healthy baddie habits
habits to keep you glowing forever
When we look back at the last few years many have dealt with overcoming issues with our health. Some were ready to execute, and others didn’t have the tools to make it doable, and, luckily, as a former yoga instructor, fitness coach, and passionate foodie, I’ve learned some tools to make staying healthy easy. i hope you find these tips helpful!
HYDRATION
Flourishing step one: get hydrated. Yes, you hate water. Or, maybe you are a fish like me. Either way water loves us, because we are more than 70% water, and staying hydrated is central to our bodies ability to function. In addition, water flushes out toxins, improves complexion, boosts energy, and helps in weight loss.
TAKE YOUR HEALTH ANYWHERE
The ability to keep your health plan on track regardless of where you are is crucial in making lasting changes. Tracking health is something I started doing right about when I started keeping a gratitude list a year ago. I was always healthy, but simply writing down my weight, my intake, and what exercises I did each day has drastically changed my relationship with my body. A simple check in can bring awareness to the parts of our health that we let slip under the rug.
HAVE EXTRA YESES
Extra yeses? Yes, extra things to say yes too. So often we can mistake healthy nutrition for pain. No more pasta? No more cheese? Health is easier when we think about the things to look forward to - avocados, smoothie bowls, quinoa salads + butternut squash soups. Are you kidding me? Yum. Having healthy food and snacks on hand makes good nutrition your baseline. To me, healthy means unprocessed and plant based. Nuts, brown rice, tempeh, and veggies are great ways to stay satiated on a more plant based diet. Having quick to grab fruits and go to recipes will make it easier to maintain a new plan.
MAKE A NO LIST
If you know what you do want, then you know what you don’t. We all know that fruits and veggies are good for us, but we often forget the harmful effects of processed foods and animal based products. Making a conscious effort to say no to sugar, animals, and animal byproducts, eliminates most of what causes health problems. Say no to the middle of the grocery store, and focus on the produce and healthy protein and carb sources.
GET WALKING
I grew up in a suburb, so walking just meant around our few blocks, but when I moved to New York I fell in love with walks and learned all the benefits firsthand. When you walk you improve your circulation and release pent up energy. As your blood flow picks up your are re-energized often causing elevated moods and improved cognition. It feels good, and you are getting exercise. Plus, when you walk you are stimulated to look out for good things and have new ideas.
MORNING AND EVENING STRETCHING ROUTINE
Having a stretching routine is life changing, whether you work a desk job, or are a stay at home mom. Everybody has a body and our bodies need caring for. Creating a ten - twenty minute stretching routine that includes warming up and stretching out every part of your body is life changing. Your body will feel better, work better, and last longer.
VITAMIN D
Everyone knows that getting out in the sun feels so good partially because of the vitamin D we get, but did you know vitamin D is also associated with the health of your brain, immune, and nervous system. Not enough vitamin D can lead to depression and contribute to the symptoms ADHD patients. Getting natural sunlight for at least 30 minutes a day can lead to better focus, a better mood, and better overall health. If you can’t get enough sunlight, you can improve your levels of vitamin D through supplementation, which can be done safely, and seasonally.
GREENS AND MORE GREENS
Salad is good! Even if you hate eating healthy, you must admit you have had a good salad. Find what tastes good to you and up the greens. I go for those huge tubs of lettuce with some quinoa, olive oil + vinegar, and avocado. Leafy greens are especially loaded with vitamins and nutrients, and are a great pickup. For me, the more fresh veggies I eat, the better I feel.
A VOTE FOR GLUTEN FREE
I know, you’re not celiac, me either! Yet, when I was struggling with a series of health problems from headaches, to fatigue, and skin problems, a friend suggested going gluten free. She said to find out if I was gluten insensitive (if gluten was a problem for me) I should cut out gluten for thirty days and see how I feel. At that point I could try gluten again and see how that made me feel. My energy levels increased, I was less bloated, my stomach stopped hurting, my skin cleared, and I felt more balanced. If you are someone who gets sick a lot or struggles with fatigue or unsolved health issues, I would definitely recommend it to a friend. Gluten free was/is definitely a craze for a reason.
SIMPLE AYURVEDA
If you’ve never heard of Ayurveda it’s an ancient indian healing practice that ranges from medicinal to nutritional to spiritual. Their dietary recommendations are based on the combination of the six elements within our bodies: fire, air, water, earth, and space. By balancing out the elements you can balance you mind, body, and spirit. Taking an online quiz to is the quickest way to find out which elements are prominent in your, and how to approach your eating to maintain balance.
“If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything”
