healthy habits 101

My 2 cents on how to be healthy and happy :)

1. Eat wholesome foods: I really believe in the saying "you are what you eat." What you eat can directly affect your energy level, your emotions, and even physical aspects like the health of your hair or skin. I strive to eat mostly whole, natural, unprocessed foods. Fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, healthy fats (olive oil, avocados). I RARELY eat meat, maybe once every weeks, and i try to make sure that its as organic as possible.

Instead of dieting and depriving yourself, i think its best to emphasize foods to include into your diet. Instead of saying no pizza or french fries, its alot easier for me to say, if i want to have pizza and fries im going to have it, but with a healthy twist. For example, i would bake sweet potato or carrot fries in the oven myself, or make pizza with whole wheat pizza, salsa as the sauce, and load it up with veggies and a little bit of cheese. You could even make an Indian inspired pizza with whole wheat nan & channa massala sauce topped with mushrooms and fresh tomatoes. That way you can have what you want and still be healthy. Chances are the healthier dish you make yourself will way tastier than anything you order at Domino's. BE CREATIVE. Food is fun :).

2. Move! I hate and love to excercise. The hardest part is getting the motivation to get up and go. But the best part for me is the fact that i always end up on a high afterwards thanks to the endorphins. Whenever i excercise i find myself more positive, less sleepy & alot more energetic. One of the things i dislike about working out is it can be so BORING. Which is why you have to be creative. Do something you love and you find fun! Some of my favourite ways to workout include hiking, dancing, yoga & ZUMBA. Going with friends also makes it alot more fun and enjoyable. Whenever i end up going to the gym to workout i make sure to mix it up too. For example i usually do 20 min of the treadmill, and 20 min on the ellipictal, and switch up the speed and resistance about every 4 minutes so that things dont get repetitive.

3. Drink lots of water: Stay hydrated! I drink ridiculous amounts of water. Dont forget to have at least 8 cups a day!

4. Sleep: One of the things I find to contribute to my energy level and attitude is the amount of sleep i get. Sleep derpived me is much less positive and productive. I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep everynight. This isnt always easy at college, since the average bedtime for most people on campus is way after midnight. But i try to go to bed around midnight and wake up around 8:30, 9.

5.  Pray/ meditate: Taking time out of my day to breathe, reflect & meditate helps me focus, relax & put everything in perspective. When your busy and stressed its easy to think you dont have time to do this. But even 5 minutes of meditation can help "refresh and gladden your spirit."

6. Surround yourself with positivity: This is very important. We soak up the energy around us so make sure you surround yourself with positive & loving people. Also make sure you are positive and forgiving with yourself. Its easy to get discouraged and angry at yourself for making unhealthy choices but we are all human and everything is a process. As long as you are trying, that is all that matters. Also, life is meant to be enjoyed. If you feel you need to eat a big fat chocolately brownie once in a while do it. Everything in moderation. And if you are traveling and miss working out for 2 weeks straight, dont punish yourself. You can get back into gear when you get home. Dont dwell in the past, embrace the present & the future.