Explainer: The METROPOLITAN DIET

What is the METROPOLITAN DIET? First, let's think about what DIET means as it pertains to this blog and more importantly, your life. As we keep it simple, here are the following meanings from Oxford Languages:

D iscipline

 I  nitiative

E nthusiasm 

T enacity

Discipline 

(noun)

1. the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

"a lack of proper parental and school discipline"

2. a branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education.

"sociology is a fairly new discipline" 

(verb)

train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

"many parents have been afraid to discipline their children"

Initiative

(noun)

1. the ability to assess and initiate things independently.

"use your initiative, imagination, and common sense"

2. the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.

"we have lost the initiative and allowed our opponents to dictate the subject"

3. an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.

"a new initiative against car crime"

4. (especially in some US states and Switzerland) the right of citizens outside the legislature to originate legislation.

Enthusiasm

(noun)

1. intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

"her energy and enthusiasm for life"

2. religious fervor supposedly resulting directly from divine inspiration, typically involving speaking in tongues and wild, uncoordinated movements of the body.

Tenacity

(noun)

1. the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; grip.

"the sheer tenacity of the limpet"

2. the quality or fact of being very determined; determination.

"you have to admire the tenacity of these two guys"

3. the quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence.

"the tenacity of certain myths within the historical record"

 Welcome!

The METROPOLITAN DIET was conceived during walks through vibrant New York City walkabouts including the bustling neighborhoods of Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Ridgewood Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, East New York, Flatbush, Atlantic Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Chinatown, Soho, Lower East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, East Harlem, Morningside Heights, Inwood, South Bronx, Long Island City, Ditmas Park, Coney Island, Howard Beach, Glendale, Midtown, The Village and more!

The DIET includes frequent walking, healthy eating and freeing yourself from all things toxic and you approach life with -- 

Discipline >>>  Initiative >>> Enthusiasm >>> Tenacity. 

This is my recipe for HEALTHY LIVING and posts will incorporate all time food favorites as well as recipes for success, scheduling, life balance and more. 

Plus, I'll offer some "old school traditional recipes" to keep your body in optimum shape as I add high octane tips for gluten-free, low fat, low salt, low cal nutrition.

The best thing about the METROPOLITAN DIET? It's exclusive and one of a kind for you. We're not following any special regimen, just sharing tips about my diet -- a simple program that works for me.

Yes, I've hit the pavement and logged thousands of recreational miles on fot in my 37+ years in NYC. Not just walking to and from the train, but a juicy walk, somewhere between 4 - 5 miles or on a "push" day, about 8 miles.

It's been eye opening to say the least. In addition to obtaining a unique perspective on the city, I've felt the pull of the ancestors as I've walked through lower Manhattan. Yes, that's the site of the African Burial Grounds and I feel I'm connected to those who frequented Five Points and other sites back in the day.

While I often walk 20 miles per week on the average, this healthy habit started years ago as a way to stay fit and keep my mind clear. Lately I've chronicled street art in addition to a wide range of photos that I'll share here and on other channels, like Life Skills Journey. 

Of course my all time favorite walk is across the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers sweeping vistas of Manhattan, Brooklyn and beyond. And, I cherish the solitude of the Williamsburg Bridge, where bikers have their own wide lands and pedestrians and tourists can walk freely, taking in the splendor which is a relaxing trek across the East River.

I think you'll enjoy each morsel of THE METROPOLITAN DIET.