So another year has gone by and with it another resolution that you may or may not have achieved. We all have them, and regardless of whether we followed through with last year’s declarations, there is a new year around the corner. So out with the old and in with the new!
This time of year we often find ourselves reflecting on what we did and didn't do, and promise ourselves that next year will be different, next year we are actually going to stick to our healthy new plans.
Every year starts the same, and every year sometimes ends with regret or disappointment of sorts where you are left feeling like you need to make some sort of extreme change which you drunkenly declare at the stroke of midnight every New Years. The problem with this is that giving yourself too many restrictions will set you up for failure.
The best way of making beneficial changes to your life is by transitioning and easing yourself into it at your own pace. Start adding a bit of something at a time until it just becomes a part of your healthy life and you don’t even notice it as something new or different.
Go into it without judgment or expectation like you would a blind date, and I can almost guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised as to how it can actually be quite simple and last far beyond March.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Get into a routine
A healthy routine is a great thing to have for anyone, but it is especially useful when starting something new and getting into a healthy lifestyle. Making a new change a part of your daily ritual will help you keep it going longer and more consistent.
Lemon water
First thing in the morning to help digestion and get things moving and to detox your liver after the number you did on it in December. Lemon water is a great thing to add as a part of your daily routine.
Drink more water
Proper hydration is a great way to improve your health. We are made up of mostly water, after all, so it's no wonder that just by staying hydrated we are eliminating a ton of symptoms and possible ailments that we acquire. Water composes 75 per cent of your brain, 22 per cent of your bones, removes wastes, helps convert food into energy, and helps your body absorb nutrients among many other valuable functions. Drink up!
Digestion
Our digestion could use some love, especially after the holiday season. Most of our immune system actually lives in our digestive tract, and even symptoms such as stress can be correlated to what's happening in your gut.
Exercise
Exercise is so important for your overall health and well-being. Get those endorphins going by getting into a regular exercise regimen, maybe you will finally take that yoga or spin class you always wanted, or you could keep it nice and simple by just walking for 30 minutes a day. Baby steps create giant leaps.
Recipe: Healthy Energy nut mix
Ingredients:
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup coconut flakes
1/3 cup chopped pitted dates
Directions:
• Soak nuts and seeds overnight in water. Make sure that you place them in a container with plenty of room for them to expand. Soaking your nuts/seeds will encourage production of beneficial enzymes and neutralize enzyme inhibitors.
• Drain the water and rinse the nuts/seeds. Discard the water and do not use of cooking or consuming purposes.
• Dry your nuts/seeds by placing them on a cookie sheet in the oven at around 200 F (90 C) until fully dry. Depending on your oven, this could take an hour or two.
• Combine in a medium size bowl and mix together. Store in glass mason jars.
• Feel free to add any dried herbs and spices to make it your own concoction, try adding ginger or cayenne pepper for an added kick.
