $75pp, 4.5-5 hours, includes a morning market tour, meal, and drinks -Plaza Rio de Janeiro

• Parque Mexico

• Templo San Francisco Javier and Plaza Romita

Rosetta Restaurant Mexico City

Roma Restaurants and Bars

• Rosetta Restaurant (excellent Italian restaurant, booked reservations 1 month in advance) 

• Sabrinos (great breakfast, will visit next time) 

• Contramar (seafood restaurant, will visit next time) 

• Licoreria Limantour (recently ranked on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” for cocktails) 

• Maison Artemisia (bar, will visit next time) 

• Cardinal (coffee) 

• Maximo Bistrot Local (excellent French restaurant, booked reservations 2 months in advance, will visit next time) 

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

The 99 Weight Loss, Health, and Fitness Resources I Just Sent My Personal Training Clients

Here is the expansive list of health and fitness resources that I send to my personal training clients at this time of year. You’ll find the answers on how to lose body fat, what to eat for breakfast to lose weight, how to manage stress, why you’re not losing body fat, how to eat on the road, what drinks to avoid, how to approach fitness and prevent injury, how to improve your sleep, how to make your life more efficient, and much more!

Please share this list with anyone (friend, family member, colleague, client, etc.) who wants to change their life and finally see a difference in their health and lifestyle. Also, could you bookmark this page and return to it when you're frustrated with your results (which happens to everyone) or when you need a new idea?

Tip: Skim through this list and find the headlines most relevant to your current goals and interests (then spend 20 seconds skimming the article).

WHAT TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST TO LOSE BODY FAT

• 6 Breakfast Items at Starbucks that Will Lead to Weight Gain

• The 17 Healthiest Breakfast Options from a Diner Menu

• "If You're Trying to Lose Weight, Don't Make These 10 Breakfast Mistakes" Review

• “5 Ways Your Breakfast is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss” Review

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND BODY FAT (WITHOUT A PERSONAL TRAINER)

• The Grocery List that Will Help You Lose Weight (and Live Healthy)

• My Advice to a Friend’s Frustrations While Trying to Lose Weight (And Why it Worked)

• Do This Every Day, and You May Lose 20 Pounds in 6 Months

• Your Business Plan to Lose Weight (or Achieve Optimal Health)

• 37 Snack Ideas for Weight Loss (And You Won’t Be Bored)

• "42 Ways to Beat Your Junk Food Cravings" Review

• How to Lose Weight Without Exercise

• The Secret to Losing Nearly 27 lbs!

• Science Confirms Two Ways to Lose Weight Fast

• 7 Ways to Lose Weight After 50

• Will Eating at Night Really Make You Gain Weight?

• "6 Things You Can Do Every Day to Prevent Weight Gain" Review

• 5 Non-Diet Ways to Trick Yourself into Losing Weight

MANAGING YOUR STRESS AND ANXIETY

• What Being a Parent Taught Me About Managing Stress

• 5 Morning Habits That Have Made Me More Successful (and Less Stressed)

• How to Overcome Your Anxiety at Work

WHY YOU'RE NOT LOSING WEIGHT OR BODY FAT

• "44 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Goals" Review

• A List of my Personal Training Clients’ Worst Habits from the Last 13 Years (and Why it Affected Their Weight Loss and Fitness Efforts)

• "5 Bad Things about Detoxing You Don't Know" Review

• "Is vegetarian fast food actually good for you?" Review

• "Best and Worst Meals for Diabetes-Savvy Dining " Review

• “Why Stress Makes You Want to Eat Everything in Sight or Nothing at All” Review

• “Just Say No to That Detox Diet or Juice Cleanse” Review

• The Underlying Influence on Your Weight Loss Failures

• 6 Diet Tricks That Are Actually Making You Gain Weight

• "Don't Fall for These 10 Weight-Loss Gimmicks" Review

WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE FOOD YOU’RE EATING

• “10 Trendy Health Foods That Can Threaten Your Waistline” Review

• Weird Facts About Your Food that You’ll Want to Know About

EASY RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

• The Best Spinach Stuffed Salmon Weight Loss Recipe Ever!

• Weight Loss Recipe: Kena's Kale Smoothie

• 15 Minute Weight Loss Dinner from Trader Joes

PARENTING TIPS ON HEALTHY EATING

• 5 Ways to Make Your Child a Healthy Eater

• "5 Mistakes Parents Make When Feeding Their Kids" Review

WHY SALADS MAY NOT HELP YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS

• Why Salad is So Overrated

• "25 Salads That Have More Calories Than a Big Mac" Review

HOLIDAY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

• "4 Ways to Approach Holiday Eating" Review

• "10 Foods to Give Up for Lent—and How Many Calories You'll Save" Review

• 9 Dishes Doctors Won't Eat at Thanksgiving

BEST SOURCES OF PROTEIN FOR WEIGHT LOSS

• Save the Cow! Here is a List of Non-Animal Protein Sources

• "45 Vegetarian Protein Sources You Should Be Eating" Review

• 36 Ways to Fulfill Your Protein Needs While Losing Weight

FOODS YOU WANT TO AVOID....AND WHY!

• "50 Foods You Should Never Eat" Review

• "25 Awful Ingredients Everyone Still Uses—But Shouldn’t!" Review

• "The 10 Dirtiest Foods You're Eating" Review

• 11 Foods to Toss Out of Your Kitchen For Good

• “21 Foods that Sound Healthy, But Are Not!” Review

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THESE DRINKS

• "20 Coffee Drinks with More Sugar Than a Can of Coke" Review

• How To Fit Alcohol in Your Diet without Ruining Your Weight Loss Goals

• "70 Most Popular Sodas Ranked by How Toxic They Are" Review

• “The Most Unhealthy Drink Orders at the Bar” Review

• "The Best and Worst Booze to Drink if You Want to Lose Weight" Review

• 4 Ways To Beat Your Diet Soda Addiction In One Week

• How Caffeine Could Prevent You From Losing Belly Fat

HOW TO EAT AT RESTAURANTS AND AIRPORTS AND STAYING HEALTHY ON THE ROAD

• The "No Messing Around" Guide to Eating Healthy on the Road as a Professional

• “23 Restaurant Foods with Crazy High Amounts of Sugar” Review

• The Personal Trainer's Guide to Staying Healthy While Traveling

• How to Eat Healthy at the Airport

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FITNESS

• You’ll Want to Try this At-Home Core and Butt Workout over the Weekend!

• Do you have what it takes to pass this physical test to join the FBI?

• 5 Easy Ways to Amp Up Your Workouts4 Simple Ways to Flatten Your Stomach

• You Should Master These 6 Exercises Before the New Year (And Here's How)

• 12 Workout Myths That Just Need To Die

• The 15 Most Common Mistakes Personal Trainers See in the Gym

• “7 Myths About How to Stay in Shape” Review

• “How Much Exercise It’ll Take to Undo 17 Popular Fast Food Items” Review

• “20 Ways to Ensure Workouts Happen Every Day” Review

INJURY PREVENTION

• How I've Prevented More Lower Back Pain in the Last 12 Years (After 2 Bulging Disks)

• End Your Lower Back Pain Today

• "The 21 Worst Things You Can Do For Your Body" Review

• Why Your Office Desk Is Destroying Your Posture (And What You Need To Do)

• Personal Trainer Wisdom: 1 Fitness Myth Unraveled

THE KEYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP AND REDUCE FATIGUE

• "10 Nighttime Habits that will Transform Your Tomorrows" Review

• 49 Reasons You're Always Tired

• 11 Ways To Sleep Better Tonight

• This simple addition to your bedtime routine could make a huge difference in your sleep

QUOTES

• 4 Quotes That Steer My Approach to Life Right Now

• 12 Inspirational Quotes that Have Shaped My Life Over the Last Year

MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE EFFICIENT

• 19 Hacks to Solve the Biggest Problems in Your Life

• How to Create More Time Each Week (And It’s Easier Than You Think)

RESOLUTIONS, GOALS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND THE REST OF LIFE

• The 1 Article that Will Make You Rethink Your Day-to-Day Approach

• 7 Ways that Keep My Personal Training Clients Motivated

• Why 'Follow Your Dreams' May Be the Worst Advice You Ever Heard

• Advice My Future (10 Years Older) Self Would Tell Me Today (And Why I Need to Listen)

• ”13 Weight Loss Resolutions You Shouldn't Make" Review

• My List of New Year’s Resolutions (and How I’ll Achieve Each)

• The Best All-In (Life Changing) Fitness Plan

• "9 Ways to Ensure Your Relationship Is Built to Last" Review

• 99 Ways to Redefine Yourself Today

• Excerpt from the book Redefine Yourself: Define Your Purpose

• 6 Principles That Will Transform Your Professional Approach

TRAVEL ITINERARIES (AND WHERE TO EAT)

• The Detailed Itinerary You Need for a Journey to Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid and the Best Restaurants in Each

• The Detailed Itinerary You Need for a Long Weekend in London and a List of 141 of their Best Restaurants

• The Detailed Itinerary You Need for an Adventure in Australia (You’ll Need to Save This)
  
  Picture Credit: besthealthmag .ca – Is it time to redefine your approach to old habits?

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!