49 Ways To Be Happy and Healthy in 2015!

All of those heartfelt resolutions and well-laid plans have a habit of slipping in the still-festive post-Christmas period. That's no reason to abandon them though, and now that we've started to get into the swing of 2015, it's the perfect time to take a step back and reflect for a moment on what we want to do differently this year.

Following in the footsteps of our incredibly well-received One Small Change campaign, we talked to around two dozen of our allies from the world of health and wellbeing, asking them what their advice is for staying Healthy & Happy in 2015. They responded with some really great advice and a ton of ideas - 49 of them in fact! What are you going to do to become a healthier, happier being in 2015?

Simplify! - Simplify your cooking by using basic, real food ingredients to make nourishing, wholesome meals - don't overcomplicate food, except for now-and-then dinners and healthy treats. Simplify your grocery shopping and meal prep by having a basic meal plan each week - cooking dinner will be less stressful and you won't be as tempted to eat takeaway or junk food. Simplify your kitchen/dining area by cutting down on clutter and creating an open, light filled space - this will help your kitchen to become the heart of your home, a place to cook together and enjoy mealtimes with your family. Jo Whitton, Quirky Cooking
Focus on what you want - Know that everything we think say or feel becomes our reality. So only think about those things you DO want, rather than dwelling on what you don't. Amy Crawford, The Holistic Ingredient
Take a break - Research shows that taking a break every 45 minutes in your working day improves focus and productivity. So set your clock guys!
Amy Crawford, The Holistic Ingredient
Question your inner critic - every time it speaks –
It probably does not know what you are truly capable of.
Kemi Nekvapil
Get out of your comfort zone – When you look at all the things you are most proud of, the chances are you were not hanging out in your comfort zone. Kemi Nekvapil
Give generously – When you have more and others have less. Give. Kemi Nekvapil
Do what brings you joy - Doing more of what brings you joy will contribute greatly towards your own wellbeing, which in my world means health plus happiness. Janella Purcell, Naturopath & Nutritionist
Aim for true wellness - My aim for 2015 is to educate as many of us as I can about true wellness. There are many layers to achieving this; it’s not just about food – that’s the first step, but certainly not the whole picture. I’d like to see less of us stuck at this level. Food is the foundation for growth, on every level – the soil as it were – but we need more than soil. Janella Purcell, Naturopath & Nutritionist
Free yourself of guilt - It’s not what you do sometimes that matters, it what you do everyday. Guilt is a sure way of creating more acid in your body, and depriving yourself usually leads to bingeing. Eat the best food you can afford and that way both guilt and bingeing will be eliminated. Janella Purcell, Naturopath & Nutritionist
Breath deeply - One of my favourite things to do for myself each morning is to pause, take a few deep breaths and place my hand on my heart and ask "what do I most need from me right now?" Michelle Marie Mcgrath, lovepreneur
Food is far more than fuel - It’s medicine, so with this in mind I encourage mindful eating by listening to what our bodies are asking for. Craving chocolate pre-menstruation? It’s most likely your body is wanting magnesium to support you through your cycle. Hit the cacao! Listening to what your body needs in the most gentle way will guide you to what it requires.
Nat Kringoudis, Natural Fertility & Women's Health Specialist
Love the sun - Vitamin D is so vital for overall wellbeing, happy hormones and a thriving body. Just 15 minutes of unprotected sun every second day is all you need to fuel your body well. Nat Kringoudis, Natural Fertility & Women's Health Specialist
Eat fats and protein - Our hormones are made of fats and protein - including fats and protein at every meal will not only supply your body with the building blocks to make hormones but have you feeling satisfied and nourished. Nat Kringoudis, Natural Fertility & Women's Health Specialist
Be prepared - Every Sunday I make a quick trip to my local butcher and green grocer to grab my staples for the week. I then plan ahead for meals that I’ll need for late nights home from training and work to make sure eating well is simple, cost-effective and time-efficient. I’m a big believer in the saying “if you keep good food in your fridge, you will eat good food”! Steph Lowe, The Natural Nutritionist
Eat intuitively - What I love about natural nutrition is that simply by focusing on food quality, the quantity will take care of itself. When you listen to what your body needs, your whole relationship with food will change for the better. Remember, food is to nourish, share and enjoy and not something to count, worry about or deprive. If you are used to counting calories as a method of accountability, switch to a food diary. Eat real food and the results with follow. Steph Lowe, The Natural Nutritionist
Listen to your OWN body - Forget about rigid labels. Do what works for you, not what the celebrities are saying works for them. Every body is unique. Emma Galloway, My Darling Lemon Thyme
Plan meals ahead of time - Make a list and shop accordingly. If you're prepared you're much less likely to get caught out and resort to takeaways. Emma Galloway, My Darling Lemon Thyme
Grow something - This could be something as simple as a few pots of herbs or a full-blown organic veggie garden. Gardening is the easiest way I know to take charge of what you put into your body. Emma Galloway, My Darling Lemon Thyme
Drink more water - I know it sounds cliche, but I'm drinking more water in 2015. The catch is I'm not just saying I'll do it (like every year before this!) but taking steps to be intentional about drinking more water. It truly makes such a difference. So far so good! Stacey Roberts, The Veggie Mama
Balance your meals - Ensure your main meals have a balance of carbs, protein and fats to keep you satiated and your energy levels consistent through the day. For instance, enjoy a chicken or tempeh stir fry (protein) with loads of vegetables, brown rice (complex carbs) and cashews, pumpkin seeds and sesame oil (fats). Jessica Cox, Nutritionist
Ease up on yourself - Healthy eating should be fun, delicious and uplifting! Stressing about what you are eating is counterproductive to a healthy mind and body relationship. Jessica Cox, Nutritionist
Eat real food - When you're shopping and you pick up something in a packet, if it feels like you're in year 12 chemistry class and the ingredient list is sciencey words you can't say and loads of numbers put it back down. That's not real food and it may well outlive you. You want to be able understand the ingredients listed and know what you're fuelling yourself with.
Lola Berry, Nutritionist
Enjoy the journey - Forget the whole idea of going on a detox, just eat really good food that tastes great and nourishes the body. Lola Berry, Nutritionist
Share food with friends - Food is here for two reasons in my books; one: to nourish yourself and two: to celebrate with the people you love. Simple. Lola Berry, Nutritionist
Get out with your kids in the morning - I often have a batch of these muesli bars on hand and I'll grab a few of those and get out side within 15 minutes of waking up. The fresh air and walk is good for us all and if you have breakfast ready to go, you have no excuse not to get out quick. Stacey Deutscher, A Healthy Mum
Involve the kids in cooking - Have the kids shop with you and involve them heavily, even if it takes 3 times longer to get to the checkout. Adopt that same principal when cooking. That way they're more likely to try new things and you might just enjoy the process a whole lot more and have some great fun. Stacey Deutscher, A Healthy Mum
Don't forget to treat yourself - It's ok to have a couple of pieces of chocolate every now and again. If you don't, you'll drive yourself crazy!! Kira Arapidis - Healthy Food Blog
Wake up every morning in a good mood - Think of something that makes you happy. Smile, laugh and enjoy life. Repeat every day. Kira Arapidis - Healthy Food Blog
Move everyday - It makes you feel good about yourself and you'll feel fit and strong! Kira Arapidis - Healthy Food Blog
Practice gratitude - My ultimate tip to stay healthy and happy is to practice gratitude in all aspects of your life. Even when you're in a moment or situation that doesn't feel ideal, remember that from it you will learn and grow. There is no better gift than that. So when you feel like the universe is picking on you, remember that this is your time to become even more fulfilled than you ever thought possible. Angela Simpson, The Gratitude Project
Stock your fridge with healthy whole foods - Fill your fridge with so many healthy goodies that it's impossible to make bad choices. Be organised and have an abundance of raw superfood treats. Angela Simpson, The Gratitude Project
Let your body tell you how and when to move - If your back aches, take some time out on the matt to stretch it out. If you get a random burst of energy at home, use it... Move, dance, run around in circles. Let your body guide you. Angela Simpson, The Gratitude Project
Go plant-based - Eating a plant-based diet has been scientifically proven to greatly enhance your health and reduce the incidence of disease. It's also the easiest and most meaningful way you can improve the lives of animals and help save our environment. 1kg of animal products (such as meat, eggs and dairy) require a whopping 16kgs of grain to produce, meaning a plant-based lifestyle has a mere 1/16th of an environmental impact of a meat-eaters. Not only will you feel great physically and mentally within your own body, but you can also feel good in knowing that you're making a much wider impact for others. Buffy Ellen Gil, be good organics
Go whole - Whole foods are in their complete form, how nature intended. They are minimally processed and contain all the surrounding enzymes needed to optimise the bioavailabity of the food's nutrients, which means your body is able to absorb more of the goodness. For example vitamin C containing whole foods such as strawberries, kiwifruit, oranges, gubinge plums or camu fruit provide much more absorbable vitamin C than any synthetic or natural pill could ever do.
Buffy Ellen Gil, be good organics
Go organic - Organic food and skincare products are as close to nature as possible, made without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or artificial growth hormones. This means that they don't contain added nasties that can negatively affect your health. They're also more nutrient-dense containing higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and taste and feel better too. What's more, organic products keep chemicals out of our air, soil, waterways and eco-systems, promote biodiversity of wildlife, aren't tested on animals, and support local communities by paying a fair price for labour. Buffy Ellen Gil, be good organics
Learn to surf - You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf. Lauren Hill, professional surfer
Play - And if those aren’t literal ocean waves, don’t forget to play. Ditch the screens, throw your reservations to the wind, and find something that let’s you joyously flail and experiment and get creative. Let yourself get outside of yourself, and out of doors.
Lauren Hill, professional surfer
Find exercise that you love - Make exercise something you love by moving your body in a way you enjoy. It might be gym, yoga or running, or even a surf, rock climb or walk with the dog. Luke Hines, Personal Trainer
Train to live - Do movements and exercises that help you live a better life. Try functional training, moves that allow you to perform better in every day activities.
Luke Hines, Personal Trainer
Exercise with a buddy - You are way more likely to stick to a workout program if you partner up with a loved one or friend to achieve your goals. Luke Hines, Personal Trainer
Set goals - Speaking of goals, set some. Setting short and long term goals is vital to staying on track. Luke Hines, Personal Trainer
Being present - Already a mantra for some, being mindful in all aspects of your life is at the heart of health and happiness. In how we eat in particular, mindfulness helps us to make great food choices, encourages good digestion and absorption, and helps us to connect with our food. And who wouldn't want to connect with some Loving Earth Salted Caramel Chocolate? Ha! Meg Thompson, My Wholefood Romance
Thoughtful snacks - Including a good quality protein and healthy fats in every meal and snacks will help regulate blood sugar, and so helps to keep energy balanced, mood even, and hunger at bay. Meg Thompson, My Wholefood Romance
Take a risk! - Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone every now and then - that's where the magic happens. Meg Thompson, My Wholefood Romance
Fill your plate with good stuff - When embarking on a new health journey, don’t be intimidated by the ‘no list’ - concentrate on what you can eat and fill your plate with good stuff! The Merrymaker Sisters
Try something new - Try new foods, recipes, websites, cook books, cooking styles and make the whole process fun and enjoyable. The Merrymaker Sisters
Find what works for you - There isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to healthy living. Find what works for you and what makes you feel good! The Merrymaker Sisters
Eat a rainbow - The simplest way to keep a healthy body and mind is to colour your plate! Enjoy a variety of nourishing colourful foods at each meal, and sit down and take the time to really savour it. Larina Robinson.
Be mindful - Being mindful in our daily lives allows us to open more space for creativity, confidence and freedom. Take time to notice triggers which cause both tension and happiness. Learning from these triggers and creating awareness allows for optimal health and fulfilment. Alison Morgan, The Relauncher