Abundant Energy | FOUR WAYS TO LIVE A FULLER LIFE AND BEAT FATIGUE

By Katie G.

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to an IVY Connect panel discussion with Dr. Holly Phillips, a contributor to CBS News and author of the new book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. I have  always been intrigued by the idea of energy in the body: where it comes from and how it affects our everyday lives. During this event, I had an a-ha moment. I realized that many of the behaviors viewed as "normal" are actually telltale signs that we need to take a step back and be honest with ourselves. For example, do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at 3:00 pm when you're in the umpteenth meeting of the day? Do you make excuses not to exercise or socialize because you're just not feeling up to it? Are you nodding out every night on the couch at 9:00 pm? Do you just wish you had a little extra oomph? Do you feel like you're in a fog when you wake up in the morning? Are you drinking more than one cup of coffee and/or eating sugary foods to keep your energy "up?"

If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, then you, my friend, need to read on.  The secret to energy isn't found solely in sleep (although don't get me wrong, it's important), but in various lifestyle choices and patterns that you can control.

The Reboot | KICK-START THE FALL WITH THESE SIMPLE HABITS

By Katie G.

The summer is such a beautiful time of the year for many of us. We laugh, we play, we tan, we relax, and we vacation. And, even though it seems counter-intuitive, many of us become more lax with our diet and workout regimens (hello, Italy). Who can say no to that ice cream or that extra glass of rosé?

So, as we close in upon the last holiday of the summer season, I can't help but think that it's time to get back on track. It's time to prepare our bodies for a reboot by making some simple tweaks to our everyday habits. 

I know I’m ready. Are you?

BE ABSOLUTELY BETTER THAN YESTER-YEAR | project: CLEAN FOOD's TOP TEN RESOLUTIONS

Start getting them in your mind now!! Start thinking about what you wanna bring into the new year, and what you wanna leave behind.  And of course, count on us here to help you out a tad bit!

Here's the top ten resolutions to think about for the upcoming new year. Let the abundance starting flowing into your life today!

1. Cleaner and balanced eating habits
Find some sort of eating regimen that works for you and stick to it!

2. Cut back on all vices ~ (no need to list: I know you know what they are)
Because they drain you and because they attract the wrong sort of people in your life

3. Healthier, more positive people around you 
You want to be around people that bring out the best in you in each and every moment

4. Daily, balanced, and healthy exercise
Not only is it good for the body, but also for maintaining strength, and lookin' damn good!

5. More personal time ~ (for creativity, wellness, relaxation, for fun, etc)
Because, hey, you deserve it. Work hard, and balance stress out with good, chill time

6. More patience with everything and everyone (Try, dammit)
Um.  Yea. Practice patience. Key word: practice

7. Love your enemies, just keep some distance
To expend energy hating someone is a complete waste of time. Love them, and move on. The. End.

8. Read/Watch more quality material
Nothing wrong with a little crappy media stimulation: just don't let it be the story of your life. Visit a new section of the book store

9. Be nicer, and more compassionate
Because you'll go a lot further: in business, in your love life, in your personal life.

10. Be better than yesterday
Every moment is an opportunity to learn more, and grow more. Expand your horizons. Be more open to experience. Be receptive.

...and...

BONUS - (for you New Year's resolutions junkies...)

Eat my favorite meal once a week!

Happy New Year, 2013!