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For many people taking small steps toward better health helps to make change easier to accept. Incorporating any nourishing changes into ones lifestyle is another way to encourage well-being and promote vitality. No matter how busy one’s schedule is even the smallest changes can make a big difference in helping to achieve a happy healthy life. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be a chore! You don’t need to deprive yourself of everything you love. Instead the key is to nourish yourself and begin to notice even the smallest differences. Once you start to notice positive changes and feel better both physically and mentally the rest will begin to follow. Establishing small steps towards living a better lifestyle is the most successful way to ensure a long-term change. I am constantly implementing change for the better. My husband always teases me because I always have some new concoction or food product that is a new essential! But he benefits from it and he loves it.

Here are five healthy habits that we have integrated into our lifestyle to increase health and wellness and have noticed positive differences in how our bodies function.

1. Meditate
Meditation has been associated with brain improvement in a variety of areas such as stress, addiction, anxiety and cognitive function. Including even just 15 minutes of meditation into your daily regimen can make a big difference. Sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing and trying to keep your mind from wandering helps to reduce symptoms of depression, settle anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve your mood. I try to wake up before the kids, or if they beat me (which happens often!) then I try to do it before bed.

2. Oil Pulling
This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of using oils to remove harmful organisms, bacteria and fungus from your teeth, gums and throat. It is best done in the early morning before eating or drinking anything and using 1-2 teaspoons of organic coconut, sesame or sunflower oil. Put the oil in our teeth and swish around for 20 minutes. I know it might sound weird to swish oil around in your mouth, but my teeth felt so clean after my first time that I was instantly hooked. My gums and teeth felt great and I began to feel better and better after each day that I practiced this.

If you are new to oil pulling it may be easier to start out doing it for 10-15 minutes and then increase your time from there. The oil will begin to break through the plaque and re-absorb bacteria and toxins improving oral health as well as preventing and reducing a number of health concerns.
Once you are finished spit the oil into a paper towel or plastic bag, rinse your mouth out and brush your teeth immediately. It is important not to swallow the oil that contains all the toxins you just removed.
In addition to healing and treating gingivitis, cavities, sensitive teeth and bad breath it is also offers benefits such as eczema, headache and allergy relief, and supports healthy kidney function.

3. Lemon Water
I wrote about lemon water HERE when I first started doing it back in …. I was hooked immediately! It’s like a bath for your internal organs. Such a great way to start the morning and a great alternative to coffee and tea. Lemons have strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial and immune boosting properties. They contain vitamin C, citric acid, calcium, magnesium, pectin and bioflavonoids that cleanse the liver, aid in digestion and fight infection. It is best to drink first thing in the AM to flush the digestive system, PH balance the system, hydrate the lymph system and aid in weight loss. Lemon water is also a great replacement for morning coffee as it provides energy and can enhance one’s mood.

4. Ghee Water
Ghee is a butter in which all water and milk solids have been removed. Ayurvedic tradition considers ghee to be one of the most health promoting foods shown to strengthen the body, improve mental functions and promote longevity. It is good for the eyes, stimulating digestion and enhancing stamina and protecting against various diseases.
Drink a tablespoon of Ghee in warm water in the morning about an hour before you eat or in the evening before bed. This alkaline forming tonic promotes a healthy glow in the skin, and the ghee can also be used as a healthy substitute for butter or cooking oil.

5. Fermented Foods
Fermentation has become a lost art. Thanks to the advances in food preparation many of the probiotics and enzymes in food has declined over the years. There are several reasons why fermented foods should be included in the diet such as introducing beneficial bacteria into the digestive system and allowing the body to adjust nutrients better. Fermented foods are very easy to make, extremely budget friendly way to include real foods and a great way to preserve food. Fermented foods include Sauerkraut, Salsa, Pickles and Condiments. Fermented drinks such as Kombucha, Ginger Ale and Kefir are great alternatives to soda and have been used as substitutes to help people break their soda addictions. I was a little weary of fermenting at first. It was like a science experiment and takes some brain reconditioning when you see the mother growing on your food/drink, but after the first couple of times the begin to get more confident, less scared and feeling amazing!

Do you practice any of these healthy habits? If so share with us what you love or how it has benefited you!

Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

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