Setting Your 2017 Intentions

I hope that you all had a fun and relaxing holiday weekend spent with your loved ones! I can not believe that 2016 is coming to an end and that the new year is just days away from beginning. The older I get the faster the years seem to go by, but with that comes a deeper appreciation for time which is something I am very grateful for.

At the end of each year, I love to look back and reflect on all of the growth, changes, and accomplishments I have made, and re-evaluate what is most important to me moving forward. I always start the year with new resolutions and intentions, and 2017 is no different. 

Some of my goals for this next year are to create a better nighttime routine, reduce my sugar intake, to post at least one new blog each week, and to finally create that YouTube channel I've been talking about! These are just a few of the things I will be working on come 2017! What are your goals for this next trip around the sun?

For those of you looking to improve your health in the new year, below are a few of my favorite tips to help keep you on track! 

1. Eat More Greens
One of the biggest tips I give to all of my clients is to eat greens at every meal. Greens are a huge part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Some of the best ways to incorporate more greens is of course by enjoying lots of big salads and nourish bowls, by adding some extra lettuce to a sandwich or wrap (or omitting the bread completely and wrapping your sandwich in greens), sautéing spinach and kale to add to your pasta (or swapping the pasta for zucchini noodles instead), or the sneakiest way of all, thrown into a smoothie! Check out the recipe for my favorite green smoothie, The Survivor, here. 

2. Crowd Out The Junk
Deprivation is never (ever) the way to succeed on your health journey. Instead of depriving yourself of the things you love, just crowd them out by eating more plants, whole grains, and legumes! By incorporating more of these types of foods, you will naturally begin to eat less processed, packaged junk, and refined foods will quickly become a thing of the past. 

3. Self-Care
You could drink all the of green juices and eat all of the superfoods in the world, but if you don’t take the time to love yourself then none of it will matter. Showing your body love and gratitude daily is essential to a happy and healthy life. Whether that means taking 10 minutes a day to meditate, read a good book, go on a walk in nature, or enjoy a bubble bath after a long day at work. Even fueling ourselves with nutrient dense foods that make our bodies sing is a form of self care! No matter what it is, I dare you to do at least one thing every day that is for you and only you! Check out my post about one of my favorite self-care techniques, dry brushing, here.  

4. Move!
We all know how important it is to exercise! Working out supports cardiovascular health and weight loss, strengthens bones and muscles, increases endorphins, and improves mood and mental health. For me, exercise is a form of meditation and a necessary part of my daily routine. I absolutely love the feeling of strength and empowerment I have after getting in a good workout. Whatever inspires you to move, just be sure to get out there and breathe, feel the burn, and sweat out those toxins!

5. Holistic Health Coaching
If you are really serious about taking your health to the next level but need a little guidance, then one-on-one health coaching may be right for you! Send a note to hello@nutritiouslynatalie.com to find out more about my wellness programs. 

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year, and expressing deep gratitude for all of the love and support you guys have shown me this year!

xo Natalie