Top Ten Daily Habits for the New Year!

I truly can’t believe it’s the end of the year already, especially because it’s still eighty degrees in December here in LA, but 2018 is just around the corner. As everyone starts to ponder New Year’s resolutions and goals, I’ve been thinking about sustainability, i.e., what can I do that will turn into a new lasting habit instead of just a fleeting attempt at something big? 

 

Over the years I’ve adopted many little habits, that, taken together, contribute in a huge way to my overall health. As I often say, what you do consistently determines your health. The great thing is, once a small habit is incorporated into your lifestyle, like brushing your teeth, you don’t even have to think about it.

 

I’m often asked about my own diet and lifestyle choices, so in honor of the giving season, I thought I would share with you some of my most impactful daily habits. I hope they’ll inspire you to make some small but powerful changes for your health in the New Year.

 

Jaime’s Top Ten Favorite Daily Habits!

 

#1- I drink a spoonful of raw, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar every morning, diluted in water. ACV is detoxifying, alkalizing, contains beneficial enzymes for your digestive health, and is anti-bacterial. I swear by this fermented tonic.

 

#2- I drink a large glass of water every morning (with the ACV). When we sleep, we naturally detox, so it’s nice to flush the toxins first thing in the morning. Additionally, because we’ve been on a food and water fast for eight-plus hours, it’s important to rehydrate your organs.

 

#3- I take a daily probiotic pill. Since gut health is key to overall health and immune function, I want to do everything I can to support mine, especially since I went through the ringer with my digestion some years ago. This extra boost of positive flora helps your digestive system work more efficiently, and keeps harmful bacteria in your gut at bay. I choose one with a high live flora count (i.e. it might say ’20 billion strain’ on the package). Some brands I like: Solaray, Natren, New Chapter, or there are many other good options as well at any health food store.

 

#4- I have Super-green powder every morning, which I mix into a little pomegranate juice and water. Eating greens daily is one of the most important things you can do for your health since they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and folates, plus they’re incredibly alkalizing. The green powder is my insurance policy that I’ll get my greens in every day. My favorite is Vitamineral Green, (https://healthforce.com/superfoods-rejuvenation/vitamineral-green, also available at a discount at https://thrivemarket.com).

 

#5- Tongue scraping. I do this when I first get out of bed in the morning, before I drink my water with ACV. An Ayurvedic tradition, tongue scraping is a nice way to rid your tongue of the toxins released while you sleep. Symbolically it signifies ‘clean speech,’ or ‘speaking your truth,’ which is an empowering way to start your day. Also, your dentist will love you.

 

#6- Gratitude journaling. I do this at some point each morning. Studies have shown that daily gratitude journaling boosts your happiness and your immune function, because it raises serotonin levels. I list at least 5 things daily for which I am grateful, in a journal.

 

#7- I add chia seeds to my breakfast every morning. Chia are a great source of Omega 3’s, fiber, and protein, and they fill me up and give me energy. They go great in oatmeal or any hot cereal, as well as on a whole grain toast with nut butter.

 

#8- Meditation. Especially during this time when natural and political disasters are happening every day, it’s important for me to ground myself so I don’t get caught up in reacting to all the negativity. Meditation helps reduce anxiety and depression, and helps me better handle stress. I’m still working on getting in meditation every day. This is one goal I have for 2018.

 

#9- I eat a serving of nuts every day. I always feel satiated and more calm after I eat a serving of nuts. They also help stabilize my blood sugar and are a great source of protein, which I love, especially since I eat so little animal protein. The poly- and monounsaturated fats in nuts are great for heart health and help reduce cholesterol and risk for many diseases.

 

#10- I eat half an avocado every day, sprinkled with full spectrum sea salt. Avocados are so immediately satiating and they keep me from craving unhealthy fats, like chips. The monounsaturated fats in avocado are great for heart health, and the potassium (contains more than a banana) helps lower blood pressure.

 

#11- (Ok, so I gave you a bonus;) Stretching at night before bed. I’m so grateful for starting this habit, which gives me the time and space to breath deeply and release my body from any stress and compression taken on during the day. I always feel better getting into bed after having stretched, and I’m less likely to wake up with kinks in my neck or back.

 

So, now you know all my secrets:)

 

Whatever your goals, dreams, and resolutions, I wish you so much happiness and success in 2018!

 

PS- I’m offering a new online program in the New Year to help you reach your 2018 goals. Join my newsletter below to hear the announcement, coming in early January.