Holistic Living For A Better Life

Tune In To Your Body

Guess what?? Your body can tell you everything you need to know, specifically what you are lacking and what you need more of. The hard part & what most of us don't do, is listen. For me, the best way to do this is by taking notes every day. I use MyFitnessPal & log how I feel after meals, or during certain times of the day if I feel sluggish or a little moody. Listening is how you can truly understand and appreciate what your body is trying to tell you. I've had more than a few S.O.S's that I have ignored over the years. Remember that the body can handle a lot of crap we put it through, but we are meant to be healthy. We are not meant to have aches and pains, be tired or foggy, have headaches or joint pains.

Heal From the Inside Out

It's SO important to heal yourself from the inside out. When you're starting to feel run down or sick, instead of reaching for antibiotics, (which can sometimes do more harm than good), try adding foods and supplements into your diet that can help re-energize you and boost your immunity naturally. I love IV nutrient therapy where you get the highest absorption of nutrients into your body in the quickest way possible! A few drops of oil of oregano, which a natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, can help a LOT of ailments. It can also be as simple as slowing down, getting some extra sleep when you feel like you need it.

Be Nice To Your Gut Flora

Your health begins in your gut. In order for everything in your body work properly, a lot of focus needs to be placed on your digestive organs. Add fermented vegetables into your daily routine, a couple tablespoons will do. Coconut Kefir is also a staple in my kitchen. Adding aloe plant to your diet, and not the fake stuff. Try Stockton Aloe, the only fresh/frozen company that uses the highest quality aloe plants. Taking a daily probiotic is also really important. It's the number one supplement most people need to help boost and improve digestive health. Probiotics help build good bacteria in the stomach. Adding these fermented foods and a ton of leafy greens into your daily diet can also naturally help the body regulate and absorb nutrients, as well as eliminate toxins.

NO EXCUSES! Go Workout!

Keeping your body moving is essential for your health. Whether you're weight lifting, HIIT training, trying pilates, yoga or hiking outdoors, exercising should be a top priority. Not only is it essential for maintaining a healthy weight, but regular exercise boosts your endorphins, helps you rid your body of toxins, and reduces anxiety and stress. It's also an allotted amount of time you can dedicate to yourself. Making time for yourself will help you be a better spouse, parent, employee, etc!

Practice Balance

Figuring out what works best for your body, mind, and soul is a never-ending journey. Trust me, I still have to modify my routine and make sure that I am not overworking, overworking out or just going 100mph 24/7. Even if you think you've got it all figured out, your routine and diet should not be regimented to eating or doing the same thing every day. It's pretty important to allow yourself to relax or treat yourself in certain situations, make time for rest days between exercise or get an extra hour of sleep.

Check Yourself When It Comes To Food

Holistic nutrition takes the approach of nurturing your body with foods we find in nature. This means filling your day with real fruits and veggies found at the farmer's market, or in the produce aisle if that's not an option. Add lots of leafy greens into your diet—something most of us are missing on a daily basis—and to turn to fruits and berries or seeds and nuts for snacking (anything packaged is a no-no). Before your toss all of your favorites, which can force you to fixate on the idea of depriving yourself and overindulge, first focus on adding these healthy foods to see how you feel. You probably won't miss the processed crap you were once relying on if you're replacing them with healthy & satisfying options.

Be Mindful

This is something that took me a while and is still something I work on every day. I started adding meditation even for short bouts of time each day to reduce stress and it actually began to work! I also started removing negativity from my life, whether it was people, or doing things that just didn't make me happy. It's ok to say no. Mindfulness is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to overall wellness. A key element of practicing mindfulness is slowing down to listen to the body. What you're feeling, seeing, hearing, or sensing will also help you reflect on what you can change or continue to do for the benefit of your own health and wellness.

Take Care Of Yourself

Self-care can be defined as something you do for you and only you but it often trickles into all other aspects of our lives. When you're stressed or overwhelmed, it's because you have forgotten to take time for yourself and your own well-being. There are many ways to take care of yourself, including exercise, journaling, meditation, or simply just taking time out of a hectic day to be alone in your thoughts. Do what feels best for you, and do it often.

Stick With the Season

Eating what's in season is so important when it comes to holistic nutrition. Shopping at your local farmer's markets will help you know that what you're eating is fresh and in-season. I know that is tough for most of us, but if you go outside of your usual grocery shopping bubble, you'd be surprised at how many farmers are offering local fresh, in season foods. Different types of foods are more plentiful and provide the appropriate nutrients, which naturally helps our bodies transition from warmer to colder months. It's like clockwork.