Beat the Winter Blues!!!

Enough already with using winter time as an opportunity to get sick or depressed. Don’t you want to feel better?

Quit counting calories and start noticing energy!
If you think you are what you eat, and you eat all of your calories in sugar, what will you become–a sugar monster? Or if you consume all of your calories as beef, you may start to look like a cow and feel weighed down.

Have you ever noticed people who eat vegetarian tend to be light and creative types. Have you ever noticed when you eat more meat, you feel more grounded. Perhaps so much that you may need sugar or alcohol to lighten up a bit.

This time of year, you may hear all the advice in the world telling you how to make it through and just gain a pound or so. Or how to make it through the party–by not going hungry, or through the market, by never being hungry–or through the drivethrough, by never making it a possibility for you to crave fast food. So, whether you are in the market and hungry for a snack, at a party and want to try the fudge, or get a sudden feeling you must have that burger from the fast food joint, there is nothing wrong with these cravings. Nor should you try to avoid them.

Notice your cravings this time of year. Are you eating more sugar than normal? Are you having fun, getting enough exercise? When was the last time you took some time for conscious relaxation? How is your protein intake?

In order to stay in balance, it is vital to keep your blood sugar balance by eating optimal amounts of essential nutrients. It is especially important this time of year when the days are shorter, the are more temptations around, to keep yourself well nourished and your mood uplifted.

Some ways to keep your mood happy and healthy, and your metabolism stoked this holiday season are:

Eat Breakfast.
Even if you ate late and are not hungry at all, breakfast is key to kickstart your metabolism and to uplift you for the day. Try to avoid having too much sugar, or you may notice yourself craving more sometime in the afternoon. I recommend having a fiber rich breakfast, with some fat and protein.

Drink Water.
First thing in the morning, drink 1-2 cups of warm water a half hour before breakfast. This will aid in detoxing the body, and circulating the energy to prepare for the day.

Eat regular meals.
Choose some carbs, protein, fat and vegetables with your meals. Eat fruit for snack.

CUT DOWN ON THE SUGAR!!! There’s no reason to be overindulging on sugary treats, and then wonder why you are depressed or sick all of the time. Consuming white processed sugar is like going to the car wash and taking the vacuum cleaner and sucking the good nutrition out of your blood. Stick with natural sweeteners, such as agave, molasses, maple syrup. Cook often with these, as well as with sweet vegetables, such as carrots, onions and squash. You may not need the extra dose of sugar after dinner and you may just feel better indulging for your well-being.

Relax.
Especially when eating, take the time to sit down, chew your food and rest for a while after eating. This will increase metabolic functioning and increase your energy. Take some time in the afternoon for conscious relaxation. Your body is craving to let go in the afternoon, and your mind will thank you for the relief.

Get some sleep.
Try to turn in well before midnight. If you are not sleeping, you may notice yourself more restless during the day. Before bed, soak your feet in a warm salt water bath for 10 minutes and give yourself an oil massage. Cover your feet with warm socks and rest in peace. A foot rub before bed is a the most divine gift of grounding and the bath is detoxing, to end a long day and prepare to have peaceful dreams.

Thank God.
For this gift of life. For your friends and family. For all of your teachers, especially the people in your life who challenge you–and aim to find the blessings that are available to you when you thank about it.

Create Radiance.
Choose to feel well. Aim for that which brings you satisfaction. Fall in love with your life and love the life you are living. If you know you are going to complain or make up excuses, do something different, or do what you do with a loving attitude. Your life will be uplifted, immune system and nervous system will respond and you will feel more healthy than ever before as you choose to create radiance.

Happy Holidays from Create Radiance Wellness. Keep coming back to learn ways to create a radiant life from the inside out.