New Year’s Health Resolutions?

Previously by Margaret Durst: Safe and Natural Alternatives to Aspirin

Making New Year’s resolutions regarding health and wellness is a great thing to do this week.

Many of us (me included) make weight loss resolutions – which are good to make, but hard to follow through with without some kind of structured program that helps change lifestyle. Pick a program that appeals to you, but plan ahead and get support so you can stick to it.

Cleansing is another popular health resolution. I recommend the whole body cleanse once or twice a year. It is a good kick start for weight loss and it works wonders for many issues – including joint problems, cholesterol, indigestion, constipation, headaches, lack of energy and more. If you haven’t done one lately, maybe now is the time. (Especially after all of the rich holiday food.)

Physical health and wellbeing are important goals. I think health begins with nutrition. Eat more vegetables – resolve to eat at least 3 servings (5 would be better) of non-starchy vegetables per day plus 1-2 servings of fresh fruit. This alkalizes the body which helps every cell in the body function better. Now is a great time to check out the fresh produce at Mason Garden Market (locally grown and a nice seasonal assortment).

Health Check is coming to The Green House on Tuesday January 17th. Health Check comes to our location and draws blood for whatever blood work you would like. This is a great service at great prices – resolve to know your blood work numbers so you can have a measure of how healthy you are (or aren’t). Blood work gives you a good basis for determining how you can be healthier.

In addition to good food choices, a good core group of supplements will help you stay healthy and well. Great multi-vitamins make you feel good and insure that you are getting nutrients that may or may not be in your food. Please note that I am not a fan of mass marketed multi-vitamins that you see advertised on television – these contain cheap, synthetic ingredients that are actually harmful.

As far as other supplements – everyone need some form of omega 3 oils in their diet. Whether it is fish, flax, chia or krill, find a good form of this healthy oil that you will take. It will help your brain, nerves, skin, and joints along with every cell in your body.

I also like the major antioxidants – co-enzyme Q10, alpha lipioc, acetyl l-carnitine, pycnogenol, vitamin C, vitamin e, etc. Pick one or a blend of them to help slow aging at a cellular level.

Also, think about resolutions that will make you happier and healthier. Maybe it’s about slowing down and having time for yourself and/or your family. Maybe it’s about financial goals. Maybe it’s about reprogramming yourself so that the hazards along life’s road don’t get you down. Maybe it’s about forgiving someone (ourselves included) and not carrying hurt or resentment into the New Year. Our mental attitude has much to do with our health and happiness – think about how to change yours for a happier New Year.

Whatever you resolve to do, I wish you the best of health and happiness in the coming year. And I hope to see you on January 17th for Health Check. Happy New Year.

Margaret Durst owns The Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason, Texas.