Four Small Ways to Jumpstart Your Day (and Health!)

In the last few weeks, my morning routine has shifted from dragging myself around the house to motivating myself to take small steps to improve my health. Though the changes are small (and take less than 15 minutes to incorporate), the benefits are many.

First, begin your day with a glass of warm water with the juice from ½ lemon (preferably organic). The water should be warm since the average body temperature is 98.6 degrees. Cold water shocks the system; warm water requires less work and flows through the body quickly and efficiently. The lemon gently flushes toxins and (bad) bacteria from the body. It also assists food digestion, purifies the blood and improves the immune system. Not surprisingly, lemons are a main ingredient in liver cleanses. Plus, the citrus flavor not only freshens your breath, but your mood as well.

Second, just before getting into the shower, body brush. Skin is the largest organ in the body and must be treated properly. Toxins and waste are eliminated through the sweat glands by liquid lymph (part of the lymphatic system). If the skin is not able to breathe, less waste will be removed and other organs will have to work even harder to dispose of the additional waste. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, removes dead skin cells and (bonus) reduces fluid retention and cellulite. When body brushing, use a brush made from natural bristles that are firm, not soft. Starting from your feet, brush short strokes onto your skin with substantial pressure. Work your way up to the neck, always brushing towards the heart. Your skin will feel tingly and hot; that is the sign of increased circulation. Quality brushes can be found at your local health store or online (prices range from $10-20).

Third, take hot/cold showers. After body brushing, it is best to take a hot shower. At the end of your shower, turn the water as cold as you can stand for the last 30 seconds. It does not sound appealing, but it is actually very energizing and therapeutic. Hot water stimulates blood flow to the surface of the body and cold water stimulates blood flow to the core of the body, bringing fresh blood to the internal organs, glands, etc… Long story short, oxygen and nutrients are drawn in and toxins are pushed out.

Lastly, before heading out the door, treat yourself to a fruit/veggie smoothie. A smoothie is one of the healthiest things you can put into your body – add some nuts/flax seed and it’s even healthier. All you need is fruit and/or vegetables and a blender. Blending breaks down the skin on fruit/veggies, thereby releasing nutrients. Since the fruit/veggies are transformed into liquid, the moment you take your first sip, the nutrients will immediately absorb into the bloodstream. A couple favorite recipes are below to help you get started, but experimenting with new recipes is truly the most fun. Enjoy!

Classic (serves 1)
3 ice cubes, crushed
1 banana
6 strawberries
1 handful of blueberries
1.5 cup Orange Juice

Green Goodness (serves 1)
4 ice cubes, crushed
3/4 banana
1 kiwi
4-5 honeydew chunks

Variety Pack (serves 2)
2 ice cubes, crushed
1 apple
12 pineapple chunks
1 nectarine
8 red grapes


Tips:
Adding carrots to a smoothie aids your daily veggie count and doesn't overpower the flavor. (As a traditional 'fruit' smoothie girl, I struggle with veggies in a smoothie, but this makes it a lot easier. Celery is a good choice as well.

For a creamy flavor, add a dash of milk (almond and soy add a little sweetness).

Don't disregard fruit that has just passed its prime (prior to kicking the bucket). Old bananas are prize items in smoothies.

Depending on how thick you like your smoothies, you may need to add more liquid in the recipes above. Experiment with different liquids (orange juice, apple juice, OJ/apple juice, pineapple juice, almond milk, soy milk, etc...).

Grocery Shopping Tip

Here's a quick tip for finding better for you foods on your next trip to the grocery store: Keep to the edges of the store.

Most grocery store layouts have the produce near one entrance. Follow that around to the back of the store for your fresh baked breads, noncured meats and dairy (baring meat and dairy are still a part of your diet). As you make your way to the other end, you usually end up in your frozen section or a bulk foods (such as nuts) and paper goods section. In the middle of the store is where you'll find the highest concentration of foods that are highly processed and have a lot of preservatives. Of course there are exceptions. Spices are usually in a baking aisle in the middle of the store, but they're also usually found near the end of the aisle so you can pick those up as you make your way on the outside track. There may be other items you need to venture into the middle of the store to buy, but this tip is still helpful to keep in mind.