What better way to start off 2017 than with Jen Seiler MSN, CNP-BC, CPT from J2 Wellness to give us some thoughts on eating habits that will be sure to start your year off in the right frame of mind.
Remember the saying "you get wiser with age!” After just hitting my 40th birthday I made some major changes in both my personal and professional life (I felt compelled to do so despite fleeting thoughts of "am I doing the right thing”).... I DO believe the saying "you get wiser with years" to be true! The thought was confirmed by my polarity specialist who informed me today during one of our sessions that The Era of Wisdom happens during ages 40-50 years according to Chinese medicine! How fantastic is that for a confirmation.
In regards to obtaining wisdom, and in an effort to become healthier, I have found that we truly are what we eat! I have eliminated some foods from my diet mainly in an attempt to lose excess weight and found that when certain foods get re-introduced I experience a very negative reaction. Because of this, I have set out to avoid such foods (at least mostly avoid)... again wisdom kicking in allowing me to recognize... "Ok you are going to eat that pasta and it will not make you feel good…” I consciously make a decision to do it or not to do it, whereas in my younger years, I did not give that much attention or care to that intended behavior.
I would recommend as you think about your new year that the decisions you make be made with intent and wisdom, considering what makes you feel good and what may be contributing to ill feelings such as joint pain, fatigue, depression, stomach bloating, constipation and maybe even nausea, etc. Consider keeping a journal of your daily habits including the foods you consume, the exercise you get, the sleep you have or don't have, the stress load you carry, the amount of water you consume, and then make a conscious effort to do better! Eat a clean diet (limited sugar, starches and alcohol... higher in lean proteins and veggies), exercise at least 3-4 days per week, perform better sleep hygiene (go to bed at an earlier time, get 8 hours of sleep, don't eat late in evening, drink most of your fluids earlier in the day), decrease stress, and drink at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water a day. If you make such changes you will notice an improvement in how you feel and subsequently feel wiser in the choices you make. Understand that even at age 40 - 50 - 60, these years can be better than your previous years! Happy New Year!
