Checklist to Begin Living Healthier

One of the questions I get the most is “Where do I start on the journey to getting healthy?”

Trust me, I don’t know everything and I surely don’t have everything figured out, but I have been doing this for almost 10 years and have a few tricks and tips up my sleeve.

Much of my information has come from years and years of learning. Studying, reading and talking to others. I want to give you a checklist to begin to live healthier. It is a very good starting place.  Once you have completed this list you will look back and see how much your have learned and how much you have changed the way you live your life.

Read about a Grain-Free Diet and Buy a Book

The main eating plan I use is a grain free and refined sugar free diet.

There are many books and eating plans out there to support your healing food journey.

• Paleo Diet. Books are Practical Paleo (Here), Paleo Slow Cooker Book (Here), Personal Paleo Code (Here)

Do you need help following the plan or knowing which plan to follow? I do customized nutrition consultations so you can learn how to fuel your body well and kick the cravings and confusion. Learn more here. 

Find Quality Food Sources in Your Area

Depending on where you live determines the food sources in your area. It may be easier or harder to find quality ingredients. You may need to drive a bit farther or shop at more than just one grocery store. Personally I shop at 3 different stores; my local co-op, Costco and Trader Joes. It helps me save money by shopping at more than just my local co-op. You can also look into ordering your ingredients from a buying club like Azure Standard. You can also purchase many of your non-fresh ingredients online, I love Thrive Market and order about once a month. Buying in bulk can also save you money. You will probably have to shop and plan more than you are currently used to. Realize that and have fun going to the grocery store. 

Check Your Water Quality

What water are you drinking? Are you still drinking water straight from the tap? Or a cheap filter you store in the fridge? Or do you only buy bottled water? One thing everyone needs to realize that our water contains many toxins, added chemicals, and remnants of pharmaceutical drugs. Everyone need to invest in a quality filter. You can get many for under $100 that sit on your counter and attach to your facet. You can also mount one under your sink for around $200-300. If you want to go for the best of the best, you can opt for the whole house filter and de-chemical system too, which can cost on the upwards of $1-4,000. Don’t only look to your drinking water. Also look at your bath and shower filters too and get healthy filters for them too if you don’t have a whole house filtration system. You can purchase filters from Aquasana or from Mercola.com (Click Household).

Check your Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are a major source of toxins that you encounter on a daily basis. Start by throwing out your toxic chemical cleaners and replace it with all natural and pure ones or make your own with vinegar, lemon, soda and essential oils. They clean just as well as the chemical ones but they are actually good for you and will leave your home smelling really good. Also check your hand soaps. Are you still using the toxic anti-bacterial soaps or ingredients you can’t read? Replace all of your soaps for natural and pure ones too.

Check your Personal Care Products

If you are a woman, then you are rubbing many products on your face and body on a daily basis. Think about them all: lotions, make-up, perfume and hair products. Our skin is our biggest organ, so your body absorbs and takes in anything you put on it. Research your current products and find more natural options if needed. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient (and they don’t clarify it by saying “coconut” or “rosemary”) then you should be concerned. Check out the Environmental Working Groups Cosmetic Database to see how toxic the products you use are. My favorite personal care products are my Facial Toner I use as my cleanser and toner morning and night. I also use my favorite safer skincare products Beautycounter both morning and night. 

Do you have the right kitchen tools?

There are some basic kitchen tools that will make your life easier when eating healthy. A food processor, blender, sharp paring knife, sharp chopping knife, a good sized cutting board, a crockpot, glass storage containers and mason jars are a really good start. 

Plan and Organize

Make sure that all of the information you are learning is organized on your computer, in a binder, and most of all in your brain. The more organized you feel the more successful you will be. And you will feel much less overwhelmed by all of the information too. Another great tip is to make sure you are planning ahead. Pre-chop vegetables, freeze food if needed and meal plan so you aren’t caught without any food ready to eat when you are hungry. Do you need any help putting together meals with your new nutrition plan? Let me help out and get you on the right track. 

Get Accountability

One thing that can help immensely is finding a friend or two to join together in your learning. You need to have someone you can talk to about what you are learning and to encourage you. If not, you are going to feel isolated and like the “crazy” one. The changes you are going to make may seem drastic. But as you start to feel better and clear out the toxins you will realize over and over you are on the right path. 

What are some areas where you feel like you need help getting started? Where have you found success in getting healthier?