Quit sugar
Sugar causes an imbalance in our digestive system, skin and mental state. It’s best to quit all that refined sugar and swap it in for more natural sugars like honey, dates, coconut sugar and bananas. Keeping the natural sugars in will keep you sane and make the quit easier.
A G4AS favourite is Maddy’s Flourless Chocolate Orange Brownie see recipe here
Belly breathe
Every morning before you begin your day take three big conscious belly breaths. Place your hands over your belly and feel it rise and fall. This will calm your nervous system making you more mindful and ready for the day.
Be grateful
The beginning of a new year can often feel negative, the weather can be rubbish and you’re often not feeling your best. Instead of focusing on what you are lacking, focus on all the beauty in the world and your life. End each night with a gratitude journal. Write down 3 things you are grateful for. It can be a small as a smile from a stranger to your family’s health. Focusing on the good stuff makes you feel good.
Try something new
Don’t get stuck in a healthy eating rut. January is famous for being the biggest time for detoxing, often this includes the same boring meal everyday. Try a new dish, a new veggie, a new spice. Make sure each meal is tasty. Use veggies in your smoothies and herbs in your crepes. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring!
Need some inspiration? Try Maddy’s Buckwheat Crepes with Cashew Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon see recipe here.
G4AS also loves Maddy’s Gorgeously Green Smoothie see recipe here.
Be kind to yourself
If you fall off the ‘new you’ bandwagon – don’t stress! Our body can handle the odd cake binge. Just start again. Don’t make one small dip descend into a giant hole. Treat yourself kindly and never beat yourself up. You would never treat your best friend that way, so don’t treat yourself like that. Treat your body like you would your best friend and you will stay hot, happy and healthy.
Combat Stress
Suddenly emails start flying in, your phone is ringing and meetings are piling up but you haven’t changed pace. Take time every day to breathe even in busier moments throughout your day. Eat your food slowly, chewing it properly.
Do three things a week that relax your body like:
- Taking a bath
- Enjoying a yoga class
- Meditating
- Painting
- Dancing
- Reading
For more see Madeleine’s book Get The Glow (Orion, £20)
