5 Easy Changes for a Healthier 2021
life is hard, food doesn't have to be [vol1, 12.5]
As an engaged couple, we went to a financial seminar by Dave Ramsey. One of the principles he taught was The Snowball Method. The idea is probably familiar to you but was groundbreaking to me: payoff debts from smallest to largest, gaining momentum as you go.
The Snowball Method can be applied to many habits, especially health. Below I’ve written five. See how they resonate with you.
Buy a quality salt - one with minerals beyond sodium chloride and without anti-caking agents (or preservatives). Redmond’s Real Salt, Himalayan, or my personal favorite Baja Gold Sea Salt which has been solar radiated and 90 trace ocean minerals are still intact. If you’re local, I’m selling from my bulk purchase for less.
Buy meat WITH BONES then make broth. I’ve written a comprehensive how-to make broth here.
Stop using fabric softener (even free and clear), air fresheners, plug-ins and toxic candles. “Fragrance” is a loophole word in the industry to hide a slurry of toxic chemicals that are disrupting our hormones, causing cancers and making us so sick. Instead, use pure essential oils to add scent to your home. The action of a dryer softens your clothes; chemical aren’t needed. I recently bought 2 wool dryer balls which have reduced drying time. Some say to use essential oils on them (I’ve not yet). Fabric softener is a coating that actually traps dirt/smells in the fabric. I used cloth diapers for years and every company cried “Do not use fabric softeners if you want clean diapers!” Buy beeswax candles if you like the ambiance of candles. Beeswax actually purifies the air as it burns - not adding to your toxic load.
Replace one thing you put on your skin everyday (shampoo, soap, lotion, makeup). The beauty industry is not regulated which means we must educate ourselves. The United States has not updated the cosmetics code since 1938! How many chemicals have been created since then? Here are 4 words to avoid when reading ingredient labels. I’m a Beautycounter consultant and can help you make changes. Even if you don’t use Beautycounter...do the work to switch to safer. Your health will benefit.
Add fermented food to your diet. Make it or buy it. Fermented foods increase the good guys (probiotics) in our microbiome, have enzymes which improve digestion, decrease inflammation and aid detoxification. My goal is one fermented food per meal. Actual is one per day, sometimes more. When traveling my digestive system S L O W S down, if ya know what I mean, because I’m not eating fermented foods. Once home I jump into eating fermented foods again and feel so much better. Kombucha, kefir, kimchi are all things you can purchase. Stick around and I’ll teach you how to make your own...
Maybe you’ve already accomplished some of the above. Good for you! If I were to add a 6th tip, it is to eat more protein at breakfast (toss the boxed brekkie!)
I’d love to hear what you’re striving for in 2021. Bonus material: my Top 5 Tips for Wellness.
Julie
PS - exercise isn’t on the list for a healthier 2021 but it is one of my goals.