This year I’m keeping it simple and committing to a brave new era of consistency by sticking to the basics I know make a difference. In the spirit of positive thinking, I’m concentrating on what to add rather than what to cut. Here’s my more-is-better to-do list for 2009. Why not make it yours too?
More water
How many times do I need to be told? Obviously, I ditched all those off-gassing, landfill-destined plastic bottles and invested in a good reusable bottle. (I like those stylish Swiss ones, but after losing three in a row, I just bought a generic brand and it’s fine.) Now I just need to remember to use it every day. Experts vary on how much water they recommend — most suggest anywhere from one litre to three litres daily, though macrobiotics go against the grain by only drinking when they’re feeling thirsty. Everything works better when well-lubricated, and a good rule of thumb is to drink about half your weight (using pounds) in water (using ounces).
More fats
Well, I’m not talking french fries — I mean essential fatty acids. Every holistic nutritionist and naturopath I’ve spoken to stresses the importance of omegas on mood, immunity, skin condition and overall health. Although I’m mostly vegetarian, I do eat fish sometimes and that is generally considered the easiest source for the body to absorb. Plant-derived sources include flax seed oil, hemp oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy veggies, walnuts and the suddenly super-popular chia seeds. I’m going to experiment with mixing chia with water to make a nutrient-rich gel for fruit smoothies.
More vitamins through food
Supplements are fine in a pinch, but I want to make sure I’m getting as much from my food as possible. Vitamin C foods include broccoli, citrus fruits, parsley, peppers, pineapple, potatoes, cabbage, rosehips and berries. Food sources high in zinc (especially important during the cold and flu season) include red meat, milk, shellfish and fish for omnivores and ginger, nuts, whole grains and sunflower and pumpkin seeds for vegans. For someone as cranky as I can be, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be taking a good B complex to keep me on an even keel. Food sources high in the Bs include eggs; dairy products; fatty fish, like salmon, tuna and sardines; lean meat and chicken for those who eat of the animal kingdom; and avocado, currants, legumes, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole grains and green vegetables for those who don’t. Any excuse to eat more avocados works for me.
More greens
Dark leafy greens — kale, collards, dandelion leaves — are great and I aim for one serving a day. I also love “super-greens” — a marketing term for foods high in chlorophyll, usually sold in liquid or powder form. After taking E3Live (www.e3live.com) for the last few months, I’ve tracked a noticeable surge in my energy and enthusiasm levels when I use it. E3Live is Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA for short), an edible freshwater plant. According to their website, it provides 64 easily absorbed vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has more biologically active chlorophyll than any known food. All I know is it seems to make a big difference for me and I’m sticking with it.
More sweating
A regular shvitz does a world of good in my book. While I’m just as happy sweating in a steam room or sauna — an afternoon spent at Body Blitz (471 Adelaide W., 416-364-0400, www.bodyblitzspa.com) is always a pleasure — I resolve to stick to a regular regime of exercise as well this year. The whirlpool workout is not going to cut it. Yoga, running, biking, swimming — even bouncing on my mini-trampoline to the MC5 — as long as I’m moving four or five times a week, I think I’ll be able to manage hunching over my computer without losing my marbles.
More massage
That’s right, I said it. I doubt I’ll be able to afford to go once a month, which would be my ideal, but I resolve to treat myself to a good work-over as regularly as possible, whether it’s shiatsu, thai yoga or ayurvedic in form.