Body Love Insiders

New research suggests the more vegetable variety you eat the healthier your microbiome. Commit to trying a new vegetable each week, it’s a fun way to mix it up and get creative in the kitchen. And remember, if you don’t end up using all of your veggies that week, you can help eliminate food waste by easily freezing them. They can make for a cold addition to a Fab Four Smoothie (and no need for ice then!) or find their way into soup. Simply add them to a freezer bag and squeeze out/remove as much of the air as possible.

Start fresh in the New Year by picking a cabinet and cleaning out the chemicals. Swap in green alternatives to lower your exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Start with your cleaning supplies, and make your way through your home from the bathroom vanity to the kitchen pantry, cleaning up your body care products, makeup, and supplements.

I host a few 21 day #fab4smoothie challenges each year in the Spar app. If you are looking for a little motivation, download the app and join me, or any of the other community-based challenges. Any smoothie can be made plant-friendly with plant-based protein sources such as vegan protein powders, and even chia, flax and hemp seeds!

If you love book club, why not start a healthy recipe club with family and friends. Create a calendar of recipes (that, of course, include a helping of fiber, fat, proteins and greens), and for one day each week, members make the same recipe. It’s a great way to stay inspired to eat clean with your community.

Take a look at your calendar and if you have plans to travel or eat out, spend a little time looking for vegan-based restaurants or those that offer a variety of plant-based menu items. Pull up the menus and make your choice ahead of time. This way you’ll feel good knowing there are a variety of choices to keep you on track with your plant-focused lifestyle.

Start the day off right with a strong foundation, built with a few basic high-quality supplements. Commit to a multivitamin like EVE™, as well as an Omega-3, like Ultra Omega 3-D™. If you’re looking to add supplements to your routine, make sure to consult your healthcare professional first.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) provides a phenomenal after-burn that has your metabolism revved for hours post exercise. Need a boost of energy beforehand? Try adding NOW® Sports Beet Root Powder to 8 oz. of water. This pure powder is made from non-GMO beets, so you’re adding a super(food) boost to your beverage!

Decompress at the end of each day with a magnesium bath and arnica massage. Add a cup of Magnesium Flakes to your bath and soak up the skin-softening benefits. After the bath, hydrate your skin with Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil to help soothe tired, overworked muscles.

Plan for a workout date with a friend or family member, and head to the trails for a long hike, leisurely walk, or casual jog. This type of workout encourages dialogue and in-person engagement.

A 20-minute workout is better than missing a sweat. Squeeze it in early morning and get it done! Roll out your mat and give it all you have got. Need a little motivation? Consider joining a streaming fitness service where you can find a ton of quick daily workouts on demand to suit your mood.

It’s time for some serious self-care. Make your own facial mask to restore your glow. And, take a little extra time for your teeth. Start by oil pulling 1 Tbsp of Organic Coconut Oil through your teeth and gums for 10 minutes. Spit out, then floss and brush with an SLS-free toothpaste, like Xyliwhite™ Coconut Oil Toothpaste Gel.