5 Healthy Habits to add to your daily routine

First things first, you are reading this so already you're a total winner ;).  But I'm wondering, do you FEEL like a failure when it comes to wellness and buzz words like "self-care"?  If so, I'm with you...keep reading. 

-You see your favorite bloggers or healthy instagram people raving about matcha and you're all...what the f is that? 

-You know bone broth is healthy but sounds gross and also...how do you even drink it? Or do you eat it? What IS it? 

-Bulletproof coffee is oh so hot right now but the idea of putting butter in your coffee is highly confusing. 

-You have no clue what turmeric actually tastes like, never mind how to use it.  

-A Vitamix would be amazing but a $500+ blender is literally last on your list of things to buy. 

-Wake up and meditate THEN journal? F no. How about finally get out of bed after hitting snooze 3x, get ready in 20 minutes and rush out the door with hopes of getting to Starbucks before you have to be at work. 

Even though I eat/sleep/breathe fitness & wellness, all of these thoughts have run through my head at one time. Especially now that I have a baby. I have zero time for added fluff. I will never be the girl that wakes up, meditates then journals (not saying that's fluff). It's just not in my DNA and here's the kicker...that's a-ok! 

Everything listed above is awesome and if/when you are ready, you will learn more about them and maybe try them for yourself.  I recommend you add one new healthy habit to your life every month. Even something as simple as going to bed 15 minutes earlier will positively impact your day.  I will have a part 2 to this email to help explain some of these wellness trends.

Here are some easy healthy habits to ADD to your daily routine:

*Lemon water in the morning. After you hit snooze and cannot fathom adding something else to your morning routine BUT I swear this will help jump start your day. Just a mug of warm water with a squeeze of 1/4 lemon will immediately hydrate you, help to flush out your digestive system, and rev up your metabolism. With the release of toxins comes clearer skin, plus lemon has the added benefit of Vitamin C which is needed for collagen production and immunity. There is also research that suggests water with lemon contributes to weight loss. I'm not going to hype that up, but I do know that it can't hurt! Don't forget to drink water ALL day. Hydration is essential to your body functioning properly - think: energy, hunger regulation, attention span etc etc 

HYDRATE

*Fill half your plate with veggies. This is something I tell all of my clients. The more vegetables you can add to your diet the better. Some people respond better to cooked veggies rather than raw and vice versa, so take note of how you feel after your meal. It's also a good idea to experiment with different ways of cooking, roasting in the oven or sauteing with some evoo + a pinch of salt and pepper is my go to. Even easier...not cooked at all in a salad! The more colorful the veggie, the more nutrient dense it is. Kale, sweet potato, spinach, butternut squash and corn are easy to add to almost any meal.

Eggs are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Over tons of veggies of course.

*Move more. When you feel that afternoon slump coming, on rather than reach for a snack, head outside for a walk. Maybe grab a decaf iced tea or run a quick errand.  With the weather getting warmer here in New England, the sun and fresh air will give you the pick-me-up you need.  This is in addition to exercising at least 4x a week. Whether you take a class, run, ride your bike, or play a sport, moving your body is a HUGE factor in your health and happiness. Raise those endorphins, get some Vitamin D (outside). Notice your stress level decrease and your mood improve. 

This move is ideal for prego's too. Helps stabilize while lengthening.

*Mindset shift. This is a big one. Eat and move according to your goals. If you want to have more energy in the afternoon do not have a big, heavy lunch. Eat a filling salad then head outside for a green tea around 2 or 3pm. Have some fruit or nuts on hand to keep you satisfied and energized.  If your goal is to lose weight focus on what you CAN eat to get to your goal, not all the foods you might be staying away from. Eat real, whole foods that will nourish your body. Maybe your goal is to be more flexible. Get your ass to yoga or Pilates class and get stretchy! 

"Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same."

*More sleep. As a night owl I need to follow my own advice here big time. Sleep is essential in brain function, memory, energy, metabolism, avoiding illness, and cell regeneration. Limit screen time 30 minutes before bed and turn that little "night shift" button on your iphone ON. Start a nighttime routine that signifies winding down. Maybe a chamomile tea and a few pages of a book. Think of ways to quiet your mind and your body. 

Notice all of the things listed above are ways to ADD to your lifestyle. No deprivation, no overwhelming cutting of dairy or gluten, no sugar detox. Easy, everyday additions that your body and mind will thank you for! 

You've got this and let me know how I can help!

xo