There's no doubt that food can be our greatest form of medicine or our biggest cause of sickness.

As our cells regenerate, what we eat literally becomes us. Your body's incredible natural ability to heal depends mostly upon giving it the vitamins and nutrients it needs to repair and recover.

The important role of food in our overall well-being makes it easy to forget that there are so many non-food related habits that can also have a big impact!

Sometimes, we need to take the pressure off of ourselves a bit when it comes to food.

The truth is that many, if not most of us, have a complicated relationship with food. Whether it's struggling with weight gain, food intolerances, or any number of cultural or societal influences, food can cause us far too much guilt and self-loathing.

We all want to do our best, but sometimes we are guilty of being too hard on ourselves and beating ourselves up for our diet choices. 

Let's take this day to consciously take that stress and pressure off ourselves when it comes to food. Weight loss will come with healthier habits.

 Your body intuitively knows what it needs to heal and if we get out of our own heads and just listen, we'll know exactly which diet and supplement choices to make.

How can we do just this and set a positive intention for the week?

We recommend focusing on one or more non-food-related health habits that you can do daily to feel a sense of accomplishment, without ever picking up a fork in the process. One example? Adding a premium multivitamin to your routine!

Try putting your attention on one of these below healthy habits instead and re-visit food choices next week with a clearer, more positive mind.

We believe in you and congratulate you on continuing to put yourself and your well-being first!

TRY THESE SIMPLE DAILY HABITS TO START FEELING HEALTHIER TODAY

#1:  DRINK A LARGE CUP OF WATER WITH LEMON UPON WAKING

 Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Starting your day with a hydrating glass of water and lemon may help improve digestion, detox the body, and support weight loss. By starting every day with a glass of lemon water, you will likely feel more motivated to make healthier choices throughout the day.

#2: TAKE THE STAIRS WHENEVER POSSIBLE

 Daily movement is imperative to a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity doesn't always have to come in the form of a high-intensity workout. Just be conscious day to day of when you can increase your steps, such as taking the stairs or walking into the restaurant vs. driving through.

#3: ROLL YOUR EYES IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS MORE OFTEN

 This may sound odd, but our eyes need exercise, too. We use our eyes all day long, oftentimes while staring at a screen. By rolling them around in different directions, our eyes get to stretch. Think of it as yoga for your eyeballs.

#4: DO A FULL-BODY STRETCH FOR 10 MINUTES

 There are many benefits to stretching daily such as increasing flexibility and physical ability. Stretching can also help release stress and increase energy - especially if you stretch in the morning upon waking.

#5: TRY A PLANK POSITION FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS

 If you've ever done personal or group training, you are aware of the plank position. Planking is a full-body exercise you can do morning, noon, or night. You don't need any equipment and it will help you build strength, and potentially break a sweat.

#6: READ A BOOK FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE SLEEP

 Physical activity is not the only aspect of health to focus on. Our brains are a huge part of our wellness journey. By reading for as little as 10 minutes per day, you may decrease stress levels, promote brain health, and get better sleep at night.

#7: GET 15 MINUTES OF SUNLIGHT AT LUNCH

Getting a daily dose of vitamin D supports immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity. It also increases collagen production in the skin. Too much UV exposure can lead to negative reactions, so 15 minutes it really all you need each day.

#8: SILENCE YOUR PHONE AT NIGHT

Sleep is so important. Getting the recommended 7-8 hours each night can sometimes seem like a challenge. Silencing your phone or turning off any other distraction before bed can increase the likelihood of sleeping through the night.

#9: MEDITATE FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES BEFORE BEDTIME

 This goes along with tip #8. Allowing time for yourself to tune out the hustle and bustle of each day before bedtime is a great habit to get into. Even as quick as 5 minutes of complete silence while focusing on your breathing can lead to better sleep quality.

Summary: Healthy habits aren't always food-related

It's nice to remember that these simple daily habits are just as important to our overall wellness as eating clean. Sometimes it can be too much pressure to always be focused on weight loss or sugar-free foods.

Instead, shift your mentality towards your energy levels, stress levels, and overall mental and physical health to assess how you are coming along with your wellness journey. If you start with any of the 9 tips listed above, you are already on your way to a healthier you.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOLISTIC HEALTHY HABITS THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US OR OUR COMMUNITY? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!