I’m not even close to perfect when it comes to health, I don’t believe in restriction or deprivation, but I also know how important it is to feel energized, healthy and vibrant, so wellness has become a part of my life. Our bodies respond directly to what we put into them and to the energy and thoughts running through us. Here are some of the wellness tips that are a part of my regular weekends and easy to take with you on holiday weekends. Cheers and happy celebrating!
HYDRATE:
I mean this is the least groundbreaking but this shit is important. Really really important. Being properly hydrated increases cell function, circulates blood, flushes out toxins, helps carry oxygen and nutrients to cells, and increase your metabolism. First thing in the morning (yes even before your coffee) drink at least 16 oz of water with a tiny pinch of sea salt for minerals and more efficient hydration. Extra bonus…drink filtered water with a half of lemon squeezed in! Drink water as much as possible all day, especially in this intense heat, eat food high in water content (watermelon, cucumber). If you are drinking alcohol…drink more water.
EAT NUTRIENT RICH FOOD (when you can):
Sneak in greens and nutrients whenever you can. Often during holidays/celebrations we don’t have control of the food available. But that doesn’t mean you need to throw in the towel for every meal. Add greens to your morning smoothie, grab a veggie juice, pick meals with as many nutrients (a loaded salad, bowls with veggies) as you can. When you can, bring your own side. And when you are choosing from the food available, only eat the foods that are “worth it” to you. Not in terms of diet or calories but enjoyment. Food should be a source of pleasure.
If you are hosting the BBQ remember you can still cook traditional fare but choose higher quality ingredients. Grass fed beef burgers or all beef grass fed hot dogs (I buy both locally at the farmers market), this is one of my favorite potato salad recipe, and this watermelon, feta salad is incredible. Just try to use real, whole ingredients (preferably organic) for whatever you are cooking. But you know what’s even worse than eating inflammatory food? Stress. Do not stress over what you eat, instead give thanks to the food that is so readily available to you, the people you get to share it with, enjoy it, then eat extra veggies when you can next.
MOVE:
Go on a walk, go swimming with your kids, do yoga, have a dance off and if hitting the gym is your thing…make time for it. Our bodies are meant to move. But you know what’s even worse than being sedentary? Stress. (see a theme here?) If you can’t move much one day, picture your body getting needed rest and thank your circumstances for giving a restful day to your body. Then move in a way that brings you joy when you can.
UPGRADE YOUR BOOZE:
Yes you can make better choices when it comes to what you drink as well. I only stick with natural wines (wines made without the over 200 additives, chemicals and pesticides of conventional wines) when I have a choice. We carry only natural or biodynamic wines at Nourish, Top 10 Wine sells some and you can even get subscriptions to Dry Farm Wines and Scout and Cellar. I assure you the toxic burden is SO much less…as are your hangovers. For cocktails, I usually just drink a high quality tequila, mixed with fresh squeezed lime (juice of 2 limes), fresh squeezed orange juice (juice of half an orange), a half tsp of honey and Spindrift. The key is low sugar and fruit from real (preferably organic) fruit. I am actually using our cold pressed juice special as a tequila mixer this weekend. (watermelon, lime, turmeric, cucumber and cbd). Easy, upgraded marg!
FEEL GOOD:
Not the instant gratification type of feel good but do things that make you feel amazing later. Sleep, sit in silence for 5 minutes, do a 1 minute breathing exercise, write down your intentions for a better day (example: “love and have compassion for person xyz”), take a bath, connect with friends, be outside, be silly, dance, read a book. Whatever those things are for you…do them.
DON’T COUNT CALORIES:
Gatorade zero (or whatever it’s called) is toxic. It doesn’t matter what marketing has done and that it has zero calories…it’s loaded with chemicals that your body has to figure out what the f to do with. Eat simple, real food ingredients. Don’t look at marketing claims, read labels. When you eat REAL food you don’t need to spend precious brain space counting calories.
USE NON TOXIC PRODUCTS:
Yes this matters to your health more than we ever imagined. Our last blog was dedicated to lessening your toxic burden. Since we are talking summer, look at the sunscreen you are using. Here are some brands that are considered non toxic: Goddess Garden, Badger, MyChelle, AllGood, SunBum.
Ultimate health is what you put in your body, what you do not put in/on your body and the thoughts in your head that shift the energy and physiological functions of the body.
with gratitude,
Kalle