Food for Thought: A Healthier You

A Healthy, Stronger You

After finishing the year with a parade of luxurious meals and decadent desserts, January is the perfect time to shift gears 

and start fresh. It is important that we honor who we are by taking care of ourselves, which in turn, gives us the strength to take care of others. Eating well along with getting enough sleep and exercise provides us with the essential tools to thrive in 2014.

Here are some foundational nutrition tips to keep you looking and feeling your very best:

1. Choosing the finest foods

Eating is one of life's most enjoyable pleasures. It is a sacred time to gather together, give thanks, and receive nourishment. But for too many people - women especially - eating triggers is a frustrating cycle of anxiety, fear, and self-deprecation. Too many people choose prettily dolled-up food items that promise health benefits, low calories, and no fats, but more often than not they end up skimping us on the nutrients we really need. Choosing fresher, more natural food not only truly supports your health, but leaves you feeling more energetic and satisfied. Try to spend more time in the produce section at the grocery store or check out your local farmers' market for fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables. And with natural foods, there's no need to worry about calorie counting or obessively working out because they will always honor your figure, as nature intended!

2. Make Eating a Priority

With jam-packed schedules, it is so easy to put eating on the back burner of your day. But don't skip meals and don't forget to eat! This only leads to fatigue and overeating at a later time. Set yourself up to win! If you know you'll be rushing to get out of the door in the morning, make a healthy smoothie the night before and have it ready and waiting for you in a to-go cup (check out our delicious smoothie recipe below!). Even if it is a busy work day, make sure to take an intentional lunch break to help keep your body running beautifully, as designed.

3. Careful with the Caffeine

There is something divine about a steaming cup of coffee in the early morning. It's a simply wonderful ritual - believe me, we know! But too much caffeine can depress your energy levels, irritate your internal organs, and hurt your sleep cycle. Whether it's coffee, tea, or soda, limit your caffeine intake to 2-3 cups a day. Instead of that second cup of coffee, try jumpstarting your day with a cup of hot lemon water to naturally detox your body and brighten your spirit.

Good Morning Beautiful Smoothie

What you need:

7 cups fresh greens (Mix it up with whatever's in season!

1 cup water

1 stick of celery

1 banana, peeled

1 pear, cored, seeded and quartered

Juice of 1 small lemon

1/2 avocado, peeled and seeded (optional for creamy goodness)

1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional - perfect strength booster if you're off to a yoga class!)

A few springs of fresh cilantro (optional)

How to make it:

Blend all ingredients together in a juicer or blender. Makes 1-2 servings. Enjoy any time of the day! 

Also, we recommend making this while wearing the gorgeous Goddess Luxe Wrap Yoga Legging - they are the best leggings to wear while making a scrumptuous mess in the kitchen! Keep an eye out for more of our favorite recipes for a nutritious and absolutely delicious 2014!

If you liked this blog, check out our other blogs like: "Indulge: 3 Summer Recipes from Kathryn Budig", "Resources for the Foodie," "7 Foods You Need to Break Up With,"