Tips for 2007

This article comes from a friend of mine that I went to culinary school with. It has some great 
tips for the new year!! Enjoy!! Happy New Year!


   COUNTING DOWN A YEAR OF HEALTH TIPS
   FOR SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Whole Health Magazine (Joshua Gefroh)

Why do we recap, review and rehash the year before moving on to the 
next? Like life flashing before one's eyes in a near death experience, the 
end of the year draws out glimpses of our collective history - some memorable, 
nostalgic even, and others forgotten. It's all relative. We want to 
know where we've been to know where we are going. Making successful New 
Year's resolutions can draw from the same sentiment, particularly to 
incorporate regular, beneficial practices to give our lives a solid structure.

Structure can vary from seasonal weather patterns to the brand of 
toothpaste you brush your teeth with. It can range from internally created and 
imposed to externally created and exposed. It can be dynamic or static. We will 
find structure - we must. The degree of it's usefulness toward our intended 
purpose is variable. Use the following tips to guide you as you find 
the structure that supports you this year.

Reviewing 2006, here is a compilation of the best of Dawn Pallavi's 
monthly tips to help you achieve your new year's resolutions through regular 
practices. After you begin incorporating these tips, consider going 
deeper with any of the wide variety of courses offered at The Natural 
Epicurean throughout the year.

1. EAT BALANCED MEALS AT THE SAME TIME EVERYDAY.
This is the strongest structural foundation we can implement because it 
regulates digestion, elimination, hormones, blood sugar, sleep patterns 
and moods. Strength and vitality flow abundantly when we align with this 
natural rhythm. Stop eating 3 hours before bedtime so you are resting instead 
of digesting.

2. SOAK YOUR FEET IN A WARM WATER AND SALT OR ESSENTIAL OIL BATH BEFORE 
BED.
Go to bed by 11:00 p.m. so your kidneys get sufficient rest. We handle 
stress more effectively when well rested.

3. MAKE TIME TO ENJOY YOUR MEALS - EVEN IF FOR ONLY 20 MINUTES.
If you can't schedule 20 minutes for a meal each day, perhaps it's time 
to evaluate your current lifestyle. A relaxing meal in silent meditation 
or with light conversation leaves us more satisfied and nourished than one 
distracted by watching TV, reading, or having intense or emotional 
conversations. Register what you eat and enjoy every bite - even of 
poor quality foods.

4. GET ON THE CHEW-CHEW TRAIN.
Work up to chewing every bite 30 - 50 times. Notice how much you chew 
now and add chews each day until you reach your goal. You will eat less and 
get more enjoyment, satisfaction and nutrients from your food.

5. USE GOOD QUALITY SWEETENERS THAT DON'T SKYROCKET YOUR BLOOD SUGAR 
LEVEL.
The Natural Epicurean store has a wide variety of healthy, delicious, 
alternative sweeteners, rice syrups, including raspberry, blueberry, 
strawberry and maple. If you like honey, try agave nectar. Make Sweet 
Vegetable Drink or Sweet Kuzu Drink daily for a short period to balance 
your blood sugar. (visit www.NaturalEpicurean.com for recipes).

6. TAKE A 30-MINUTE WALK OUTSIDE EVERY DAY TO ACCLIMATE TO YOUR 
ENVIRONMENT.
This will start your day in a calm, relaxed state, or relieve stress 
and pressure at the end of a difficult day. Even a 5-minute walk helps you 
reconnect to yourself (this is not the time for power walking on a 
treadmill).

7. TAKE A FEW MINUTES EACH DAY AND DO SOME DEEP, CONSCIOUS BREATHING.
I'm always amazed by how often we take breathing for granted. Breathing 
detoxifies your body, releases pressure, makes you feel great, and 
gives you a new and relaxed perspective on life.

8. MAKE ROOM FOR SOMETHING NEW IN YOUR LIFE BY GETTING RID OF CLUTTER.
Start with 10 things in your home that no longer serve you. Give away 
old clothes, have a swap with friends, and throw away or fix something that 
is broken.

9. CREATING BETTER HEALTH IS A PROCESS IN WHICH A LITTLE EFFORT EACH 
DAY ADDS UP.
Each week or month, reduce or eliminate one thing that does not serve 
your health and replace it with a daily beneficial practice. You will be 
amazed by what you accomplish.

10. DECIDE TO TAKE PREVENTIVE ACTION TO STAY HEALTHY.
This will serve everyone in your life - especially you.

11. CREATE TRADITIONS AND RITUALS WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT 
SUPPORT HEALTH - ESPECIALLY REGULAR MEALS.
You can write down 10 things you appreciate about your life everyday, 
have a quiet time before meals, and tell someone at the table why you 
appreciate them.

12. INTENTION IS A POWERFUL TOOL THAT HELPS YOU MANIFEST THE LIFE YOU 
DESIRE. EAT WITH INTENTION.
Choose to let go of being a victim of your choices, circumstances and 
lifestyle, and take full responsibility for them. Allow others to do 
the same for themselves. In our school, the rule is: Be gentle with 
yourself and others. Give yourself credit - health cannot be sustained while beating 
up yourself and others for not living right. Let go of having it all right 
now, but take a chance to go for something you want and do something 
courageous. This is your first step in a beautiful process called life and health.