7 Healthy Things You Can Do Before You've Even Had Breakfast

Vitamin G, Glamour Magazine

by Lexi Petronis

Courtesy How You Glow
Courtesy How You Glow

I am fully the kind of person who tries to sleep up to the very second her alarm clock goes off, but the truth is--you can actually get a lot of healthy things done if you wake up a little earlier. Even just 10 minutes!

The ladies from How You Glow--Jessie Groveman is a yoga instructor, Tara Sowlaty is a natural foods chef and holistic nutritionist--came up with this list of healthy things you can do before eating breakfast tomorrow (or any day!).


Yoga stretches: You don't even have to get out of bed! First, draw your right knee into your chest, and breathe deeply. Put your knee down and switch to your left knee; repeat deep breathing. This helps massage your colon (yes, I know, "colon massage" sound like a weird thing to do, but the move can help with digestion for the coming day). Next, hit the floor (or stay on your mattress) for a downward facing dog, with heels up the wall. Finally, try a sun salutation: circle your arms wide up toward then sky, bring hands together at your heart, fold forward over your legs, and let your neck and head release towards the floor. Lengthen your spine while pressing hands into your shins, and fold forward again. Repeat, circling your arms wide as you come up, and then pause as you bring palms together at your heart. Close your eyes and set an intention for your day.

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Smoothie bowl: Yes, a bowl of smoothie! How You Glow has this recipe to try:
* Stir chia seeds into a cup of either almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut water and pour into blender.
* Add a chopped frozen banana, a handful of frozen pineapple and mango, a handful of spinach or kale, and a pitted date or two for sweetness.
* Blend until thick and smooth, adding more liquid if needed, then pour blended ingredients into a bowl.
* Top with your favorite seeds, nuts, dried or fresh fruits, then add a sprinkle of granola and drizzle a little honey on top.

Warm water and lemon: Squeeze half of one lemon into some warm water first thing in the morning before eating. It's hydrating--sleep can pull water from your body--and gives you an infusion of vitamin C.

Tap your noggin: Jessie and Tara say this can help wake up your brain! Use your nails to lightly, gently tap both sides of your head at the same time.

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Think of your day: Take a minute to write down what you want to achieve in your day. What goal do you want to reach? What sorts of feelings do you hope to have? Writing down a very simple sentence about it can help lead your day in the right direction.

Walk around the block: Even doing one simple lap--at a quick pace--can give you a chance to focus, wake up, and get your blood moving.

Breathe in some scents: Place a few drops of an essential oil--lavender, rosemary, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, frankincense--on your hand and rub your palms together two or three times. Tent your palms over your nose and breathe in a few times. Sit down, let your palms rest on your legs, and simply relax and breathe for 1 to 5 minutes.

Admittedly, my mornings are hectic and ridiculous (I'm working on it!)-are yours? Would you try any of these tips?

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