Namita Nayyar:
Do you follow a regular meditation routine? How has it helped you to stay fit and manage stress? What kind of meditation do you follow & when duration etc.
Niki Connor:
I used to be more dedicated to yoga but stepped away from the regular practice because a majority of the yoga culture in LA is quite toxic. Many see yoga as another competitive class instead of a meditation one does at their own pace and instructors either talk about themselves too much during class or bark orders instead of guiding the class gently. I’ve had instructors try to push me into headstands when I won’t do it even though I’ve been practicing yoga since I was 13 years old. They wanted to push everyone instead of serving as guides for safe and beneficial practice.
I have no desire to be the most balanced or flexible person in yoga, I do it at my own pace to stretch and connect to my breath rather than try to show off or compete. I was hooked on Kundalini yoga years ago because it made me feel so good, but the community scared me away because there were a few instructors with bad intentions. There was one instructor who was a wonderful guide though, so I’m currently looking for a space where I can practice with purpose, not pressure.
Regarding meditation, I used to pressure myself to master seated meditation for longer periods of time, but now I’ve found a balance between short seated meditation and using things I do in my everyday life as movement meditation such as cooking, cleaning, and listening to positive affirmations and guided meditation playlists.
Namita Nayyar:
Your expert input on the low-fat diet in order to lose weight? 5 reasons why one needs to incorporate fat into the diet. Tips on How to choose the right fat foods.
Niki Connor:
Many people insist that their specific diet is best for everyone, but they couldn’t be more wrong. No two bodies are exactly alike and it’s important for us to find what works best for us in order to be our healthiest and happiest selves. As far as fat consumption goes, I’ll share the healthiest way to consume it.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are unsaturated fats that are essential to a complete diet. Omega-3 like flaxseeds are excellent and omega-6’s which are polyunsaturated fats like nuts, seeds, and legumes are essential to the diet when consumed in moderation, but when polyunsaturated fats are consumed in excess, they cause inflammation. Our bodies mostly contain saturated and monounsaturated fat, so when we consume too much omega-6, we are thrown off balance. This often occurs in restaurants and unhealthy home cooking when industrial oils are used in excess. The oils that should be avoided in cooking are canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, margarine, vegetable shortening, grapeseed oil, and walnut oil. Moderate amounts of olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and smaller amounts of sesame oil (added at the end and never cooked) are fine! As I said, there are plenty of health benefits to these but don’t overdo it.
People who lead with opinion rather than proper research will say that all oils are harmful, and that is simply untrue. I measure my use of oils, nuts, and seeds properly in order to get the health benefits without causing inflammation and typically use nuts and seeds in sauces and dressings so that only small portions are consumed just like one would have while eating a healthy handful of nuts or seeds. I use a light amount of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil in cooking at safe temperatures to prevent oxidation and use sesame oil in sauces and dressings. As long as the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6’s are healthy, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation. I’m a chef, of course, I cook with a little oil or vegan butter, but I keep meals balanced.
Namita Nayyar:
Your daily skin & hair care routine?
Niki Connor:
I have sensitive and dry skin and used to use more expensive products, but now I keep it pretty simple and only indulge in a few pricier products. I like Versed, Weleda, Farmacy, Soon Jung, Heritage Store, and Le Mieux for my face and R&Co and Briogeo for my hair. During the day I use The Skinny Confidential ice roller, moisturize and use eye cream and Shiseido sunscreen and at night I use tretinoin, moisturizer, eye cream, serums, and add a mask when needed. I blow-dry my hair once or twice a week and try not to use too many products that weigh it down or add excess oil.
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Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
