Healthy and Sustainable Habits for a New Year!
Getting back on track after the holiday season doesn’t have to involve crash diets or extreme transformations. It isn’t about working out for hours a day or depriving yourself with a restrictive diet. We hope you can be inspired this New Years to implement healthy and sustainable habits that lead to positive change in your day-to-day life.
New Years is a time for reflection and renewal, centring us in the present moment with a focus on the future. Instead of focusing on detoxing the past – whether it be foods or habits, stay grounded in the present moment and feel joy and gratitude for what lies ahead.
Read below for healthy and sustainably tips to implement into the new year:
What you eat matters
Focus on wholesome, nourishing meals that help with the cleansing process. Think colourful fruits and vegetables that are loaded with fibre and antioxidants. Fibre helps the digestive tract run smoothly while antioxidants help to reduce inflammation. A few foods to consider include bok choy, broccoli, berries, chia seeds and organic oats which are all packed with fibre and antioxidants.
Begin the morning with hot lemon water. Hydration is key to maintaining health and immunity and sipping on hot lemon water first thing in the morning can kickstart your digestive system. Adequate water intake can help reduce cravings for sugar and processed foods plus the vitamin C found in lemon juice supports immunity and reduces inflammation.
Connect with your food
Consider where your food comes from vs. food as an end product. Many of us do not consider where our food comes from beyond the shelves of a grocery store. Enjoying food is one of the many ways we as humans can connect with nature. It is important to know where your food comes from and how it was made to ensure you can make mindful choices for yourself and your family’s health. When we choose our food mindfully it allows us to see beyond the end product and consider farmers, growers and other factors that were involved in the process of creating your food. You can mindfully connect with your food by meditating before meals and educating yourself on the sources and ingredients that go into the foods you buy.
Cultivate a Mindful Kitchen
Encourage healthy and nourishing gatherings by taking care of your kitchen and what goes into it. All kitchen tools should have a spot in the home, and when not in use, they should be cleaned and put away. Organize your fridge by expiration date to ensure items are not going to waste. Keep healthy food options close by and on hand so making the choice to eat healthily is an easy one. Sit down at the table to enjoy your meals and take time away from distractions and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Set aside time for self-care
The work will always be there in the morning, but your health and sanity may not be. Make time in your day to take a break, walk away from a task and clear your mind. You can practice meditation, take a walk or make a warm cup of herbal tea. Also, ensure to make time for yourself at the end of a workday to wind down and reset. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
Instead of overhauling your life all at once, work towards small positive changes one at a time to eventually make a big impact. Keep yourself motivated by reminding yourself of both the short-term and long-term benefits you’ll receive when you stay on track.
Have a healthy and happy new year!
