Top Ten Health Tips for 2016!

Kimgilroyinsideout

Top Ten Health Tips for 2016.

# 10 – Set realistic goals. Set yourself up for success.  Be self–aware and conscious without being too hard on yourself.  Be specific when you set a goal and reach out to friends and family for support.  Know what and who will hold you accountable. 

#9 – WATER!  Water can change your mood, subside cravings, help with headaches and give you energy.  During the winter when everything is dry water helps hydrate your skin.  If it is hard to drink it cold, drink it warm.

#8 – Know your integrity level.  Boxed salad and frozen fruits and vegetables for my smoothies are my integrity at this point in life!  It’s ok if it is not perfect just make the best choice you can make at that moment.  For example, choose a chocolate “KIND BAR” in place of a “SNICKERS.” 

#7 – Eat more.  When people start their wellness journey they often think deprivation, low fat and low carb.  I say, try the opposite. In moderation eat foods that are whole fat and notice how you feel.   Eat whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa and Ezekiel Bread in place of bagels and cereal.   Add nuts, seeds or a nut butter to your afternoon piece of fruit to hold you until dinner.  Eat more vegetables.  Eat more whole foods.

#6 – Breathing.  Taking long deep breaths can help with stress, cravings and agitation. Find oils that calm and inspire you.  Lemon has been my go to for energy and calming.  I carried it with me all through the holidays.

#5 – Have go to mantras, quotes and prayers.  Having these in place will help you shift your perspective and understand the why and when of certain habits that do not serve you.

#4 – Know your triggers.  Pre and post dinner are my worst.  I am the least mindful and turn to food for comfort during the “Crazy 5:00 hour.”  And reward myself when it’s all over.   Having discovered this trigger has helped me navigate those hours (most of the time;).  Family functions can be a trigger as well.  Dealing with different energies and personalities can be stressful so food and drink become comfort.  Or it’s cultural and mindless eating is what you have always known and you associate it with joy and happiness.  Either way, take note of what triggers you to make unhealthy choices and decisions.

#3 – Have deep meaningful relationships.  Get love, support and inspiration from friends, family and neighbors around you.  Being a good listener and a good friend always serves the soul.  Spend time with the people who know and love you and who you love.  Get to know people in your community.  Feeding the soul with love and healthy relationships can relieve stress and assist in minimizing unhealthy habits.

#2 – Have a spiritual outlet.  For me, it’s God, meditation and yoga.  If I didn’t have my relationship with The Big Guy I don’t know where I would be!  When we learn to quite the negative noise in our brain and make peace with the negative that we come across, we will be able to move forward with clarity, openness and inner peace.  Having a spiritual practice gives you a place to put the negative so you don't have to carry it around with you.  Letting go of these feelings and burdens will enhance every aspect of your life. 

#1 – Be Present.

Happy healthy New Year!

Love deeply. Eat mindfully,

Kim Gilroy