Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2015 - The Health & Wellness Issue | Page 8

Editor's letter W ANDERLUST APRIL/MAY 2015 C ompared to one or two decades ago, we have far greater knowledge about exactly what our bodies need for complete health, from fitness to the most nourishing foods. The Internet and social media have given us a means of transmitting information about health in an unprecedented way. Documentaries about food have shocked us and revealed perhaps more details than we’d even like to know about our diets. In America, television shows about health are tremendously popular; and books on topics such as raw food, eating organic, yoga, and the fitness secrets of celebrities fill up bookstores and Kindle libraries. But we know it’s not only our bodies that need nourishing and care. We realize that the mind and spirit need just as much attention. Now, more than ever, we recognize the connection between the mind and body as it relates to optimal wellness. Health is a trending topic, and it’s on our minds a lot. The trouble for expat women is figuring out how to be healthy in a foreign country. Quite often things are different in Thailand as compared to back home. The food is probably unlike what you’re used to, and you might not know where to go 6 WANDERLUST for certain types of exercise or fitness classes. Maybe the trials of expat life itself have left you feeling down and less apt to care for yourself, too. There are language barriers to deal with, a different climate to which to adjust, and simply being outside your normal routine might affect your health habits while abroad. For these reasons, our April/May 2015 edition of Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand focuses on health and wellness. Knowing that these two major topics impact our lives in myriad ways, we dedicated this issue to the pursuit of healthier living. Leading the way is our cover girl, Emily. In our interview with Emily, you’ll find out what keeps her consistently dedicated to sport and read about her tips on getting involved in sports, if you aren’t already. In this issue, you’ll find articles about belly dancing, Muay Thai, and selfdefence courses, as well an article about styles of exercise for those who like to try new or unusual workouts. Look for the Ask Luciana section for advice on how to shift those last couple of pounds you might be hanging onto, and try out the two beautiful breakfast recipes written by an Australian expat in Phuket. There’s plenty of helpful information in our health and wellness section for you this issue. With Songkran quickly approaching, we wrap things up with some water-themed fun. We hope you enjoy the article about Stand Up Surfing in Phuket and a travel guide to the new Vana Nava Water Jungle Park in Hua Hin. Remember you can subscribe to Wanderlust if you’d like to receive the magazine by post! Just send us an email to [email protected]. Have a wonderful Songkran, Shannon Staff Writers Luciana de Michiele Sarah Cason Vanessa Cavalieri Shannon Frandsen Ayan Humbert-Droz Frei Schrijver-Bollen CONTRIBUTORS Writing Zara Adcock Sarah Dean Kieren Krygier Gill Morris Katherine Park Rose Swagemakers Jessica Teal Brenda Vermeulen Makeup Pijitra Somrit Photography Merle Debelius Shannon Frandsen Haroon Homhoun Cameron Julie Frei Schrijver-Bollen Jessica Teal Design Oleh Melnyk Interested in advertising with our bimonthly magazine? Please send an email to [email protected] We have a blog, too! Make sure to visit www.wanderlustmag.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ wanderlustmagth Follow us on Twitter: @wanderlustmagth Follow us on Instagram: #wanderlustmagth www.wanderlustmag.com