LIVE LEAN!

As a self-described moderate minimalist, living lean is one of my favorite topics.  It is where I have found true serenity in all aspects of my life.

Thinking lean was the first step to bringing balance to my previous hectic and chaotic life.  By taking a realistic and harsh look at the entirety of my life I was able to make the necessary deletions to enjoy a full, healthy and lean life.

• Save the drama for your mama! One of the first areas I had to attack was my social group.  Difficult as this may sound, I had to eliminate the drama queens.  Surrounding yourself with positive and accountable people will do wonders in removing the negative elements from your life while also challenging and helping you to continue evolving into the best you that you can be.  Remember the Volkswagon slogan, “Misery has enough company. Dare to be happy!”
• Hide and seek! One of the biggest culprits of weight gain is the hidden sugars and salts in your food used as flavoring and preservatives.  Your best bet to avoid this completely is to eat fresh foods while seasoning or sweetening them with healthy alternatives.  Dried ginger, cinnamon, curry and garlic are just some items that can add flavor while providing countless health benefits.  
• Back to basics!  When it comes to exercise I am constantly finding folks in one of two stages of fitness.  They have just started a new fangled program or they had recently quit due to an injury or grew disappointed by the results of their former fitness routine.  Start a fitness program using the bare minimums.  Walking, running, swimming, cycling, Pilates and Yoga are great ways to get exercise while not spending money or exposing your body to injury.
• Declutter your mind!  Eating healthy and exercising will be extremely beneficial to your overall physical and mental wellness while decluttering your mind will do wonders for your soul.  Tackle that unwanted habit or memory for once and for all.  Or research and possibly pursue that lifelong dream.  By clearing out your mind you will empower yourself to live in the present honoring your body, spirit and mind.