12 Healthy Tips for a healthy New Year – Part 2

New Year resolutions in June? Yes. Sometimes we need a reminder to keep our promises to ourselves. These tips will take you through the rest of the year!

In January, I promised you 12 Healthy Tips for a healthy New Year. Now that you are halfway through the year, here are the rest of the tips to help you get through the rest of the months with more energy and vitality.

July – Nature Rules

July is the prime month of summer - a great time to be outside, spending time in nature and enjoying the sunshine. If you live in a city, spend more time in parks and go on hiking excursions in the countryside. This is a great way to breathe in fresh air and move in nature. Take a swim in the ocean, walk barefoot in the sand, watch the sunset. Spending more time in nature can inspire you to do great things.

August – Hot Summer, Cool Foods

August ties with July as the hottest month of the year, so cool off with some of these cooling foods. The number one cool food on my list is watermelon. Watermelon is a great source of vitamin C and A, mostly made of water and it will keep you hydrated. Second on the list is cucumbers. Similar to watermelon, cucumbers have a high water content that can help keep you hydrated on hot summer days. High in Vitamin K and vitamin B, this light and watery vegetable can be enjoyed juiced alone, as a base for other green juices or simply eaten raw. Lemons also make it on the list of cooling foods. A splash of lemon in water, salads or steamed veggies can add a little cooling effect. There is nothing like cold lemonade on a hot scorching day.

September – Declutter, Organize and Clean

September is known as the month of new beginnings/fresh starts with summer ending and school beginning. What better way to start September off than by doing some decluttering. “Out with the old and in with the new” so the saying goes. Believe it or not, you cannot attract new things into your life if old things are crowding your space. If you are around constant clutter and a messy environment, it will eventually take a toll on you mentally and physically. Clutter and disorganization are not motivating. It can make you feel depressed and is an unpleasant environment to work and be in. This month, take the time to give things away that you do not wear or use. Clean and organize your space. You will be amazed at how energized and good you will feel.

October – Fall Abundance

Fill your month with delicious fall harvest favorites. This is the time of the year to enjoy the flavors of apples in apple crumbles. It is a time where we can fill our bellies with grounding foods such as squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes (an excellent source of vitamin A) and other root vegetables. Eating these foods in season is the best way to get the most flavor, nutritional value and adds color to your plate.

November – Catch Up on Your Sleep

November is the time we turn back our clocks: the days get shorter, and the nights get longer. Take this month to catch up on some sleep, for when the body is asleep, the greatest amount of healing occurs. Good quality sleep enhances growth hormones that need to be in balance so that you can feel focused, energized, refreshed, and to help keep you lean. For the best sleep environment, sleep in a cool, dark room to help stimulate melatonin. Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime; for if the body is still busy digesting food, it can prevent you from sleeping deeply. Eating before bed can also lead to weight gain as you’re not likely to burn many calories just before bed. Avoid computers, tablets or any other devices that might stimulate your mind and prevent you from going to sleep. Instead, wind down with a warm Epsom salt and lavender oil bath, and drink a cup of hot water.

December – Cold Winters Deserve Hot Foods

In the winter months, we tend to keep warm by layering clothes, wearing hats and scarfs. Did you know there are foods that not only keep you warm but are directly related to weight loss? Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers, heats up the body, increases metabolism, and helps you burn more calories. Warm up with a cup of green tea. The Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) compound found in green tea, temporarily speeds up your metabolism and can help you lose weight. Ginger (added to soups or to make tea), is another excellent choice to keep you warm and boost the immune and digestive system. Turmeric, well known to help reduce inflammation, can also help keep the body warm; just add to some warm coconut and see for yourself. Cinnamon, known to help stabilize blood sugar, helps increase the body’s metabolism and generate heat.

There you have it, 12 tips to make your year a healthy, successful one. Incorporating some, or all, of these tips can help you stay on track so that you can reach your health goals.

If you want to catch up on the rules for the first six months, feel free to check them out!