Change Your Lifestyle

DEBUG YOUR DIET

Eliminate processed foods. Processed foods provide little to no nutritional value. It is possible to take in thousands of calories, yet still be starving on a cellular level due to a lack of nutrients.
Avoid artificial sweeteners. Ingredients such as aspartame and sucralose have been shown to cause carbohydrate cravings.
Be wary of “natural flavors.” Your bottled pineapple-mango smoothie could easily have been formulated with animal derivatives.
In addition to focusing on what you should remove from your diet, begin adding in the good stuff: leafy greens, colorful vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, grass-fed meats, etc.

GET MOVING

The focus here is not weight loss. Embrace your body as it is and do what you can to improve it.

Go for a walk or run.
Try a beginner yoga class.
Take a bike ride.
Too hot/cold/rainy outside? Go to the mall and walk.
Walk your kids to school.
Chase your little ones around.
Do whatever it takes to stay active. The body loves to move, and will reward you for it. The increased blood flow is great for your brain and cognitive function. Exercise also results in endorphin release, and endorphins make you happy!

BE STILL

Take time to relax and decompress. Relaxation has been shown to protect your heart, lower your risk of catching a cold, boost your memory, and increase your libido! Does finding time to relax stress you out? Try some of these simple exercises:

Laugh! Watch a sitcom, or go to a comedy show.
Allow yourself the joy of a bubble bath and a good book.
Try aromatherapy.
Practice relaxation breathing techniques.
Do activities that relax you—listening to music, fishing, sewing, gardening, or painting.
Take time each day to visualize. Close your eyes and envision a moment in paradise.
Meditate daily for 15 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy nature—whether it’s the beach, the mountains, or simply your own backyard.

By Alisha Bale