To me, being healthy, feeling healthy and looking healthy doesn’t just mean drinking water, eating kale and collards and going to yoga.
To me, being healthy means a combination of eating “well”, exercising, thinking positive thoughts/daily spirituality and surrounding myself with positive people and relationships. If one is missing in my life, I feel out of sorts. When all are aligned, I feel GREAT.
Here is what I strive to eat/do/think everyday to feel and look my best:
– eat fresh, whole, natural foods, non-packaged as much as possible (foods I can pronounce and foods that will love me back)
– eat a variety of foods daily – vegetables, fruit, grains, beans
– never deprive myself
– eat what I crave, in moderation, and always find a healthie alternative
– be gentle with my feelings
– be gently with others
– stretch and sweat at least once, daily
– drink green juice (at least one, per week)
– chew well
– eat slowly, sitting down, consciously, with a relaxed mind
– think positive, happy, loving thoughts
– quiet my mind (and mouth) when they need to be quieted
– sleep. go to sleep early. wake up energized.
– take deep breaths through out the day.
– use a neti pot (when I remember)
– floss
– use a tongue scraper
– love myself
– be open to receive love from others
– be open to sharing my love with others
– surround myself with positive people
– have positive relationships
– dry brush every morning
and…my new favorite:
– Oil Pulling (aka swishing oil back and forth in your mouth for about 10-20 minutes.)
Granted, this morning was my first time doing it, but I had such a great experience and wanted to share about it because it’s under-rated!
I was curious what all of the hype was all about (my friends have been RAVING about the benefits) so I decided to take the leap and just try it.
Here’s what I did:
– woke up (don’t eat or drink or brush teeth prior)
– measure 1 Tbsp Unrefined Sesame Oil
– pour into mouth
– swish the oil back and forth (back to front), through your teeth in your mouth for 10-20 min, almost as if you were trying to get something out of your teeth. (I did it while I showered so the time went by fast and it kept my mind off of what I was actually doing – can be a little wierd).
– do not swallow as it’s believed that the “stuff” you’re swishing out are toxins
– Spit out in toilet (you don’t want an oily sink)
– Rinse your mouth out with saltwater
– Brush your teeth with your normal toothpaste
– Voila!
I immediately felt:
– a cleaner mouth (even more clean than just brushing it, and even swishing with mouthwash)
– VERY energized (and I woke up feeling very lethargic)
– cleaner nasal passage
The first few seconds were a little odd- thick oil swishing around, but I got used to it…and it started tasting like a peanut butter shake – so it wasn’t bad at all!
Other oils that I’ve heard work the best: Unrefined Sesame Oil, Olive Oil OR Sunflower Oil.
Here are some testimonials.
Here are benefits I’ve heard:
– clears acne
– clears your head
– clears nasal passage
– firmer, whiter teeth
– fresh, relaxed feeling
– dissapearance of dark undereye circles
– better memory
– better sleep
Read more here.
It is a little odd…but don’t judge until you try it! Can’t wait to do it again tomorrow morning!
xoxo
be courageous. be different. be well.
