I have a confession to make …. despite being a Health Coach and blitzing green smoothies since the 1990’s, I am just like the rest of you who enjoy the ‘other’ 20% of letting loose with life’s little indulgences. I share the same weaknesses as every other human being when it comes to maintaining a balanced lifestyle, especially this time of year! Over the Summer I have broken my curfew, eaten scrumptious hot chips, had a French rose or two ‘most’ days, indulged in a few desserts … and the list goes on.
Did you know that the sneaky 20% is just as important for your health as the goodie goodie 80%? The key, however, is to listen to your body and know when it is time to make some adjustments to bring back the equilibrium. I also don’t experience guilt when I am indulging myself as I have long standing daily habits that always make me feel nurtured
After 4 weeks of living a little too much in the 20% zone, my body began to send some pretty clear signals that I was out of balance. These symptoms included:
- fatigue
- brain fog
- aches in my joints
- constipation
- moodiness
- restless sleep
- sugar cravings
- lack of motivation
- bloating
Fortunately, I have over 20 years of experience in the health industry, and know every simple trick in the book on how to get back on track. Five days later I am back to my usual energetic self! My mind is clear, I am incredibly motivated to embrace the new year, I am sleeping well and I look and feel refreshed.
So, how did I manage to pull myself together in less than a week after somewhat falling off the wagon? Easy… by pulling out my cheat sheet for LONGEVITY.
MY TOP TRICKS TO REBALANCE:
1. Cut out the alcohol
Buy a case of sparkling water and pour yourself a wine glass of non-alcoholic bubbles each night. Add some ice and a fresh squeeze of lemon to dress it up. As a long term rule aim for at least 4 AFD’s (alcohol free days) per week and always cap your intake at 2 glasses MAX.
2. Clean up your food
If it’s not in the house then you can’t eat it!! Get rid of the crap – chips, chocolate, soft drink, biscuits. It is amazing what accumulates over Summer when guests start filling up your pantry. I love a morning smoothie as a gentle start to the day; roast up veggies and enjoy with lean protein and salad; slice up oodles of veggie sticks and enjoy with some organic hummus. Keep it clean and lean with healthy fats (think avocado, walnuts, salmon), lean protein (think chicken breast, fish), low GI carbs (think quinoa, brown rice, oats), and enjoy lots of veggies and berries.
3. Meditation & Sleep
Day light savings means we are up a little later at night, not to mention the tennis!! Due to the heat, however, we are up early to exercise. This can lead to sleep deprivation. If you are having trouble sleeping try a lavender sleep spray, a warm magnesium bath, try to stick to a regular bed before 10:30pm, and TURN OFF the screens. I also benefit from One Giant Mind’s meditation app daily – just 10 minutes saves me around 2pm.
4. Exercise
Walk. walk, walk. Morning, noon & night. Vary it up with swimming, slow jogging, gardening or an at home circuit. The key is daily movement and not over doing it. Ayurvedic Medicine recommends exercising at 50% of your capacity for longevity.
5. Cut the sugar
To curb the cravings make sure you eat healthy fats like avocados & almonds, drink fennel tea, snack on roasted sweet potatoes dipped in hummus or a small tub of Greek yoghurt with blueberries. If you really need a treat then 85% dark chocolate is a saviour. Trust me, you can’t eat a whole block of dark dark chocolate!
6. Keep Hydrated
Make sure you carry around a glass water bottle and keep sipping water all day. Start your day with a big glass of water wth a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a tsp of ACV. Herbal teas are also a great way to keep up your fluids… they are also a great remedy when you feel like picking but you’re not hungry!
What about coffee?
Coffee is something that my body loves and metabolises. My morning ‘magic’ is literally ‘magic’ to my mind, body & soul. This is something that I rarely remove from my diet unless I am sick or severely jetlagged. Everything in moderation. For some, however, it can cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances and needs to be reduced when you are feeling out of balance.
Are you needing help to get back on track or to achieve your health goals?
As an experienced Health Coach I can help you to:
- Feel vibrant every day
- Lose weight
- Experience improved sleep
- Kick a craving
- Reduce silent inflammation
- Establish lifelong positive habits
- Balance your hormones
I am particularly passionate about and experienced in managing …
- Autoimmune disease
- Gut health issues
- Male & female menopause
- Hormone Imbalance
- Food intolerances & allergies
I share a LONG-TERM approach to a healthy life. A sustained and balanced 80:20 approach is the key to LONGEVITY and achieving your health goals.
Book Now for a COMPLIMENTARY 30 Minute Health Consultation
Please contact Gina directly via mobile: 0408 311 191 or email for further information about her programs.