It’s time for a new year and for a new start. Though I haven’t been the biggest New Year Resolution type, some things have lined up in such a way that I might as well take advantage of all that New Year energy and ride it for a bit. With much more functional teeth and a head cleared of decay, I’m actually feeling better. I’ve learned a lot of tips about weight loss and health, so time to be better about taking my own advice.
So, since this blog is about helping others to live the best creative life they can, I’ll offer some of the ideas I intend to use in the New Year. I’ll personally be doing most of these, however it’s certainly possible, and often better, to just pick one or two things to change, wait for it to become a habit and part of your new normal life, then pick one or two other things to change.
Ideas for a healthier life
A new haircut or trim – it helps you feel better and look better right away.
Stay Positive – it may not be easy to be positive all the time, but when you notice yourself straying, just refocus. It does get easier, like with every habit.
Focus on Courtesy – this is a rude world, especially if you are living in the US and certain other countries. I have a definite goal of being more polite to everyone.
Take vitamins – for anything you can’t get enough of through your diet. In particular I need B vitamins and calcium.
Eat yogurt – and other probiotic foods like kefir, kombucha, or non pasteurized sauerkraut. Or probiotic supplements.
More protein – whether plant based or animal based, protein helps with growth of lean muscle and keeps you full longer.
Nuts, seeds, berries – all are good for brain health, good nutrients in general, and make healthy snacks.
Upgrade snacktime – my local asian grocery has some great things to replace my sugary, fatty snacks with. They have everything from seaweed crisps to kale chips to rice crackers. Let’s not forget seasoned carrot slices, celery chunks, or cucumber rounds.
Make it easy for yourself – make snacks ahead, pack them so they are easy to grab and go.
Move when you can – take stairs, walk across parking lot, do a few wall pushups here and there, a few squats etc. It all adds up. I’ll be doing this more.
Apple cider vinegar – check out my article on the drink called Switchel.
Chocolate – I’m going to make eating a small amount of dark chocolate a priority.
Cut down on sugar – I really have a love affair with sugar but it has so many bad properties, so I’m going to refocus on limiting it.
Chew gum – if you have bad teeth like I do, kinds with xylitol and without aspartame are generally best. It’s good to keep your mouth busy, keep your teeth clean, and burns a few calories.
Drink water – we’ve all heard it but I’ll keep on doing it. I’m actually pretty good about drinking water, but I can always improve.
Listen to music – the right kind helps your attitude, keeps you on the bright side, and motivates you. Personally, I love heavy metal because it’s often very motivating.
Every week at least, do something creative. Depending on your interests, that may be anything from painting to writing in a journal to drawing to practicing music to coloring in a mandala. If you keep up with the things that feed your mind and creativity, you will feed your happiness. And you’ll have something to show for it. Make sure it’s non electronic!
If you want even more hints and tips, check these out:
Recipe
Amazing, heart healthy, cold soak oatmeal
It’s astoundingly simple and yet very tasty. Simply soak old fashioned rolled outs overnight in your choice of liquid. You can use water, like I do, or fruit juice, milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, coconut water, really anything wet. I’ve even done it with green tea. However, it gets better than that. Along with your oatmeal you can put other things – like walnut pieces, chia seeds, pepitas, cashews, dried fruit, spices, really anything you can think of that would go with oatmeal.
Once done, you can warm the oatmeal or eat it cold – the soaking keeps some of the oat texture without turning it into mush. I eat mine without sweetener, you may want to try this too before adding something. I’ve you’ve added dried fruit or a spice like cinnamon, you may not even want it.
Enjoy your New Year, and here’s to your health!
Mindflight 
Yes to all of the above. New start is what I need. Making the list and going straight foward.
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Right on! All the best to you! That reminds me – support, even electronic support, is really helpful too. Just knowing others are making the same effort is so helpful.
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Wonderful list to start the year. To support your goals one suggestion I would like to offer is to make soups! Every week a new soup. Might not be your thing or you might be in a warmer climate than I am but it really is healthy and filling and even portable with the right thermos. Really is soul food because it warms you to the core;)
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