Updates from Maria Custode

How to Create Habits That Stick

How to Create Habits That Stick

I have found that most of us do not like change.  We like everything to stay the same.  Unfortunately, for some of us, things need to change in order for us to be healthier.  We need to change our eating habits, exercise more and sometimes end addictive behaviors.   It seems like an insurmountable task.   But if you pace yourself and program behaviors as new habits you can take out the struggle.


With a small amount of initial discipline, you can create a new habit that requires little effort to maintain. Here are some tips for creating new habits and making them stick:


1. Commit to One Month – Three to four weeks is all the time you need to make a habit stick. If you can make it through the initial conditioning phase, it becomes much easier to sustain. A month is a good block of time to commit to a change since it easily fits in your calendar.


2. Do it Daily – Consistency is critical if you want to make a habit stick. If you want to start eating healthy, start with small daily adjustments.  Add more fruits and veggies, give up that energy drink and replace it with a healthier option.  Be sure to make an adjustment everyday, if you skip days, it will be more difficult for it to become a habit.


3. Start Slowly – Don’t try to completely change your life in one day. It is easy to get over-motivated and take on too much. If you wanted to get more exercise, start off with a daily 20 minute walk , not a full on kick-boxing class!


4. Set Reminders – Around two weeks into your commitment it can be easy to forget. Place reminders to execute your habit each day or you might miss a few days. If you miss time it defeats the purpose of setting a habit to begin with.


6. Get a Buddy – Find someone who will go along with you and keep you motivated if you feel like quitting.


7. Forgive Yourself – Don’t expect all your attempts to change habits to be successful immediately.  If you forget or “slip up” just get right back to it the next day.


8. Reduce Temptation – Remove junk food from your house, throw out the cigarettes so you won’t need to struggle with willpower later.


9. Write it Down – Writing makes your ideas more clear and focuses you on your end result. 


10.  Do it For Yourself – Don’t do it to please someone else.  If you don’t do it for yourself, it will not become a habit.  You have to believe there is value in it for you! 


If you love this info, you’ll LOVE my guide 3 Easy Preventative Measures to Stay Healthy!


Be sure to Like and Follow my FaceBook Page and Join my Group No Nonsense Wellness.


Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Is your laundry Killing you??

Is your laundry Killing you??

Laundry may be piling up, but don’t let harmful chemicals pile up too! Several common laundry products are known to contain harsh chemicals that can wreak havoc on your body and affect indoor air quality. One study found that many household products contained endocrine disrupting compounds. Of the items examined, fragranced products contained the highest concentrations. Another study found several VOCS (volatile organic compounds) coming out of dryer vents. Dryer sheets are one of the common items from these findings that are used regularly in homes.


A standard dryer sheet is generally made up of polyester fibers that are coated with a fabric softening agent and more often than not, fragrance chemicals. The ingredient “fragrance” alone can include up to hundreds of unlisted chemicals. During the drying process, dryer sheets can leave a residue on your clothes, which can then be passed on to your skin. 

 

Give your home and clothes proper, natural care with wool dryer balls! Wool dryer balls are a great alternative, with many benefits.


3 Reasons to use Wool Dryer Balls:


1. Save money! The average family does anywhere between 5 and 10 loads of laundry a week. Instead of using a dryer sheet with each load, reuse your dryer balls, hundreds of loads later.

2. They’re eco-friendly! 

3. Freshen your laundry, the natural way! Ditch synthetic fragrances by infusing wool dryer balls with your favorite essential oils. I love Lavender, Citrus Fresh, and Tea Tree to name a few.


If you love this info, you’ll LOVE my guide 3 Easy Preventative Measures to Stay Healthy!


Be sure to Like and Follow my FaceBook Page and Join my Group No Nonsense Wellness.





Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Cleaning Products and Your Wellness

Cleaning Products and Your Wellness

I’m gong to start by asking you a few questions.  Do you know what products in your home are the most toxic?  How many of them do you use on a daily basis?  What are the risks associated with using them?


Many of you have not ever even given it a thought.  We just go about our day using all the products that our moms and our grandmas used because it’s what we know works to kill germs and clean our homes.  


Over the past several years, I have dedicated my time to research regarding all this and let me tell you…it’s eye opening!  


To answer the first question, some of the most toxic are: Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets!  They emit toxins while in your washing machine and dryers, they put those toxins onto your skin when you wear the clothes or breathe in the “Fresh” scent all day, then they are in your closet…releasing the toxins into the air for you to breathe in again!  FYI…Candles and plug-in air fresheners come in a close second.* Did you know that burning a candle for 2 hours is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes? **


There are many risks associated with using these products.  When our bodies are chemically overloaded we may feel it as lethargy, inability to focus, sleep trouble, chronic inflammation, unexplained pain, fibromyalgia, skin issues, adult acne, hormones, hot flashes , stress, anxiety and fear.  If you experience any of this, its  time you take a look at what’s in your home.  


If you love this info, you’ll LOVE my guide 3 Easy Preventative Measures to Stay Healthy!




* Government Study: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top Ten Killer Household Chemicals 
** Dr. Andrew Sled - Environmental Toxicologist



Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
 
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Meet Maria Custode

 


As a woman who has juggled the fast-paced world of retail for three decades, I know all too well what it means to miss out on family milestones and personal time. Each missed recital and family dinner underscored a lesson I've come to hold dear: the irreplaceable value of time and the paramount importance of health and wellness as we move through life's chapters.

With this wisdom, I've turned a new leaf. My mission is now to guide and support my fellow women over 40 in their pursuit of a balanced lifestyle that cherishes well-being. Whether you're a dedicated professional, a loving mother, or both, I want to help you seize those fleeting moments of joy and ensure that your health is the foundation upon which you build a fulfilling life.

This isn't just my profession, it's my passion. Join me as we empower one another to make wellness a priority and fully embrace the beauty of every precious moment. Together, let's make this journey an extraordinary one.

P.S. Ask me about the juice that has TOTALLY changed me and my family’s lives! We’re talking detox and weight loss, boom.  Easy, peasy.


Ready to learn more? 



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