The New Year is a time to re-examine life from a personal health stance. I like to keep things easy, enjoyable, and rewarding so that I can make lasting change.
December always finds me super busy in the kitchen, both professionally and at home, making extra desserts and drinks – not the foundation for healthy eating! So when January rolls around, I get back to my basic eating plan: reducing sugars – even sweet fruits – and a seasonal salad for lunch everyday. Winter greens like kale, radicchio, endive, and frisée make a great hearty base to any salad. Topping your salad with sprouted nuts or seeds adds protein and healthy fats.
I like to call my running buddies and make sure I get out three times a week. They keep me on task, and it's a great way to stay in touch during the cold months of winter.
Staying hydrated is more difficult for me this time of year because cold water is not as appealing. But I still start every morning with 12 ounces of lemon water, and this year I've started to add a touch of Himalayan salt for the added benefits of minerals, as well as the alkalizing effect it has.
Re-establishing a bedtime routine for restoration is so beneficial too. Getting to bed around 10 allows for the proper time to get deep REM sleep during which your body does the most repair. For Christmas, I got Bamboo sheets, which are so soft and more ecological than cotton.
Taking time for self care is healthcare, so once a week I do an at-home spa day that includes a hair and face mask with organic kitchen ingredients. Dry brushing my skin is so good for exfoliation and stimulating circulation while I wait for my masks to work their magic. After I end my shower with a cold rinse, I moisturize with an oil blend of pure argan oil and vitamin E which soaks right into my skin leaving it incredibly soft and smooth. For my favorite at-home spa recipes, check out this blog post.
Every year I try something new. This year it's a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite which is a naturally-occurring mineral and main component of tooth enamel to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
I hope these ideas inspire you to try something new this year too, and to take good care of yourself. When we take care of ourselves first, we are better prepared to take care of the people we love.