Hmm... what do you need to stay healthy?  What does healthy even mean?  


It seems no matter which way you turn someone has something to say about being healthy!  Eat this, not that. Do this, not that. Go here, not there.  Even say this, not that! Ultimately you try things on for size and see what helps you feel better.  When exploring new options with diet or exercise you can always work with your healthcare provider to make sure you are feeling great and looking great on the inside as well! (Ex. you cahge your diet and are feeling awesome but blood work might help prove you are looking good on the inside as well)


We are all at different starting points when it comes to diet, exercise, spirituality, etc.  Some of us may need to GET healthy before we can stay healthy!  


My number one suggestion on getting healthy and how to stay healthy is the green smoothie.  I know, I know!  If you read my blog regularly you may be saying to yourself "Enough about the smoothies, already!"  but most likely you will say that only if you haven't incorporated it into your daily routine yet.  If you have brought it onto your daily diet then no matter how many times I say "drink your smoothie " you'll want to stand up and shout "Hallelujah!"  Because you know that's where it is at!  


Number 2 way to stay healthy?  MOVE!  If you are changing eating habits, stopping smoking, stopping alcohol consumption or doing something else to keep yourself in a better physical and mental state then PLEASE MOVE YOUR BODY EVERY DAY! I am not just talking about walking to your car in the morning to get to work. I mean spend at least 20 minutes moving your body just to move your body.  Get out and walk around the block for 20 minutes and move your arms in such a way that you'll think to yourself " Wow...if someone is looking at me right now they must think I am very strange!"  What do I mean by that?  MOVE YOUR ARMS!  Exaggerate the movements!  Get your legs moving, arms moving and breathe deeply.  This will make you feel great as your blood is oxygenated, lymph is pushed through your system and your muscles and organs will be flooded with much needed oxygenated blood!


When you exercise more your body wants more of the good stuff! You'll have less cravings for junk foods (you'll crave healthier foods!) and you'll lift your spirits.


Number three way to stay healthy?  Do not allow others to push unhealthy things on you.  Believe me, it will happen! For example:  If you are staying away from sugary, fatty desserts and you go to a friends for dinner and the dessert is passed around and you politely refuse, you will most likely be greeted with a "Why not?"  or "It's just a small piece"  or they'll physically wave the dish around your face and smile and say "yum, yum, yum"!  I do not think people intentionally do this, but they do it. friends, even people you hardly know!  You may even notice the person offering so insistently may need to keep away from the sugar or fats themselves!  This goes for cigarettes, alcohol and others.  


You do not need to explain yourself in some lengthy way.  Keep it simple: "I am eating what makes me feel good right now and that doesn't make me feel good."  Or add some humor and tell them your allergic. "Yes that would be tasty, I am sure, but I seem to be allergic to cheesecake!  Uh-huh, I swell up right around my thighs and it becomes difficult to move. I really fear for my life."
 Just kidding on the last one.  My point?  To stay healthy you must want it.  Do not allow other (or yourself) to push you off the track! This includes sabotaging yourself by allowing yourself to get too hungry and then going for the quickest, cheapest junk you can find!  It happens!  Do not allow it! Read this for more tips on how to stay healthy.


The number four way to stay healthy?  Read a good health blog in the morning.  After you wake up, drink your water and have your tea or whatever you like to have, spend 5 minutes on a good blog!  Like mine :) or another.  Check out my inks page for a couple of options!  Google some good keywords like 'raw food blog' or something.  Have a few blog options so the content and perspective will change and be interesting.  


My number five way to stay healthy is to try things out.  When you read something that sound interesting, tasty or fun, try it out!  And try it out a couple of times to really get the taste or feel of it!


You have everything you need to get healthy, to stay healthy and to live healthy.  Just stand up and claim it. You are worth it!


in peace and good health,
Kirsten