48 ways to feel ridiculously healthy | Vivo Life

Call me crazy, but I believe that everyone has a right to feel ridiculously healthy.

Some people choose to exercise this right. Many people don’t give it a second thought. The vast majority of people are happy feeling mediocre, and that's enough for them. But I know mediocre doesn’t cut it for you. The fact that you’re here reading this article tells me that you want more.

You’re ready to start feeling ridiculously healthy. And it’s my job to help you get there. Seems like a perfect match, doesn’t it? These steps aren’t rocket science. There’s no order, no direction; just an epic collection of my favourite soundbites to help YOU feel ridiculously healthy.

Ready to get started?

48 things you need to do to start feeling ridiculously healthy

1) Personalise

Rule number 1: there is no one size fits all diet plan. Listen to your body and find what works for you.

2) Get outside

It’s the best way to load up on vitamin D, regulate your circadian rhythm and produce a cocktail of feel good hormones. Spend as much time outside as you can.

3) Worry less

Life is full of events that are out of our control. Accept this, and stop worrying about stuff so much. It will save your health, and your sanity.

4) Take it easy on the sugar

You’re sweet enough already. Berries are a great option when sugar cravings strike.

5) Buy local

Less miles from food to table means fresher, more nutritious produce. You’ll also be saving the environment and supporting the local economy to boot.

6) Go organic

If you can. But use common sense. Know that a non-organic vegetable is better than an organic doughnut.

7) Hydrate

Drink a minimum of 3 litres clean, filtered water or herbal tea each day. You’ll need even more in the hotter weather or if you’re training hard.

8) But don’t drink with meals

Too much liquid at mealtimes dilutes your stomach acid and makes it harder to break down food. Try to wait an hour after meals before you grab your next glass of water.

9) Go coco-nuts

Coconut water is awesome for hydration. Try it after a workout, or first thing in the morning if you sweat at night. Just make sure you look for an unpasteurised coconut water to reap the full benefits (I recommend Rebel Kitchen).

10) Stop overthinking

Nutrition is as complicated as you want to make it. You can analyse the nutritional value and the macronutrient breakdown of every item of food that goes into your mouth each day. Or, you can just eat more fruits and vegetables.

11) Relax

There is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ food choice. Treat yourself sometimes, and don’t stress about it when you do.

12) Schedule ‘me time.’

It matters. YOU matter. Make time for yourself a priority.

13) Sweat

Work hard. Challenge your body. It’s capable of amazing things.

14) But do it your way

The best form of exercise is the kind that you enjoy most. Find something you love, and you'll be much more likely to stick to it.

15) Never ‘diet.’

Nourish your body, don’t punish it. Food is NOT the enemy.

16) Eat sea vegetables

Iodine rich sea vegetables like kelp, chlorella and spirulina are great for keeping your hormones happy and your energy levels up.

17) Take an omega 3

Many of us are severely deficient in omega 3, particularly on a plant based diet where EPA and DHA (‘true’ omega 3) is almost impossible to source. Take a high quality omega 3 daily to support heart, brain and joint health.

18) Think for yourself

Low fat doesn’t always mean healthy. Gluten free doesn’t always mean healthy. Don’t believe everything you read on the label.

19) Use apple cider vinegar daily

It’s packed with beneficial enzymes and helps in the assimilation of food. If you have low stomach acid, a shot of ACV before a meal can work wonders.

20) Eat when you’re hungry

Not just because the clock tells you it’s ‘lunchtime.’

21) …And away from the desk

Take a break. Your work will still be there when you get back.

22) Try new things

Variety is the spice of life. Eat out at different restaurants, and experiment with new flavour combinations and unusual fruits and vegetables. Not only will this make food more interesting, but you’ll benefit from a much wider range of nutrients.

23) Take a break from caffeine

If you need an IV of coffee to get you through the day, we have a problem. Try to take at least two days off caffeine each week to prevent caffeine dependency.

24) Eat less protein

There’s way too much hype around protein these days, largely created by a supplement industry who wants to sell you their protein bars, protein muffins and protein bagels.

The truth is, you don’t need to eat excessive amounts of protein to build muscle OR burn fat. And yes, you CAN get enough protein on a plant based diet. Read this article to see if you're eating too much protein.

25) Don’t fear carbs

Unless you have a medical condition that dictates otherwise, carbohydrates play a big part in a healthy diet. Especially if you’re active. Choose nutritious, whole food sources such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruit, rice and quinoa.

26) Stop drinking your calories

Soft drinks, energy drinks, even most shop bought fruit juices contain obscene amounts of sugar for virtually no nutritional value.

27) Eat fermented foods

Packed full of beneficial bacteria that are essential for healthy digestive function, fermented foods are often described as the ‘missing link’ in our modern day diets. Try to eat a serving of fermented foods like sauerkraut or kombucha every day – or take a high quality probiotic supplement.

28) Use herbs and spices

They’re some of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, so a little sprinkle on your food can really go a long way. Pay careful attention to turmeric, to stop inflammation in it’s tracks.

29) Avoid artificial sweeteners

All the research that deems them ‘safe’ has been funded by the ingredients manufacturers. Don’t take the risk.

30) Eat your greens

And reds, purples, blues and yellows. Try to get a rainbow of colours in each day.

31) Use a high quality Himalayan salt

It contains 82 different trace minerals, and it makes your food taste amazing.

32) Stay away from BPA

Avoid drinking and eating from plastic wherever possible.

33) Belly laugh

Every day.

34) Slow down

You don’t have to be ‘busy’ all the time.

35) Cook with solid fats

Fats that are solid at room temperature (like coconut oil) are the most stable at high temperatures.

36) Use cold pressed liquid oils for dressing

Extra virgin olive oil and cold pressed hemp oil are at their best when kept cool. Use them for dressing rather than cooking.

37) Avoid trans fats

Vegetable oil and margarine are two of the most toxic things you can put in your body. Stay away at all costs.

38) Throw out your weighing scales

No good ever came from weighing yourself every day. Focus on how you feel, and never let yourself be defined by a number on a scale.

39) Give your gut a rest

If you're always digesting food, your gut never has a chance to heal and regenerate. The constant flow of food in modern day life is one of the reasons digestive problems are so common.

Try and leave longer gaps between meals and, every now and then, skip one. I promise it won’t kill you.

40) Ditch the soy

Almost all soybeans are genetically modified, and excessive soy consumption can seriously mess up your hormones. Opt for more nutritious plant based protein sources such as lentils, chick peas, sprouted brown rice, quinoa and hemp.

Alternatively, try our PERFORM protein powder made out of 100% plant-based ingredients that are great for your health, tastes incredible and delivers epic results.

41) Choose your friends wisely

Surround yourself with positive, happy, healthy people. These habits are contagious.

42) Unplug

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including you.

43) Eat earlier in the evening

Try to leave 2 – 3 hours between dinner and bedtime so you’re not sleeping on a full stomach.

44) Take a magnesium supplement

Over 75% of the Western world are deficient in magnesium. It’s almost impossible to get enough through diet alone due to depleted soil quality, so I recommend taking a high quality supplement to cover your bases.

45) Turn off your screen

Shut down your computer and put your phone on airplane mode at least an hour before bed. You’ll be amazed what a difference it can make to a good night’s rest.

46) Take an Epsom salt bath

Try and start an argument with someone who has just stepped out of an epsom salt bath. It’s impossible. Use them to relax and destress after a tough day.

47) Prioritise sleep

Commit to 8 hours per night, EVERY night. It’s the most important thing you can do for your overall health. And...

48) Throw out the rules and indulge every once in a while.