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As we enter 2017, I want to dedicate some time to talk about New Years resolutions. I think setting goals to better yourself, your health and your lifestyle are important, no matter how big or small. This is a recipe for success and inspires us to always do better, while keeping in mind that we are enough. I know that setting resolutions can seem overwhelming, and most are short-lived, but I put together 5 new years resolutions that you can actually keep this year. They are easy, fun and can fit in perfectly in your day-to-day routine.
1. Eat more vegetables
This is an easy one. I promise you, with the right tools you will be able to double the amount of veg in your diet in no time. Start with one green smoothie a day. My tropical green smoothie makes for a great breakfast smoothie, or try blending up almond milk, frozen mango, banana, spinach or kale and fresh ginger. Experiment with different combos. I also love adding peeled a cup of cucumber (refreshing) in fruit smoothies or 1/4 of an avocado (creamy) in chocolate smoothies – so easy! For kids, I love sautéing up veggies like mushrooms, zucchini and tomato with a bit of garlic and then blending it with a jar of tomato sauce until it’s really creamy (they will never know), and using this as a pasta sauce – perfection. Keep chopped carrots, peppers, radishes and broccoli in the fridge in a bit of water, this keeps them fresh and crunchy and easy to grab!
2. Drink 1 litre of water before noon
Water is extremely important for many bodily functions, not to mention we need it to survive! Filtered, clean water is essential for detoxing, hydration and recovery. I recommend purchasing a Britta water filter and a good quality glass water bottle or 1L mason jar and filling that up to sip during the morning. Add fresh lemons or limes to make it easier to drink. You will feel amazing in no time!
3. Go for a walk
Once a week, get up and go for a stroll around your neighbourhood. Grab a friend, a coffee or a dog and walk for at least 30 minutes. Walk to work, walk to school, to the bank, to the gym, walk home from a friend’s house or the grocery store. Listen to the sounds around you and take it all in. Make sure dress appropriately for the weather and breathe deeply! Notice your breath and think of it as a form of meditation.
4. Read a book
Take 30 minutes before you go to bed, turn off Netflix and grab a good novel. Buy a book that you are actually excited to read so that making the effort will be effortless! Electronics before bed can disturb our sleep, and reading will help to relax you and kickstart your parasympathetic nervous system.
5. Be body positive
You are beautiful. Your body is beautiful, and don’t ever think otherwise. Treat it with love and it will love you back, I have experienced this first hand. When you wake up in the morning, look into the mirror, smile and say “I love my body, I am thankful for my body. It allows me to play and love and explore!”. When you go to sleep at night, look into the mirror, smile and say “I love my body. I love my self. I am enough.” This sounds kind of cheesy, but it honestly works so well! Becoming body positive has transformed my whole way of thinking, of myself and others.
