The chaos of our everyday lives makes it difficult to nurture a healthy, happy, balanced lifestyle.  But it does not need to be difficult; a balanced life is simply a healthy mind and a healthy body. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference, and most of them boil down to this:

“Eat healthily, work out regularly, drink water, sleep properly, and repeat.”

Dr. Dee

There will be days that are more balanced than others, and that is totally okay! The important thing is that you incorporate small, easy changes that are easy to pick back up if you get off track.

1. Water 

Lots and lots of water. Water helps flush the impurities from your blood, making your body function more efficiently. Our body is made up of 60% water. Humans can live for days without food, but not without water. Drinking an adequate amount of water every day helps digestion and weight management. The primary complaint about water intake is taste. That’s an easy fix!  Try infusing your water with fresh lemon, lime, or orange slices. You can also add a little juice. If you just can’t do water all day long, go for fresh juices from your favorite fruits. 

2. Exercise

Exercise does not have to be intense daily workouts. Most experts suggest doing some type of exercise at least a few days a week.  Anything that raises your heart rate is perfectly such as brisk walking, light jogging, yoga, or a bike ride. Regular exercise helps regulate your mood and gives your mind a rest from the daily overload of information, schedules, and activities.

3. Healthy Eating

It is important to have a good relationship with your food.  Diet plans are not good relationships. The best approach is consistent healthy eating choices and habits that you can maintain for a lifetime.  You and food are together for life; make it a relationship you enjoy. Try new foods, experiment with recipes. Keep it simple, keep it clean, and keep it healthy, and you will reap the benefits for years to come.

4. Move Your Body

Perform a few squats, crunches, or push-ups daily, something that activates your major muscle groups. Just as vigorous exercise is good for your heart, calisthenics is good for your bones and muscles.  They keep your joints engaged and lubricated, and can prevent the onset of things like arthritis or osteoporosis. 

5. Stretch and Easy

My trainer used to say this at the end of every session. “Stretch and easy.” Stretching improves flexibility, promotes muscle health, and prevents injury. Five to ten minutes of stretching is enough for your body to enjoy the rest of the day. Stretch whenever you feel you need it—pre-workout, post-workout, no workout!

6. Positive Thinking 

My mother used to tell me that it is all in my mind. Your thoughts are the primary source of your happy or unhappy unhealthy life. Create mantras for yourself, and repeat them to yourself every day. For example, “You are one healthy and beautiful person inside and out” or take one from Bruno Mars: “Girl you’re amazing just the way you are.”

Looking To Recharge?

Let’s face it we could all use a little more energy and happiness in our lives. What better way to start the new year off right than by incorporating these six simple habits that are sure to help you reach your new year’s resolutions! If you are anything like me you may have created a long list of goals for the year. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with aiming high, you may find that in order to reach all your goals you will need to incorporate habits like these. In doing so you are able to work on a number of tasks at the same time without losing sight of your end goals. I don’t know about you, but I love it when I can do one task and check off about eight different goals at once. These changes, while simple in nature, is a great way to help you get more bang for your buck.

Want More?

Be sure to check back often for even more helpful tips, tricks, and of course tons of amazing recipes to help you reach your health and happiness goals. We all have something we want to achieve in our minds one of the best ways for us to reach those goals is with help and support from others. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who can help you reach those goals. Studies have shown that you are ten times more likely to achieve your goals when you have a strong support system. This is exactly why even hospitals ensure you have a support system prior to surgery. Think about how often the question is brought up as to whether or not you have a support system to turn to. Remember that if you don’t have one you can always join our free Facebook group. No one should have to go it alone and you don’t have to. 

Cauliflower, Sweet Potato, And Pea Curry

Gluten Free Vegan Serves 4

• ¼ Cup Avocado Oil
• 1 Tbsp Ground Coriander
• ½ tsp Turmeric
• 1 ½ tsp Ground Cumin
• ¼ tsp Dried Red-Pepper Flakes
• 1 Medium Head Cauliflower (about 1 pound) Cut into Large Florets
• ½ Cup Chopped Cilantro
• 1 ½ Pounds Sweet Potatoes (about 4 large) Cubed into 1 ½-inch Pieces
• ½ Cup Water
• 1 Cup Crushed Tomatoes in Thick Puree
• 2 Cups Frozen Petite Peas
• ½ Cup Spinach
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

In a large deep frying pan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add in the coriander, cumin, turmeric, and pepper flakes and stir. Next, add in cauliflower and potatoes and cook making sure to stir frequently until vegetables start to soften (about 5 minutes). Add in tomatoes, ¼ cup cilantro, water, and salt. Bring the curry to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cook covered until vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes). Stir in peas, spinach, and remaining cilantro and cook covered until peas are tender (about 2 minutes longer). Serve hot and enjoy pairs well over turmeric cauliflower rice!

Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!