Here at Coastal Natural Therapies we like to give you easy tips to make healthy feel easier, than it can often sound! Here are some things we think will help you feel better this year 🙂

Water – Ensure you are drinking at least 1.5-2L of filtered water per day, though this amount will vary dependant on your work & also exercise routine etc. Consider adding coconut water or natural mineral water (San Pellegrino) to your day to replenishing the minerals lost with excessive sweating & exercise. Cut out the sugary soft drinks and minimise the caffeine intake – 2 coffees per day is adequate. Consider half shots or de-caffeinated, whilst you are cutting back.

Pre-biotic & fermented foods – Feeding our microbiome can help establish and maintain beneficial colonies of good bacteria. Foods like onion, garlic, artichoke, leeks, kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir are all excellent for our guts, and a happy tummy = a happy mind, considering more than 70% of your happy (mood) hormone (serotonin) is made in the gut! Serotonin also plays a role in appetite and digestion, sleep and memory.

Variety – They always say, ‘Variety is the spice of life’, so go to your local farmers markets and see what’s in season. When we eat seasonally we expose our bodies to different fruits and vegetables which all have different nutrient contents. Foods that are ‘in season’ are also much more nutrient dense, so switch it up each season change!

Snacks – Give them an overhaul. Snack foods are often quick, packaged foods which can be highly refined, full of sugars, high amounts of salt and trans-fats. Some easy to eat, quick to make snacks include: whole fruit, raw nuts & seeds, popcorn (lightly salted), avocado with lemon juice on rice cakes (or just eaten as is!), nut butter with rice cakes or use carrot, celery or cucumber to dip in, otherwise hummus or tahini.

Herbs – Use fresh herbs in your cooking! Not only do they add heaps of flavour, they are beneficial for your health too. Use herbs like rosemary, coriander, thyme, fennel, oregano, parsley, mint and dill. Some benefits include anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cognitive enhancer, anti-oxidant and they are filled with micro-nutrients.

When making lifestyle adjustments, smaller changes over time, help to prevent the feeling of overwhelm and reverting back to old ways.

Written by Amanda Flower.

If you would like to know more or would like to see our Naturopath, Amanda Flower, please call us on (07) 5531 6461 or you can book online here.