There's an old saying: "It's not what you do between Christmas and New Year's, but rather what you do between New Year's and Christmas."
Still, people blame the holiday season for weight gain, feeling frazzled, lack of energy and sleeping late. You may always feel rushed and run late for important things when the sprint-to-the-finish end of year mentality kicks in.
Perhaps next year can be different. Start the New Year by investing in your health on a daily basis. By next holiday season you will definitely look and feel a lot better – almost effortlessly.
Here are some tips that keep me healthy and fit all year long – including the holiday season.
1. Start your day with a moment of silence. Each morning I wake up, naturally without an alarm clock unless I am meeting with a client. The first thing I do is go into my dressing room, light a candle and some incense. Then I spend a few minutes in prayer and meditation. I've been doing this for 15 years. It keeps me grounded and gets my day off to a good start, no matter what lies ahead.
2. Exercise. It doesn't cost anything to exercise. If you dislike gyms or classes, just turn on cable television and there are hundreds of exercise programs on Exercise TV. My favorite work-outs include: yoga, kick boxing, light weights and Pilates. What are yours? Exercise TV also offers dance, cardio, power walks and so much more. I exercise every day, including Saturdays and Sundays. But the trick is -- I like to do it first thing in the morning, then I'm done for the day. I also love to ride my bike, swim, rollerblade and go for super long walks. Moving is so good for your body and makes you feel so alive!
3. Fruit. I love to eat fruit for breakfast and throughout the day. It's energizing, cleansing and full of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. If fruit sounds boring to you, try something exotic, like a durian, jack fruit, or soursop (all can be found in Asian markets). Kings Supermarket in Verona also has lots of exotic fruits, including starfruit, cherimoya and dragon fruit. Or you can create fun concoctions by mixing and blending. I enjoy making natural banana puddings and place kiwis around the dish; and top it off with cacao nibs [see photo]. You can always add some raw honey to sweeten, but fruit is very sweet on its own.
4. Cleanse. Once a year I'll do a cleanse, whether it's an herbal cleanse kit purchased from a health food store, the Master Cleanse, or just eat raw vegan foods for a week. Some experts say it's good to do this with every season. But listen to your own body; you may not have to cleanse that often. For me, it's nice once a year, usually right before summer. Cleanses kick-start your metabolism, give you more energy and help you lose a few pounds. I love the euphoria that happens during cleansing (I call this a "health high") and that is definitely worth giving up a few favorite foods for!
5. Just say "No!" Say "no" to gossip; say "no" to people who aren't doing you justice; say "no" to a dead end job that often has you going home in tears. Putting yourself and your happiness first is the best thing you can do for your health and well being. Happiness is not just personal satisfaction. Happy people have healthier hearts and cut their risks for diseases like diabetes. And by being more upbeat you'll be less likely to give in to emotional eating. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and lift your spirits.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a super healthy 2011!
For more information, contact Mary Anne Christiano at: MaryAnneChristiano@Gmail.com
If you live in Cedar Grove or Verona and are in the health industry, please contact Mary Anne with your story ideas and upcoming events.
