A New Year, A New Healthier You

Are you tired, overweight, suffering from chronic pain, on countless prescription medications and sedentary?  Do you feel that you are not able to enjoy everyday activities with family and friends?  Well, you are not alone.  Unfortunately, this is the normal lifestyle of many people.  Unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles can lead to the development of many diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, infertility, and many autoimmune disorders including Hashimoto’s, Celiac disease, and many forms of arthritis.  Do you want this to be your normal way of living?  Hopefully not, so let’s take the steps to a healthier and better you in 2020.

Here are some tips to a healthier you.

Let’s start by eating a healthier diet. There are many diets on the internet that do not work.  Many of these diets are yo-yo diets and not suited for everyone.  Try taking a course in nutrition or speak with a qualified nutritionist.  Know which foods are nutrient dense and eat more of these foods every day.  Do not focus on counting calories.  Drink filtered water and use glass or stainless steel water bottles.  Eat healthy proteins such as grass fed meats, organically raised free range chicken, and wild caught seafood.  Include organic vegetables and fruits and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

Next, start exercising.  Find an activity that you enjoy and stay active.  It can be biking, swimming, dancing or anything that gets you moving.  Plan to workout at least 3 times a week.  Muscle determines metabolism and is our secondary immune system reserve.  Maintain muscle tone by performing a strength/resistance workout using weights, bands, balls or your own body weight.  Try to find a workout buddy to help keep you motivated.  Buy a pedometer and aim for 6-10K steps daily.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep.  Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night.  Try to be in bed between the hours of 10pm-2am.  This is the optimal hours for restorative sleep.  Without sleep, the body cannot properly heal.

Limit stress in your life.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Meditate and take time for yourself.  Write down your thoughts in a journal.  Attend a yoga class or stream a class at home.

Get outdoors more often.  Go for a 20-minute walk in the morning or at lunch time.  Sunshine exposure will allow your body to make Vitamin D and melatonin.

Spend quality time with family and friends.  Put down your cell phone and drive over to a friend’s house or invite them over.  Stop texting and talk instead!

Lastly, have a healthy work life balance, and take the time to take care of you!  Leave your work at work, and take time to relax.  Plan a staycation or a much-needed vacation.

Let’s make 2020 your healthiest year yet! At The Wellness Centre, we have all the tools to help you achieve your goals and to feel your best. Whole health for your whole body. Come and visit us for a healthier new you!

From all of us, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!