I was with one of my clients today who has been seeing me off and on for three years. Today she finally heard me say to her, “by changing your diet, exercise, and thoughts you can change your biochemistry.” A huge light bulb went off, “So it’s not really about dieting,” she asked. “No,” I answered, “it never has been.” I also boldly claimed that almost any health condition could be reversed if you made the following types of changes in your life.

1. Diet: What we eat and how we eat is essential to human health and vitality. Three meals a day with two snacks including protein, good fats, fruits, and vegetables is ideal. But how you eat is almost more important. Are you eating on the run or on the run right after you eat? Both are stressful to the body. Your body needs time and rest in order to break down the foods you just ate. If your body is under stress, including rushing your meal, being in a heated conversation while eating, or exercising right after you eat, your body’s biochemical system will be disrupted and you will not benefit from the good quality food you just ate. 
2. Exercise: You must move. Everyone knows about the runner’s high or about the endorphins that are created from exercising. You just feel better when you exercise. Sleep is better, your moods are better, and almost every system in your body works better. You often tend to want to eat less of the non-nutritious foods available out there and stick to healthier and more wholesome selections.
3. Relationships: Good relationships can bring you great joy and sense of connection. Of course, it’s not always going to blissful; however; having a connection with others has a calming effect on your biochemistry. The feeling of being supported, nurtured, cared about, and loved by others is an unbelievably important aspect of healthy living. A mutual giving and receiving provides such a powerful and healing opportunity to share in each other’s lives.
4. Your thoughts: Your thoughts are very powerful and can easily change your reality. If you wake up in a funk in the morning, I would encourage you to evaluate if this has become a familiar habit. We often don’t even realize when certain behaviors have moved into the realm of a habit. The great thing about this is you can actually change your life; therefore, your experience of good health by changing your thoughts to more positive and supportive ones.
5. Good Quality Sleep: Sometimes it’s tough to get a good night’s sleep. If it becomes a chronic pattern for you, it’s time to address it with more active steps. Is your bedroom cluttered? Are you working on your computer right before bedtime? Watching too much TV? Some TV watching in the evening can actually be relaxing; however, there is a point when it becomes stimulating, so limit your evening viewing to no more than two hours.
6. Quality Supplements: Good quality supplements, which are bioavailable, can help change your biochemistry as well. They can also help with the other six key areas I am discussing in this article today. By bioavailable, I mean the body can easily break down the supplements and use all the nutrients in them. There are many that may be cheaper but just go through your system and never get absorbed, and not do the work they are supposed to do. In addition, sometimes it’s other ingredients in the formula that make it more useable and sometimes it’s how it’s processed. Consult with professionals who are familiar with nutrition supplements and their usage if you have questions.
7. Our pets: Last but certainly not least, our furry friends are very important. I spoke to my sister-in-law yesterday and we discussed how it had been a year since my brother tragically and suddenly passed away. Yes, it’s been difficult. She told me that if it wasn’t for her new furry little puppy, Ziggy, who she got after my brother passed away; she might not have made it through this tragic loss. Every day he would be there ready to make her laugh, love, and be loved, No strings, just pure love and bliss. Yes, our pets are great friends and wonderful teachers. they can help us through some of the most challenging times in our lives. Cherish the moments.

(c) Monika Klein, B.S., C.N. is an award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert. Monika is the “Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach.” Her company, Coaching For Health, offers life transforming weight loss and wellness programs, classes and products throughout the world. To learn more about Monika’s services and programs, visit www.coachingforhealth.com.