12 Ways to Make 2012 Your Healthiest Year Yet!
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By Stephanie Wills
I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to 2012: A whole new year with endless possibilities, opportunities and experiences to be had – how exciting!!! Time certainly does fly which makes it all the more important to live life to the fullest. Learn to appreciate each new day, choose to be joyful and pursue abundance in every aspect of your life; especially your health! 

Here are 12 simple ways to help make 2012 your healthiest year yet:

heartfruit-and-veggie1. Make healthy eating FUN.
If you are a competitive person (like myself!) aim to eat as many different vegetables as you can over the course of a week and keep a score. See if you can reach 20, 30 or even 50! The one rule is that you have to eat them raw, steamed or lightly cooked. If you are looking for even more of a challenge try eat at least 4 or 5 different coloured vegetables at each meal. If games don’t flick your switch, get creative and try out a new healthy recipe each week (google will be your best friend here!)

2. 10 minute time-out.
Set aside at least 10 minutes each day to just chill out! Whether it’s sitting back in your desk chair and closing your eyes, doing some yoga, praying, breathing deeply or soaking in a bath; regular relaxation time (as well as being an absolute treat) can improve digestion, promote healthy stress & energy levels, encourage adequate sleep and enhance your mood. 

pillshappy3. Support your body with supplements.
Lifestyle Health’s 5 basic nutrients to ensure long-term health and well-being include: A comprehensive multivitamin (either capsule form or as a green superfood mix), a pharmaceutical-grade omega 3 (high in EPA and DHA), vitamin C (the non-acidic form), vitamin D and a bone/joint support formula high in magnesium. 

4. Pass on the puff!
In other words quit smoking once and for all! You all know why, but here’s how: Get a juicer and have a vegetable juice - instead of a cigarette - each and every time the craving arises. Not only will you be breaking a bad habit, you’ll be introducing a new healthy one as well as detoxifying years of built up cigarette toxins stored in your body. Just make sure to find a juice recipe that you enjoy! 

5. Sleep.
I know you’ve heard it all before but be honest - you’re probably getting far too little? Sleep is when your body does its best healing and repair including preventing viral infections, maintaining proper fat metabolism, reducing stress hormone levels and rejuvenating your liver. Turn off that TV, Ipad, blackberry and computer, soak in a magnesium bath, drink a cup of chamomile tea and then get into bed as early as possible. 
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6. Snack right.
Rather than chocolate, sweets or chips reach for healthier snacks to balance your blood glucose levels, maintain adequate energy levels and promote healthy weight management. Choose an apple with 2 tablespoons of almond nut butter, plain yogurt with seeds and blueberries, hummus and crudités, a home-made trail mix, a sprout salad or a small protein shake. 

7. Salt and pepper and CHIA.
It’s time for the modern dinner table to welcome an additional partner to our familiar duo: chia seeds. Chia is incredibly high in fibre, full of anti-oxidants, omega-3, protein, vitamins, minerals and enzymes as well as being virtually tasteless. This means you can boost the nutritional content of any meal with a sprinkling or two of this amazing superfood! 

8. Take off your shoes.
There’s something wonderful that happens when you feel soft grass under your feet or warm sand running through your toes. Take off your shoes every now and again, breathe, smile, and feel like a child again. 
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9. Switch to small plates and teaspoons.
Research has shown that downsizing dinnerware promotes portion control and mindful eating without the feeling of deprivation that comes with other dieting methods. It really is one of the easiest and most effective small changes you can do for weight loss (YAY)

10. Grow your own sprouts!
It is cheap and easy, extremely convenient and of course highly nutritious. In fact try and grow as many of your own organic vegetables and herbs as possible! 

11. Learn to love lemons.
lemonpeelLemons are full of anti-cancer, anti-acne, liver supporting and immune boosting nutrients as well as being incredibly cleansing and alkalising. Drink hot water and lemon juice every morning, add lemon slices to your water, cook with it and use it in salad dressings. 

12. Shake up your routine.
Try a different exercise or work-out, brush your teeth with the opposite hand, take a different route to work, sleep on the opposite side of the bed… whatever you can think of! Breaking your everyday “rules” or habits not only promotes a more youthful outlook on life; research has also suggested that there are significant long-term health benefits to be had as well... I personally aspire to be the most mischievous and adventurous centenarian there ever lived! 

These are just a few ideas that I hope will inspire you to achieve improved health and happiness. Why not try and come up with a few of your own? Never be afraid to dream big, be creative and be yourself! Rather than worry and over-complicate your life, get back to basics, simplify and do what makes you feel fully alive and healthy. Happy Christmas and New Year – let’s believe that 2012 will be truly wonderful in everyway!