Ask LauraLee

Ask LauraLee

By: LauraLee Nichols

Going Back to Basics Strengthens your foundation. Here are my top 10 items that keep me on track:

Have Breakfast- studies show that adults who have a healthy breakfast do better at work, and kids who eat a morning meal score higher on tests. If a big plateful first thing isn’t for you, keep it light with Energy Balls or a piece of fruit. Just don’t skip it.

Plan your meals- I have been a meal planner for over 10 years a true passion of mine! It’ll help you save time and money in the long run. Block out some time, then sit down and consider your goals and needs. Do you want to lose weight? Cut back on sugar, fat, or carbs? Add protein or vitamins? Meal prep keeps you in control. You know what you’re eating and when. If you need help with this email me @ education@everman.org

Drink plenty of water- Staying hydrated is at the top of the list, but it may also help you lose weight. Another reason to go for H2O? Sugary drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you aren’t a fan of plain water, add flavor with slices of orange, lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber.

Check your posture- Having good posture can prevent aches and pain and it can also reduce stress on your ligaments. You can try to leave yourself a note to sit up straight, until it becomes an unconscious habit. Walking with your shoulders back and head held high can also make you feel good about yourself.

Take an exercise break- my favorite walk every day on my break- I have found such beautiful scenery from the neighborhood surrounding Ever’man and I have even gotten some great gardening ideas . I play my favorite song by Nightwish “ The Greatest Show on Earth” that happens to be 23 minute long . Another favorite to keep moving is hula hooping! Such a great ,fun workout. Even when I make the Hula Hoops it is a great work out as well . Find something that you love and just keep moving!

10 | THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE Train your muscles- Strength training helps your body trade fat for muscle mass. That means you’ll burn more calories even when you’re being a couch potato. But these workouts can also help you slim down, strengthen your heart, and build up your bones. Do strength-training exercises -- like push-ups, lunges, and weight lifting -- at least twice a week.

Self care- Dry Brush for lymphatic health and exfoliation. Your skin should feel softer and smoother after just one session. Some people even say the detox and circulatory boost helps with digestive issues and skin problems such as acne; others claim to feel more energized, most likely a result of the increased blood flow. Our Wellness department has a variety of brushes by Earth Theraputics.

Epsom Salt Bath- Take a hot Epsom salt bath for 15 to 20 minutes to help your body recover. Magnesium sulfate, its scientific name, has been shown to help muscles relax and reduce inflammation. Epsom salts will increase blood flow to the muscles as well as the surface of the skin. Plus, the magnesium absorbed through your skin helps build strong bones, manufactures proteins, and releases energy from muscles, in addition to numerous other benefits. Take one or two baths per week and you’ll notice a big difference in how you feel

Learn Something New– New skills keep your brain healthy- check out our FB Live Classes on Ever’man Facebook Page and our Event calendars to see if there is something that peaks your interest . Email me @ education@ everman.org if you have a subject you would like us to cover.

Head Outdoors- A few minutes in the sunshine raises vitamin D levels, and that’s good for your bones, your heart, and your mood. My favorite places are the beach and our home garden where I love to be barefoot and grounded. We are avid shellers and collectors and we continue to build and grow in our backyard. Beauty and food!