I want to make it absolutely clear that – there is no one-size-fits-all solution to wellness and/or weight loss!

Let’s be realistic here, shall we? While everyone’s body needs fuel (calories) to function, the type of fuel your body needs to perform at its best may be, and likely is, very different from the neighbor, aunt or sister who lost 10 pounds last spring.

While everyone’s body needs some exercise, you may not be able to run or exercise as much as you would like to, which may be interfering with your weight loss efforts – and may be a reason why you aren’t as healthy as you can be. However, you may also be the type of individual that exercises already and still can’t lose weight, and/or just doesn’t feel as healthy as you should.

In other words, your body is unique, with wants and needs that have nothing to do with what someone else happens to want and need. If you ever hope to make your body feel better and lose weight, you need to understand and accept this simple fact – there is no “One-size-fits-all” solution for you.

However, having said that, there is an approach to wellness and weight loss that you can use to feel better and reach your weight loss goals. This approach is known as “Holistic Wellness”, and it’s a way to help you understand what wellness means to you, as a unique individual with particular wants and needs.

An introspective and holistic approach to wellness takes into consideration your unique bio-individuality; in terms of your cravings and your love of different foods, as well as how all other aspects of your life might be affecting your food choices. With a holistic approach, and perhaps the help of a Holistic Wellness Coach, you can tailor a successful and healthy nutrition program that will allow you to feel happy, satisfied, and healthy again.

And yes, a holistic wellness program will help your insomnia, too! And it will give you more energy, which you can feel every day.

Stop feeding Stress!

You must know by now that stress leads to all sorts of health problems: from high blood pressure to heart disease; from diabetes to asthma; from premature aging to Alzheimer’s; from stomach problems to obesity, depression and anxiety, stress can cause or worsen all of these very serious health problems. (WebMD.com)

What you may not understand however, is that the foods you eat can also cause your body a great deal of stress. The highly processed foods and high-sugar foods that are so common in your grocery store, and that take up so much room in your pantry and fridge, are difficult – and sometimes impossible – for your body to process. This is very stressful on your digestive system, and your body as a whole.

These very convenient foods also offer little in the way of nutritional value, which forces you to eat more of them to fuel your body. They can also lead to increased inflammation and autoimmune problems, as well as weight gain, which only adds more stress to your body as you begin to crave the very foods that are harming you.

So, what’s the answer?

To get you started, here are some tips you can begin to use right away to help you become healthier and more holistic in your nutrition plan:

• Cut out processed foods and sugar
• Choose organic fruits and veggies
• Prioritize the foods you buy, using the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists
• Look for non-GMO produce and food items
• Add healthy fats between meals, such as nuts
• Use Smoothies and/or juicing to consume a more nutrient-dense diet
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day

Eating healthy shouldn’t be inconvenient or expensive. Shop your farmer’s market for local and budget-friendly organic veggies and fruit. And, while drinking all that water can become boring, you can simply add lemon, lime, cucumber, or some berries to make it more flavorful and exciting to drink.