Happy New Year! We’re a full week in to 2019! One year away from 2020, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This year we will live in the present like never before! However, we must have goals and aspirations for the coming year, right?! Have you written out yours? Writing them down makes them that much more real. It’s also a good way to check in with your list in a month or so and see how you’re doing. Are you on the right track to achieve your goals or do you need some extra encouragement?

If part of your goal is to take back your health or just live a healthier more mindful lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to help your succeed. Last year I wrote this article about sticking to your plant-based New Year’s resolution. This year I’ve come up with a few simple ways to help live a more healthy and conscious life all around. These tips will make you feel better on the inside and the out.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

The average American gets only 20% of their daily intake of food from fresh fruits and vegetables. This number is horrible and should be reversed! The healthiest societies on the planet eat the most fresh whole plant-based foods.

This year, strive for the 80/20 model, 80% fresh fruits and vegetables and 20% other. The fiber in the whole plants acts like a little scrubber, cleaning out the body. And of the vitamins and minerals from the plants are essential for health, vitality, and resistance from disease!

Eat Less or No Meat

One of the best things we can do for our health and the health of the planet is to eat little or preferably no meat. Meat contributes to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disease. It is inflammatory and acid causing. By limiting or cutting out meat from our diets we can help our bodies heal and maintain a healthy weight. If you’re concerned about protein, please read my article explaining all about it and the best places to get it from.

Get Moving!

This is probably the most common New Year’s resolution. Gym memberships sore in the new year and gym classes are packed. However, by February many have already fallen off the wagon. I think this boils down to finding the right type of exercise routine. It might mean trying a bunch of different gyms or classes to find what works best for you. Perhaps you find that barre class is your thing. Or maybe it’s yoga, pilates, or just simple walking. The workouts don’t have to be extremely long or strenuous. Just 20-30 minutes a day of moving can improve our health tremendously.

Daily Gratitude and Affirmations

Giving thanks every day will make you happier and more productive. Find a time that works for you. Mine is generally first thing in the morning. I find that my whole day starts out on a good note this way. Small bumps or even traffic don’t effect me the same way. Stress levels are better maintained and my overall mood during the day is happier.

Designate a special notebook to write out your thoughts each day. Include the things you’re grateful for as well as some positive affirmations about yourself. We shouldn’t be ashamed to love ourselves so let it out! Don’t let negative talk come into your brain. You are strong! You are beautiful! Whatever it is, write it down!

Practice Mindful Eating

We live a fast paced modern world. Everyone is on the move going 100 miles an minute. Some of us even rush through meals just to get more work or errands done. This is very bad, for our health, mind, and waist line. When we don’t chew our food properly, we don’t assimilate all the nutrients. Our digestion is hindered and we eat too much.

First things first, don’t eating standing! Sit down at a proper table. Also, try curbing the screen time while you’re eating and really be present to enjoy your food. This will help you eat slower and  make you more connected to the food you’re eating.

May 2019 bring you health, happiness, and love!

xox

Rebecca, The Refined Hippie

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