Seven Strategies for a Healthier 2012

It’s a new year and you’ve got a clean slate (make that plate). The holidays are over and now it’s time to get back to business. Whether you’ve made a new year’s resolution to lose some pounds or you’re just flat out disgusted with all that you’ve put into your body over the past month and a half, resist the urge to go to extremes (read: soup diet).  An extreme diet or routine may be tolerable for the short term, but eventually deprivation will give way to old habits and you’ll find yourself right back on the opposite end of the spectrum (read: M&M binge). For healthy habits to stick, they’ve got to be simple, practical and rewarding. Things that are truly good for you make you feel great. And because you feel better, you’ll want to keep it up. Start working these healthy habits into your routine and just see how you feel.

Drink water. First thing in the morning, right when you wake up, before coffee, tea, breakfast or anything else, fill a big glass with water and drink it all. You’ve just gone all night without having anything to drink and your body is screaming “WATER!” Starting your morning with water gets things going and helps to flush the system. You’ll feel more awake and energized, even before you have that can’t-function-without-it cup of coffee.

Fast. Try not to have anything to eat for at least 12 hours each night. Fasting through the night gives your digestive system a break and allows your body to do a little house cleaning. The same way you have to tidy up around the house to keep the clutter from building up, your body needs that time to clean up after the day.  If your body never gets the chance to clear out the junk, toxins build up and can lay the ground work for aches, pains, allergies and even more serious health problems. In the morning, break the fast with a healthy “breakfast” – as it was intended.

Eat raw foods. Aim for more than half of your meals to be raw or uncooked. Raw foods are more nutritious because they have intact all of their vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help your body to digest the food.

Go green. Dark leafy greens are just about the healthiest food on the planet and they’re the number one food missing from most people’s diet. This one type of vegetable helps to improve circulation, purify the blood, strengthen the immune system, promote good bacteria in the intestine, clear congestion, lift the spirit and prevent depression. Start cramming them into your diet with green smoothies[ma1] , juices[ma2] , salads [ma3] and cooked vegetables[ma4] .  

Breathe. Even though it’s something we do involuntarily, start paying attention every once in awhile. Take slow, deep, deliberate breaths to bring oxygen into the body. Inhale and feel your belly fill with air. Then exhale and feel your belly fall. Use breathing techniques [ma5] to help relax, ease stress and even energize you throughout the day.

Sweat. Working up a sweat helps to clear toxins and detox the body. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and stick to it. 

Live fully. Eating the right foods to create physical health is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. But there’s more to health than fruits and vegetables. Relationships with others, a fulfilling career, hobbies and interests, and spirituality feed us on a much deeper level. When life feeds you, food is secondary. Make a point to check in with each of these areas in your life and ask yourself if you are truly satisfied.

Megan Adams Brown is a self-proclaimed health nut with a fascination with the power of food and the effect it has on our bodies. As a holistic health coach, she works with people to help them find balance for themselves and achieve their own personal health goals. Find more tips from Megan at her blog, Megg Salad.

 [ma1]http://meggsalad.com/2010/02/07/the-green-smoothie/

 [ma2]http://meggsalad.com/2010/06/02/green-juice/

 [ma3]http://meggsalad.com/2010/03/15/satisfying-salads/

 [ma4]http://meggsalad.com/2011/12/27/veggie-pot-pie/

 [ma5]http://meggsalad.com/2011/01/26/breathe/