We all know that we need to take care of our bodies - both on the outside and the inside - and the old saying that happiness comes from within is never more true when it comes to digestion.
Having the right balance in the morning not only aids in digestion, but it helps with our mood too.
January is still part of the winter months where nights can get dark pretty fast.
As a result, many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) meaning individuals may feel more lethargic than usual.
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So now more than ever it's important to take care of your body as well as your mind.
Nutritional Therapist and Pure Results 'Minister 4 Happiness' Aislinn Cambridge shares her top tips with RSVP Live to start and finish the day.
The best way to start your day
We all know water is good for us - but sometimes we just don't stick to the rules.
And if there is one thing that absolutely everyone should be doing from the minute they wake up in the morning - it's drink water.
It has so many benefits such as hydrating you but it also lowers blood pressure.
In addition, if you ever feel low on energy don't go for the coffee - instead have a glass of water as your first drink of the day.
If you want to have energy and feel good, a warm cup of water with half a lemon squeezed into it - pit’s like magic.
What to do before climbing into bed
At the end of your day, you should apply the same consideration towards what your body has to do to digest food before you enter rest and recovery mode with sleep.
If you’re eating a meal and attempting to sleep an hour or two later it will cause havoc because your body can’t digest nor rest and recover, the two cancel each other out.
Both your sleep and your digestion will be affected and when combined it will have a severe impact on your mood. I recommend leaving at least three to four hours after a big meal.
Cravings? Don't reach for the artificial sweeteners!
It’s well known that there is only one molecule of difference to how your body reacts to sugar and cocaine.
However, some feel it’s better to reach for 'sugar-free' options when they’re trying to eat healthy, but they’re actually worse.
So-called 'diet' drinks contain an ingredient called aspartame which our bodies do not know how to process and it has a negative effect on our gut and is far more harmful, inflammatory and corrosive than actual sugar.
Aislinn will be sharing her wealth of knowledge at the all-inclusive Pure Results bootcamp taking place across the month of January. Find out more information at pureresults.ie and minister4happiness.com
