Transitioning into a healthy lifestyle may initially feel overwhelming. For many, it feels like a world full of unfamiliar routines and unattainable habits. To break down that barrier, here are six simple steps you can take to make your own transition, starting today:
1) Start your day with a mug of warm lemon water.
This simple habit helps your body to gently detoxify at the start of each day by supporting your liver and relaxing your bowels to promote elimination. Additionally, organic lemons contain over 200 enzymes that aid digestion and support liver function, while their high concentration of vitamin C and potassium boosts your immune system.
How to include this: First thing upon waking, fill your favorite mug with hot water and squeeze in the juice of ½ lemon. Avoid boiling water as it can negatively impact the lemon’s enzymes and vitamins. Drink it as you are getting ready for the day, approximately 15-30 minutes before having breakfast to maximize its benefit.
2) Bring in plenty of healthy fats.
Healthy fats are one of the three macronutrients that our bodies need to heal and be healthy. These can be from both plant and animal sources. The walls of our cells are dependent on healthy fats. They play a critical role in providing satiety, sustained energy for our bodies, and the absorption of Vitamins A, D, E and K. They also play a huge roll in our bodies response to inflammation and assist our body with both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses which are really important to our bodies healing.
You can find healthy fats in foods like organic egg yolks, raw nuts and seeds, and fatty fish like salmon and sardines.
Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Packed with nutrient-dense leafy greens, antioxidant-rich berries, and healthy fats, this delicious smoothie provides sustained energy and delivers a powerful plant-based punch.
Starting with a base of 1 cup unsweetened hemp milk, add 2+ cups spinach, romaine, or other leafy green into your blender with a mini avocado and ¾ cup of frozen blueberries. Add in a few tablespoons of chia seeds or freshly ground flax to boost the fiber and healthy fats and create a thicker smoothie.
3) Put vegetables at the base of your food pyramid.
Leafy greens and other vegetables are incredibly nutrient-rich, offering a wide range of enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. These nutritional powerhouses play a vital role in promoting optimal weight, boosting energy levels, and enhancing the health and appearance of the skin. Instead of limiting vegetables to mere salads or side dishes, it’s worth considering them as the foundation of your meals. Ideally, vegetables should make up at least half of your plate.
Here are two simple meal suggestions: Firstly, try marinara sauce poured over a bed of roasted zucchini, accompanied by roasted bell peppers and topped with organic ground beef. Alternatively, enjoy a plate of steamed mixed veggies, drizzled with toasted sesame oil and Coconut Aminos (a healthy alternative to soy sauce), and served alongside organic chicken.
4) Drink more water.
It’s easy to forget the powerful effects water has on every system in your body. Proper hydration reduces inflammation, helps control weight, and boosts your mood and mental clarity. Even mild dehydration prevents your kidneys from effectively purifying the blood. This results in the accumulation of undesired toxins in your body and on your skin. I recommend carrying a reusable water bottle around with you throughout the day and refilling it often. At your desk, keep it open and within reach as you work. Try to aim for two liters a day, more if you are very active.
5) Eat food, not products.
Focus on eating food that is, well, real. I highly doubt that our great-grandmothers would recognize half of what is currently considered “food”. A good rule of thumb is to avoid eating things you see advertised on television. This will drastically reduce the amount of preservatives, artificial coloring, and additives you are consuming. None of those are doing your body any favors. Ever see a billboard featuring a fresh head of broccoli?
6) Create a self-care menu.
Our health is not solely determined by what we consume and how often we exercise. Allowing ourselves to do the things we love doing helps to manage stress and creates a positive impact on our emotional as well as physical well-being. This shows up in improved immunity, increased longevity, and an intangible radiance.
Create a list of things you thoroughly enjoy. This list can include reading a good book, doing a craft, or having an Epsom salt bath. It can include getting a pedicure, taking a dance class, or anything that bring you joy. Make your list as long as you would like and consider it your self-care menu. Schedule time for this each week and make it just as much of a priority as your veggies and hydration.
Taking care of you can occasionally feel indulgent and selfish. But truly, it is just the opposite. When you are the best possible version of yourself, you are able to more freely give of yourself. Combine that with a workable approach to a healthy lifestyle, and you’ve created a foundation for your best life yet!
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