Healthy ways to start your day

July 3, 5:15 PMLA Diets ExaminerLorie Dudley

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It's morning; you woke up late, burnt your toast, and realized halfway to the office that you left your cell phone at home. Later, after snapping at a coworker you apologize and confess that you "woke up on the wrong side of the bed." If your bad mornings seem to spiral into bad days, it's not in your head. It turns out that how you begin your morning really does effect the rest of your day, which is why it's important to create a routine that will start your day in a positive way. Here are some strategies for starting your day right so you look and feel great, and lose weight!

• Plan ahead. Before going to bed each night, check your calendar and to-do list. Lay your clothes out for the next day, and pack your lunch. Place your keys, purse, wallet, cell phone and workout bag in a designated area each night so that you won't waste time running around looking for them in the morning.
• Set your clock. Plan to get at least eight hours of rest and rise half an hour to an hour early; decide how you'll use that extra time for yourself the night before. 
• Positive affirmations and visualization. It's important to start each day with a positive, uplifting attitude. Affirmations and visualization can help create that positive energy and attract fulfilling experiences.
• Get your blood flowing. All you need is 10 minutes of physical activity in the morning to get your blood flowing. A walk around the block or a few minutes of yoga will leave you feeling empowered and energized.
• Eat a healthy breakfast. A nutritional breakfast enables our bodies to function at its highest mental and physical potential. Ideally, your breakfast should provide 25% of your daily calories and include carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of fat. Supplement your breakfast with a cup of soothing green tea, which has lots of antioxidants and has also been shown to increase metabolism.
• Take your vitamins. Think of vitamins as a nutritional insurance policy that provides nutrients you may not be getting from your diet. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a multi-vitamin and a Vitamin D supplement is a great way to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need to be healthy.
• Journal. Journaling has many stress and health management benefits and promotes self-awareness. Writing once a day can help you feel focused, process negative emotions, and solve problems. [More info]
• Listen to music. Music has been shown to reduce stress and have a positive effect on health. Listening to music as you start your day will create positive energy and a soothing sense of peace. The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz CD is amazingly therapeutic.

It takes about a month for new habits to stick, so do the best you can and don't beat yourself up on those days when things don't go as planned. Forgive yourself and remember, tomorrow is a new day.

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