It’s a new year and a new you.

Right? Well, that’s what we usually tell ourselves, at least in the beginning. Then, typically by January 29 (or sooner) it’s all over but the crying. You gave it your best, well almost. Tried the latest fad diet, or at least the one that EVERYONE is talking about. Woke up on January 1 and decided you were going to go all out on an exercise program that promises you’ll drop a size in 30 days. Guess what? That may or may not work for you. Know why? Because you are unique. You have a unique make up, a unique bio-chemistry and unique body energy. I’m here to tell you straight up that there is no one size fits all, no magic bullet and no miracle diet. What you do have is a body that communicates with you daily, letting you know if you’re sleeping enough, eating the wrong foods, drinking enough water or carrying too much stress.

I totally get it. You are D-O-N-E, done with feeling the way you do, or not being able to fit into your favorite jeans. Tired of not sleeping, feeling tired and wired when you need to get some sleep or waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you just ran a marathon and your sheets feel like it too. In the morning you wake up and feel like you’ve never slept. You want the simple answer that all the self-help books promise. Unfortunately, all those promises out there can’t deliver. Think about it….when was the last time you checked out the Barnes & Noble self-help section for diet & exercise? It is loaded with books from experts that promise miracles, and no two miracles are alike. Guess what? No two bodies are alike either.

So what’s a girl to do?

First, realize that all healthy foods may not be healthy for you.

Case in point. I have sensitives to Broccoli, Kale, Limes, Quinoa, Raspberries, Wheat, Green Peppers, Quinoa, Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Buckwheat….just to name a few. I was a Vegan for many years and thought I was healthy, then I began having high blood pressure and became pre-diabetic. I had a physician tell me I should eat more protein, specifically grass fed beef and chicken. A paleo diet was what I needed. I decided to give it a try and my health only deteriorated. You know what my healthy diet consisted of? You guessed it…most of the above, minus wheat. Broccoli and Kale were daily staples, and lime in my water was my daily go-to way to get my H2O. Through my studies and testing I found my body needs very little protein and mainly a plate full of vegetables, (yes, I actually crave greens). So, do you need to be tested for sensitivities? Well, it’s an option but not a necessity. If you take the time to document how you feel after a meal, both physically and emotionally, you will have an idea if something is affecting you. You can also do an Elimination Diet. It removes the biggest culprits from your diet, like eggs, nuts, dairy, wheat for at least 30 days, then you re-introduce each item individually to see if you react. You can also energy test your food and supplements, but more on that on an upcoming FB Live (keep an eye out).

Truth is, we are energetic beings. Our body is a source of energy and the things we consume will either contribute to our energy stores or drain them. The amount of exercise does the same, and according to Chinese Medicine this is not the time of year to start a full on, hard-core exercise program. It’s a time of healing, rest and re-generation so a gentler program should be in your arsenal. Even just a 30 minute walk each day is enough to begin. The name of the game is bio-individuality, which means when it comes to health and wellness, you have to do you. Don’t fall prey to every promise of a better you by following what worked for someone else. Together we can find a lifestyle program best suited for you and your body.