Sweet Secrets for Success #3: Go out to Play

play exerciseWhat would happen if we could look at exercise as play?  Loosen up and be child-like for a few minutes. Forget the drudgery we so often think about, shake off busy-ness and excuses, let your mind and body have a few minutes of fun, unwind… and love the benefits:

  • boosts the immune system
  • increases metabolism
  • relieves stress
  • improves moods
  • gives energy
  • strengthens bones
  • slows aging
  • removes toxins
  • regulates blood sugars – and SO more!

Find something you really like to do …get your body moving…you just might have fun and want to make it a regular part of your routine!

 


Sweet Secrets for Success #2: Hydrate!

Not only is water essential to life since it makes up 75% of your body, it helps keep your entire body healthy, transporting nutrients into cells and clearing toxins out, keeping your organs functioning well and you thinking clearly.

Water and hydration are also keys to maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your appetite satisfied. Many times we confuse the body’s signals, thinking we’re hungry when actually, we’re thirsty . Try drinking water first. Many even drop some weight just by hydrating and allowing toxins to be flushed out.

How much should you drink daily??  Your weight divided by 2 = ounces needed daily. Add extra to compensate for exercise, warm temperatures and when drinking coffee, tea or soda, which can cause extra fluid loss.

 

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Sweet Secrets for Success #1: Eat Real, Clean Food

Instead of the “doing without” Resolutions for 2016 (which usually are short-lived!), make this the year where “die-ting” stops and living starts.  Make your focus about what your body needs to feel good physically, emotionally and spiritually. When these areas of life are in balance, you can truly enjoy and live your life to the fullest, experiencing radiant living. Get ready for 10 DO-ABLE whole-body health and nutrition tips to help you feel and look better in 2016 for your best year yet!

#1: Eat Real, Clean Food

Choose to give your body the building blocks it needs for life and health.  Focus on ADDING IN nutrient dense foods in their natural, (unprocessed) state, to help build, strengthen, energize and heal the body.  As you consistently ADD IN real food, it becomes a lifestyle, easily pushing out and eliminating the lifeless, empty-calorie foods that have little-to-no value (and even deplete the body’s immune and energy systems and add on ‘fluff”). This makes  “die-ting” a thing of the past! You’ll feel better (and probably younger!), drop extra weight even have more energy…in as early as 2-3 days.* You’ll get to enjoy freedom with these new, delicious and healthier options and the beauty and satisfaction that only comes from flavor-packed foods in their real state … lots of fresh, green leafy, colorful veggies & fruit, nuts & seeds, good oils (omega 3s,  coconut & olive oils, avocado), beans, whole grains, and even some lean, quality (antibiotic & hormone free) protein. ADD IN herbs and spices loaded with flavor and extra antioxidant and healing properties.  The possibilities are truly endless!  While the cost may be a little higher up front (in planning, prepping and $$ compared to packaged food), it’s easier to “maintain” health than to “regain” it.  Don’t worry…it gets easier as you find and set your new routine. Make the investment now and enjoy good health for a lifetime! Check out Innocent Indulgence on Pinterest for a few ideas.

Need some 1:1 or group coaching to get started on a plan?

Check out our Nutrition Coaching Options to help you transform your health! 

 

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*individual results vary and are not guaranteed, but usually are noticeable in just a couple of days!

8 Reasons To Indulge in Pumpkin This Season

The little orange beauties are just bursting with possibilities to help you take care of your health!  They are more than décor and seasonal desserts. They have the potential to change every meal into something not only delicious, but festive and loaded wPumpkin nutrition benefitsith benefits:

  1. Eyesight Support: Pumpkins contain over 200% of the RDA for Vitamin A, and can help with sight even in low lighting situations
  2. Weight Loss:  The fiber (3-5grams/cup) in pumpkins keeps you from feeling hungry by slowing down the digestion of foods, controlling blood sugar levels, and making you feel full longer throughout the day
  3. Toxin  Flush: High potassium content makes pumpkin a natural diuretic, helping flush out toxins and unwanted waste from your body
  4. Prostate Cancer Fighter:  Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols that can work by shrinking the prostate, preventing testosterone from transforming into the agent that causes it to enlarge
  5. Immune System Builder: Vitamins A, C, zinc and anti-oxidants work to fight cancers and boost the immune system
  6. Anti-Inflammatory: Beta Carotene in both the flesh and seeds can naturally protect against joint inflammation and arthritis
  7. Mood Boost: Pumpkin seeds also contain tryptophan, a natural mood booster
  8. Muscle Boost: Potassium and electrolytes aid in reducing soreness and refueling your muscles after a workout

Try some of these pumpkin meal ideas:

Breakfast:  Pumpkin Breakfast Hash,  Pumpkin Pancakes  Pumpkin Muffins

Lunch: Pumpkin Pasta Sauce, Roasted Pumpkin Chili or Salad

Dinner: Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Ravioli, Stuffed Pumpkins

Written with Lauren, Arizona State University Nutrition Intern