The start of the New Year brings about new resolutions to get started on accomplishing although, resolutions are known more for their failure rates rather than success. In fact, did you know only about 8% of people are actually successful in sticking to their resolutions? If you are going to have a resolution, a well thought plan is necessary to increase your chance of success.
Many of us desire good health upon the New Year, but with the overload of health information thrown at us daily it can be difficult to know where to begin. To keep focus it is best to stick to healthy basics, emphasizing good nutrition and regular exercise. Listed below are a few ways to best achieve a healthy year.
Feeling sluggish? Try Juice Cleansing
Juice cleansing eliminates toxins from your system by drinking only juice from raw vegetables and fruits so your entire body feels better both internally and externally. When a detox is done right, it’s just another word to describe a diet rich in whole foods. By removing artificial flavours and chemical substances from your diet, you’re helping prepare your body to live a healthier and more natural lifestyle.
Detox programs as such can help:
- Increase energy
- Improve digestion
- Aid in weight-loss
- Eliminate cravings
- Reduce risk of cancer by unlocking nutrients in raw food
Juice Cleanse & Colonics Protocol
Healthy habits & clean eating
Although there is no standard definition, clean eating means incorporating real and fresh foods (whole foods) into your diet free of additives and preservatives. A majority of the foods we consume if not all should be as close to their natural state as possible and free of processing. However this does not mean you need to fully give up the occasional treat although the portion size should be reduced. It is key to incorporate a variety of foods into your diet, just as we have all heard before, “everything in moderation” is the best way to keep a healthy lifestyle balance.
Other essential healthy habits to incorporate in your daily routine are:
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
- Plan meals ahead
- Eat 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits per day (if not in season buy flash frozen options)
- Make a list before grocery shopping
- Keep your meals colourful to ensure you are consuming a variety of vitamins and minerals
Exercise regularly
The word exercise is often associated with gyms and fitness places. Partaking in regular exercise does not have to cost money, you can exercise in the comfort of your own home or while enjoying the outdoors. It is no surprise that exercise can help prevent weight gain and reduce your risk of other health risks. On average people should strive to exercise a minimum of 30 minutes per day 5 days a week. For weight-loss exercise intensity should be increased to a level where heart rate is elevated to a sufficient level. Before beginning any new exercise program, remember to always check with your doctor especially if it has been awhile since you last exercised or have any chronic health conditions.
Exercise can help to:
- Boost energy levels
- Improve mood
- Improve sleep
- Maintain weight/weight-loss
- Prevent health condition such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes
Take necessary supplements for gut health
The best way to ensure healthy gut flora is to regularly consume good quality probiotics. How do you identify a good quality supplement? The probiotic should be comprised of at least 10 strains of bacteria and 50 billion active or live cultures. Probiotics should be part of your daily health regime and taken on an empty stomach 20 minutes prior to your first meal of the day.
For some, digestive enzyme supplements can be very beneficial as well. Digestive enzymes are a crucial part of our digestive system as they are necessary for not only the break down of food into vitamins and minerals, but also the delivery of these nutrients. Those who drink a lot of fluid during their meals tend to have a low digestive enzyme count because overtime these enzymes can become diluted during digestion. Also as people age the body loses its’ ability to produce certain enzymes causing many to have problems digesting food properly. Digestive enzyme supplements are to be taken with the first bit of food at every meal for a short period of time (approx. 1-2 months).
Routine cleansing
Colon hydrotherapy helps to eliminate old toxic matter that has been impacted along the colon walls for years. Even the healthiest individuals can have a slight impaction in the colon without being aware. As this matter sits in the colon it releases toxics, which flood not only the digestive system, but entire body as well. Our gut health is linked to overall wellbeing as 80% of the immune system lies inside our gut. This can be of some explanation for unexplained tiredness and frequent colds.
To start a cleanse it is recommended to do a series of 3-4 sessions to cleanse the length of the colon in its’ entirety. On average the colon ranges 5-6 feet in length so it is nearly impossible to have a fully cleansed bowel after only 1 session. Once the colon has been emptied it is essential to keep up with colonics once a month for routine maintenance. This will help to promote optimal digestive health and regular bowel function.
A few tips to keep in mind when starting your resolution:
- Plan Ahead
Before you begin the first step is to write down all the details of your plan. This should include; how you will begin, what you will need to get started, how do you plan on achieving your goal successfully, etc.
- Time
One of the most important aspects of goal setting is keeping a reasonable time frame. If your deadline is unrealistic it becomes so easy to become discouraged and fall off track. If weight-loss is on your resolution list, keep in mind a healthy way to lose weight and successfully keep it off is by losing approximately 1-1.5 pounds per week.
- Success Always Starts with Failure
I do believe the only way to experience success is by experiencing failure. If one has not “failed” they have not pushed themselves to their fullest potential. What is important is that when you experience a bump in the road, do not let it stop you. Learn from the mishap and let that be your motivation to work harder. Keep finding new ways to motivate yourself until you have accomplished your goal.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
Posted by Meaghan LaFranca, M.Sc, Nutritionist, Colon Therapist
