After an indulgent holiday season, I like to start off the New Year with a dietary cleanse. I have found it highly effective, for both myself and my clients, to eliminate the most problematic foods- wheat, dairy, alcohol, and all other sugar based or artificially sweetened drinks (see below for a detailed list) for 4 weeks. During this time it is equally important to eat fresh, unprocessed, nutrient dense foods to help detoxification and support optimal health.
Grilling is out, roasting is IN
During the long warm summer days, I love the easy no-dish cooking method of throwing everything out on the grill for dinner. But now that the days are getting shorter and it’s not so warm out, I’ve turned to my oven instead.
Push-ups: for all ages and abilities
The push-up is a fundamental exercise that I routinely use with most of my clients. It works the whole body and can be easily modified for either the 75 year-old woman or the 25 year-old athlete. Push-ups engage numerous muscles including the core (a group of muscles which support and protect the back), chest, shoulders, and triceps (the area on the back of the arm that can get loose and wobbly, causing the “double goodbye” effect when waving).
Ode to Eggs
Eggs are on my list of perfect foods. They are nourishing, delectable, quick-cooking, versatile, and conveniently individually packaged. I strongly advocate eating fresh pastured eggs from chickens who graze on a natural diet of green plants, insects, and grains. When cracked open, these eggs reveal a bright orange yolk and a white that gels together. They are richer in color, flavor, and nutrients (especially omega-3s, which support brain and nervous system development as well as cardiovascular health) than conventional eggs. Both the nutrients and omegas are concentrated in the yolk of the egg. Yes, eat the yolk- it is packed with good stuff! I openly admit that I pay $6-8/dozen for these superior quality eggs. Find this price hard to swallow? You can easily drop the same amount for a single cocktail at a bar. It’s all relative and a matter of priorities.
Jump-start January resolutions
It may feel early to begin thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, but now is the perfect time to take action and set your self up for success. By choosing a fitness plan now, you will beat the January rush, have first pick of the services available, and can relax in knowing that you are locked in to start the new year off right. This seemingly daunting task will feel easy and approachable when you follow these simple steps.
