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Building Sustainable Healthy Habits: Creating a Positive Mindset
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Building sustainable health habits is hard! We all know that we need to eat more vegetables, get regular exercise, sleep more, and incorporate a daily stress-reducing routine. But making, and sticking to, these changes is hard. One of the reasons why sustaining healthy habits is so hard is because we are emotional beings and many of our habits are driven by how we feel. Many of our unhealthy habits are driven by negative emotions and breaking bad health habits and instilling healthy habits requires a positive mindset.

If you are waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror and thinking, ugh, I have gained so much weight, or have gotten so flabby, or look so old, or stressed. Or if you jump out of bed thinking about all the things you have to do and how stressful your day is going to be, you are setting up for a day of failure. Not only will you struggle to achieve your daily goals, but you are also telling yourself that you are not worthy of getting healthy, nor do you have the time or energy to focus on your health. Your emotions and outlook on life are key components for creating healthy habits.

Here are 2 quick and easy ways that can help flip the switch for a more positive mindset:

The Maui Habit

The Maui habit was developed by Dr. BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist at Stanford University and author of the book Tiny Habits. The habit grew out of inspiration from a birthday card Dr. Fogg received one year from a Hawaiian friend. The words on the front of the card read “Every Day is a Gift.” Being deeply touched by those words, he began incorporating that sentiment into his life by waking up every morning and stating what a great day it is going to be. He began to see how this one tiny habit of starting the day with a positive mindset had a huge impact on his life.

The Maui Habit is to start each day repeating the phrase “today is going to be a great day” or “an awesome day”, or “an amazing day.” Saying and repeating this simple phrase can trigger your brain for positive thoughts and positive outcomes throughout the day. This simple 3-second habit helps to create positive energy for the day, which will intern help you to make positive, healthy choices. Additionally, these positive thoughts crowd out those negative, self-sabotaging thoughts that lead to destructive habits.

Positive Self-Talk

Self-talk is that running internal dialogue that goes on in your head every day. It can be negative like “you are not good enough”, or “you can’t do anything right” or it can be positive like “you are doing great.” The way that you talk to yourself can have a profound impact on your behavior and your habits. It is very hard to stick to a health goal if you don’t feel as if you are ever going to achieve it, or deserve to achieve it. Positive self-talk boosts your self-confidence in your ability to achieve your goals and instills the belief that the things you want are achievable. Then, when you are faced with certain challenges or barriers to your goal, it is easier to find ways to overcome them. Even a small shift in that dialogue in your head towards more positive words can have a tremendous impact on helping you change your behavior and reinforce healthy habits.

Just having a positive mindset can improve your health. 

Positive thinking has been associated with:

  • Increased lifespan

  • Lower risk of depression

  • Greater resistance to the common cold

  • Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease

  • Better coping skills during stressful times, reducing the harmful effect of stress on your body

People with a positive mindset tend to live healthier lifestyles; they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet and don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

Keeping a positive mindset, engaging in positive self-talk, starting your day with a positive thought like “it is going to be a great day”, I believe, is the first step in helping you to make those proactive changes that lead to long-term, sustainable health habits.

 

Need help achieving your health goals? Reach out, I can help! Susan@nurturedbones.com/703.738.4230

 

™Here’s why leafy greens should be at the top of your dietary list for bone health: 

1. Calcium-Rich Goodness

While dairy products are known for their calcium content, green leafy vegetables can be just as potent. Calcium is a fundamental mineral for bone health, and leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and turnip greens provide an excellent plant-based source of this nutrient. One cup of cooked kale can offer as much calcium as a cup of milk, making it an essential addition to your diet.

 

2. Vitamin K: The Bone Protector

Leafy greens are rich in vitamin K, a nutrient vital for bone health. Vitamin K helps in the activation of osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to the bone matrix, strengthening bones. Additionally, vitamin K helps reduce excessive bone demineralization, protecting against bone loss and fractures. Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are particularly high in vitamin K, making them superstars for your skeletal system.

 

3. Magnesium for Bone Metabolism

Magnesium is another crucial nutrient found abundantly in leafy greens. About 50-60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones, where it plays a pivotal role in bone metabolism and mineralization. Magnesium also assists in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids in calcium absorption. Incorporating greens like spinach and kale into your diet ensures you get enough magnesium for optimal bone health.

 

4. Maintaining Alkaline Balance

A diet rich in leafy greens helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance, which is essential for bone health. When the body becomes too acidic, it may leach calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid, leading to weakened bones. Leafy greens, being alkaline, help maintain a balanced pH, preventing calcium loss and keeping your bones strong and healthy.

 

5. Packed with Antioxidants and Other Nutrients

Green leafy vegetables are packed with a range of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Vitamin C, found in greens like kale and spinach, is necessary for collagen formation, which is a critical component of bone structure. Additionally, the antioxidants in leafy greens help protect bone cells from damage and reduce inflammation. The concept of osteoimmunology highlights the connection between the immune system and bone health. Nutrients found in leafy greens help modulate immune responses, reducing inflammation and promoting bone regeneration and repair.

 

6. Fiber for Digestive Health

Leafy greens are high in dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive tract and promotes regular bowel movements. Fiber also aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for bone health. A healthy gut microbiome can enhance nutrient absorption, including calcium and magnesium, synthesize essential vitamins such as vitamin K2, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones, all of which further support bone health.

 

 I recommend aiming to get 2-3 cups of leafy greens a day

 

Practical Ways to Add Leafy Greens to Your Diet

1. Smoothies: Add a handful of your favorite greens to your smoothie.

2. Salads: Make leafy greens the base of your salads. Mix varieties like arugula, romaine, kale, and spinach for a nutrient-packed meal.

3. Soups and Stews: Add chopped greens to soups, stews, and broths. They add flavor and a nutritional boost.

4. Stir-Fries: Incorporate greens like bok choy or Swiss chard into your stir-fries for a quick and healthy dinner.

5. Wraps and Sandwiches: Use large leafy greens as wraps or add them to sandwiches for extra crunch and nutrition. 

 

NOTE: While green leafy vegetables are incredibly beneficial for bone health and overall well-being, it is important to be mindful of their oxalate content. Oxalates, are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including leafy greens, nuts, seeds and certain vegetables. They can bind to minerals in the gut which can interfere with their absorption. For this reason, oxalates are considered anti-nutrients. I delve deeper into the topic of oxalates in my BONES Method™ Program where I discuss what foods have the highest oxalate content, the best alternatives, and how to manage oxalate intake effectively. Supporting optimal bone health doesn’t require perfection—it requires balance. In this program you will discover how a well-rounded, nutritious diet can contribute to strong bones and overall wellness.

CLICK HERE to learn more about my program. 

 

Incorporating green leafy vegetables into your daily diet is a simple and effective way to support your bone health. These greens provide a rich source of calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Additionally, their benefits extend to supporting digestive health and boosting immune function, making them a cornerstone of a bone-healthy diet. So next time you plan your meals, make sure to include a generous serving of leafy greens and give your bones the nourishment they need to stay strong for life.

 

 Eat like a horse, and enjoy the benefits of strong, healthy bones for years to come!

 

 

 

 

 

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Susan Brady

Physical Therapist, Nutritional consultant & Doctor of Integrative medicine

Susan is an experienced physical therapist who can assess muscle strength, posture, and balance. She creates personalized exercise programs to improve bone strength. As a nutritionist, she focuses on improving nutrients for bone health and assessing digestion and absorption. Susan also understands the importance of reducing stressors to prevent bone loss. With her holistic approach, Susan effectively addresses all aspects of bone health.

Book a free call

Susan Brady

Physical Therapist, Nutritional consultant & Doctor of Integrative medicine

Susan is an experienced physical therapist who can assess muscle strength, posture, and balance. She creates personalized exercise programs to improve bone strength. As a nutritionist, she focuses on improving nutrients for bone health and assessing digestion and absorption. Susan also understands the importance of reducing stressors to prevent bone loss. With her holistic approach, Susan effectively addresses all aspects of bone health.

Book a free call

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