I'm making a list…

and checking it twice.

But this has nothing to do with gifts, or whether you are naughty or nice.  (I think you can be both!)
This is all about staying happy, healthy and hot through the holidays.

See, here’s the thing.  It’s easy to get off track with your healthy habits during the holidays.
But just because you went overboard on the eggnog, or blew off pilates for three weeks in a row, doesn’t mean everything needs to fall by the wayside.
And that’s why I’m making a list.  It’s a list of the healthy habits that I’m planning to be consistent with throughout the holidays, no matter how crazy things get.
And I encourage you to do the same.  Your list does not need to be the same as mine.  Just think of what you need to do to feel happy, healthy and hot.  Pick things you are already doing, or have done successfully.
This is not the time to commit to going to the gym for an hour a day if you haven’t been there for years.  It’s also not the time to eliminate a whole food group.  It’s more about committing to the stuff that works for you and is realistic.
So here’s my list:

lemon water:  
This is something so simple that really works.  Fresh lemon is loaded with vitamin C that supports our production of collagen and boosts our immunity.  Lay out your lemon and lemon squeezer the night before, so you see it as soon as you come into the kitchen.  I also fill a glass with water so it comes to room temperature. Fresh lemon water is such a refreshing way to start the day.
coffee blended with coconut oil and collagen peptides:
This is the hhh habit that I get the most questions about.  I love my coffee in the am.  Adding coconut oil boosts my metabolism and helps me stay focused.  The Collagen Peptides from Vital Proteins have done wonders for my skin, which is truly firmer at the age of 50 than it was at 40.  I throw it all in the blender (I love my Vitamix) with a little liquid stevia for a delicious creamy drink.  Sometimes I mix in some extras to give it even more of a boost, but I’ll save that for another post.
green drink:  
During the holidays most people eat more meals away from home and don’t always get enough vegetables.  By starting the day with some type of green drink you’re upping your veggie intake with very little effort.  Most days I use my Vitamix.  A typical blend is some type of dark, leafy greens, a whole peeled lemon, a chunk of fresh ginger, and half of a pear or apple, all blended with water until smooth.  But if I’m crazy busy or traveling, I reach for Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Greens, a powder that is so easy to mix with water or just about anything.  It has the added bonus of marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics.  All totally amazing for your skin.
raw carrot:
I did a whole post on why everyone should eat a raw, unpeeled carrot every day.  Not only are they loaded with nutrients that are great for your skin, eating raw carrots can help balance hormones.  I have experienced the benefits first hand.  But lately I’ve been slipping with this. So yesterday I bought a five pound bag of organic carrots, and I’m back on track.  And if you missed my original carrot post, it was one of my most popular ever.  Here it is:  Cheap and easy
mini workout:
This is the area that I have been slacking off on the most lately.  I walk quite a bit (thanks to a needy Bichon Frise) but haven’t been doing much else.  So I’m committing to a mini workout every day.  I will rotate between squats, crunches, push-ups and planks.  This way I’m hitting the major muscle groups.  These can all be done without any equipment at all, but if I’m at home I’ll utilize my Bosu Balance Trainer, and might use some weights with the squats.
So, can making a list help you feel happy, healthy and hot?  Sure it can!  Be sure to put it where you’ll see it every day.
Knowing that you are taking some time to care for yourself will make you feel happy.  All of these habits support your body and soul in so many ways, keeping you healthy.  And with your firm glowing skin and gorgeous body, you’ll certainly be hot!
Thanks for reading!  What are you going to put on your list?
SHOP THE POST:
Lemon Squeezer
Vitamix
Nutiva Coconut Oil
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 10 ounce size
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 20 ounce size (best value)
Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Greens 10 ounce size
Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Greens 20 ounce size (best value)
Bosu Balance Trainer