Melissa and I were joking recently that if you did all the things society tells you to do in order to be healthy, it could be a full-time job. There are so many inputs! From your hair to skin to bowels to brain, there are about 100 things you could do by 8 a.m.
Recently, I've been practicing five healthy habits that are super easy to add to your routine. Instead of getting overwhelmed by all the things I could be doing every day, I figured I'd practice these healthy habits in addition to my routine.
{Note none of these are affiliate links. I just really like this stuff :)}
For boosting your metabolism
Add Matcha to your diet. When I first heard about Matcha, it really scared me because I didn't know what it was or where to buy it. But, I promise, it isn't scary! I bought it at the Dekalb Farmers' Market (but you can also get it at Vitacost) and started adding it to my smoothies in the morning in lieu of drinking a cup of coffee. The first time I tried it, I attempted to drink it with just water, which essentially tasted like I was eating grass. However, when added to a smoothie, it's great (I like banana, almond butter, almond milk, coconut oil and cinnamon with it and am also itching to try this recipe from ALOHA). It's said to do wonders for your focus and metabolism, boost your immune system, and is also packed with antioxidants. Oh, and also has anti-aging powers. Super food!For smoother and firmer skin
Add Collagen to your diet. Another one that seemed scary at first, but really wasn't (I buy mine from Dr. Axe). I've been adding this to my smoothies in the morning, too. I first discovered it as something that can help people with IBS, but then quickly discovered a lot of other benefits, including giving you glowing skin, reducing cellulite, strengthening your nails and teeth and (again) boosting your metabolism. I've not been using it long enough to decide if it has helped with IBS, but I have noticed I have a lot of energy when I drink it.For better bowel movements
Add Chia seeds to your diet. I've been adding these to basically everything. But mostly overnight oats and these amazing Quinoa & Chia granola bars (the perfect 3 p.m. desk snack!). I also think these bars from ALOHA would be awesome with Chia added. The seeds are packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants and Omega-3s. And, they aide in digestion. I won't go into detail on this front, but rest assured, they work. {Just don't eat them dry or they can dehydrate you.}For whiter teeth
Try Oil pulling. My sister, Ashley, first introduced me to oil pulling and I thought she was joking. But, she kept getting more and more Bibers on board so I finally caved and tried it. Each morning, when you first wake up (before brushing) you swish unrefined, organic coconut oil around like mouthwash for 20 minutes. I add a drop of peppermint oil to make it taste better. I can't deny how clean my teeth feel. It's like after going to the dentist! I do it while I get ready for the day - adding no time to my routine. (Never heard of it? Read about oil pulling in greater detail.)For more energy & to detox
Drink peppermint, grapefruit and lemon oil. I've been mixing these three oils into a glass of ice water in the afternoon as a little treat. The peppermint invigorates me, the grapefruit gives me energy and the lemon is detoxifying. Also they taste amazing together and I really look forward to them around 3 p.m. at my desk. Gotta celebrate the little things! :)
Happy health!
