Hello fellow empty nesters, how are the new years resolutions going? Did you make any? Are you finding it difficult to keep your promise to yourself? Or have you already given up? Or are you one of the really disciplined minority who can focus and finish what you started? If so, well done! The rest of us need some of your energy, dedication and determination.
To be really honest with you, I have already fallen foul of my promise. I was going to learn to play tennis this year, but unfortunately I have not had a single tennis lesson this year. I am not going to make excuses, all I will say on this subject is that I still have time. I will report back to you at the end of 2016! Perhaps we can motivate each other.
Many people make lifestyle changes for the new year and these choices range over a wide spectrum of activities. My oldest daughter decided that she wanted to change her body shape and so she asked for personal training sessions for her Christmas present. In our household, we do not talk about weight because having three daughters, it is very important for the girls to be happy and confident about their body image. However since this was totally her decision and she was not pressured in any way, We were very happy to purchase 25 personal training sessions for her. We have not seen the desired body image or object of desire, but she has informed us that she has given her personal trainer an image of the body she would like to receive by the end of the summer. So she is now having a trainer twice a week and a weekly diet plan too! I do not know who or what motivated her to make this lifestyle change but I am totally fascinated by her level of commitment and how responsible she has become. I am really so proud of her, it really does not matter to me whether she changes her body image or not what really matters, is the fact that she is so committed. She gets up at 6AM and does her floor exercises then leaves for the office at 7:30 AM. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays after work, she goes to the gym for her personal training sessions between 6PM and 7. This is also complimented by the change in dietary behaviour. I am more impressed with the lifestyle change than the training sessions because as parents we know how much influence the media has on our ideas of beauty and body image. The training sessions might not be sustainable over the long term but the lifestyle changes are definitely sustainable. This will ultimately have a positive impact on her wellbeing. She now has more energy and she feels better too.
Long may this last.
Lately, wellness clinics have become very fashionable. Many people now go to these clinics for detoxing, weight loss, re-energising themselves or simply just to relax and get away from the stress and trauma of everyday life! For many people, this is really a great way to kick start the new year and to cleanse the body, the mind and even the soul!
Four years ago, my husband and my daughter went to the Mayr Clinic in Austria for two weeks and they both came back lighter but more importantly they both came back with a healthy and positive attitude to sustainable lifestyle change. Doctor Franz Mayr was the first person to make a direct link between between digestive health and overall health, beauty and attractiveness. According to the literature, the Mayr clinic or the Mayr cure as it is now commonly known, is based on rest, detoxification and cleansing of the digestive track… Gut health treatments are complimented by innovative holistic medical treatments – the treatments are individualised and the side effects are absolutely favourable:
-Naturally anti-ageing
-Weight loss
-Brighter skin
-A boost in your energy levels
Now those are side effects I will definitely say YES to again and again!
According to the devotees of the Mayr Cure, it purges the body of toxins, leaving your body more toned, your stomach flatter and skin brighter in a few weeks. This seems like a good way to start the new year. You could even try doing your own version of the cure at home.
I have been having a green smoothie to start my day for the last few months, from my experience, It really gives an energy boost and also brighter skin. My husband will not leave the house without drinking his green smoothie. If you would like to try the ‘Glowing Green Smoothie’ here is the recipe below:
(Please use organic wherever possible)
-100g spinach
-100g kale
-10g coriander (fresh)
-10g parsley (fresh)
-1 green apple
-1 green pear
-1 ripe banana
-1 head of romaine lettuce
-2-3 sticks of celery
-Juice of 1 lemon
Method
Put spinach, romain lettuce coriander, parsley and kale in good quality blender and blend for 2-3 minutes. Add chopped apple, pear, celery, banana and the juice of your lemon and blend until smooth. I use a Vitamix but you can use any good quality blender. Once blended, pour it into a storage jar and store it in the refrigerator. Use this as desired and it will keep for 2-3 days easily.
Good luck and I hope you find this beauty secret useful.
Empty Nest Together 