What are your healthy living goals for 2011? Would you like to lose weight, exercise more, decrease stress, or perhaps, all of the above? It’s time to vow that this year will be your healthiest year yet. After all your health is worth it.
The benefits of living a healthier lifestyle are well documented; less stress, graceful ageing, disease prevention, restful sleep. Making healthier choices can save your life.
If you wish to lose weight this year learn to eat for optimal digestion. Chew food 30 times before swallowing. Drink fluids outside of meals and at room temperature. Eat complex carbohydrates, such as fruit and grains, earlier in the day. Never eat after supper or three hours before to going to sleep.
When grocery shopping make a list and stick to it. Shop around the outside of the store avoiding the middle isles. Look at products ingredients list and nutritional information. As a general rule, the fewer ingredients a product has the better it is for you. Choose items higher in fibre and lower in fat and sodium.
Make Over Your Diet
- Cut back on portions
- Eat locally and seasonally
- Enjoy green veggies everyday
- Plan your meals in advance
- Choose lower glycemic foods more often
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. It costs less to buy produce in bulk then at supermarkets. Include dried beans as a source of protein in your diet. They are highly nutritious and inexpensive to buy. Learn to love leftovers, they make easy next day lunches.
Staying on track can be difficult, which is why
it’s important to have someone to whom you can be accountable, like a co-worker or nutritionist. Start a healthy living challenge or walking club at your workplace. Talk about your healthy living goals with colleagues. It’s easy to stray at work related functions, but only if you choose to use it as an excuse.
Health is contagious and when you’ve got it others want it. Your new healthier habits will cause a chain reaction amongst those closest to you. Soon you’ll notice everyone commenting on your creative cuisine and learner look. Staying on track with your diet is one of the most rewarding feelings there is. Healthy living is completely in your control.
All the best for health and happiness in 2011 - Rachelle Wood, RHN
Rachelle Wood is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist practicing in PEI. She was recently voted Canada’s Best Nutritionist in the Best of Canada Natural Healthcare Awards. She is an author, teacher, lecturer and lover of good food. Read Rachelle’s blog at blog.rachellewood.ca . Article was published in G Magazine January 2011.