Starting the day before the sun is up often makes for a more sluggish start to the day. Nutritionist and CNM Lecturer Claire Grady has some great tips for an easier rise and shine!
Morning rituals are essential to one’s ability to be productive. And like the old adage says ‘Tus maith leath na hoibre’ or ‘A good start is half the work’.
Here are the top morning rituals I use for a positive start each day:
Hydrate
Your body has been fasting overnight and the best way to flush out all of yesterday’s toxins and waste is to drink water first thing in the morning. This can have a direct impact on your bowel transit and will encourage a bowel movement. Aim for approximately 500mls of room temperature water.
Awaken Your Digestive System
Drinking warm water, or warm water with lemon, or better still, warm water with apple cider vinegar is a great way to gently wake your body up in the morning. The warm water is soothing on the digestive tract while the bitter from the lemon or apple cider vinegar is a great way to stimulate the digestive juices and prepare your digestive tract for the food that is to follow.
Exercise
Exercising first thing in the morning is a great way to awaken your body, clear your mind, get oxygen flowing, and prepare yourself for the day ahead. Alternate between gentle yoga or a stretching routine, a HIIT (high intensity interval training) session, or a brisk walk in the fresh air.
Breakfast Like a King
Having a healthy and filling breakfast not only prepares us for the day ahead but has a direct effect on our food choices for the rest of day. Incorporating plenty of fibre, good fats, and protein into your breakfast is key to keeping us full, stabilizing our energy levels throughout the day, and effectively fuelling our metabolism.
This information has been brought to you by Naturopathic Nutritionist & College of Naturopathic Medicine Lecturer Claire Grady. Claire takes a “Food as Medicine” approach in her clinic.
