Written by Niki Loe - Naturopath for The Beauty Chef NZ

As we step into the New Year, there’s an unmistakable taste of possibility in the air—a chance to reset, recharge, and redefine how we care for ourselves. But let’s be honest: the holidays can leave us feeling a little frazzled, a touch bloated, and maybe even in need of a nap (or three). So, how do we shift from post-holiday overwhelm to radiant energy and glowing health for a happy, productive year?

What if this year, we ditched the whole New Year, New Me, and replaced it New Year, LOVING Me?

Let’s start there.

Now, let’s set in place 8 simple strategies that are sustainable all year long.

Studies show that 43% of people give up on their New Year’s resolution within the first month of the year. Let’s break the statistic and turn our goals into celebrations, not failures.  

This your invitation to dance into 2025 with more peace and purpose, cultivating wellness habits that nurture both body and spirit.

Here are 8 of my favourite love bites to help you glow brightly into the year ahead:

1. Begin With Gratitude

Gratitude is the anchor that grounds us amidst chaos and change. Take a moment each morning to reflect on three things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the morning sunlight streaming through your window, onto your face, or that first sip of coffee that seems to hit your soul. Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on abundance and joy, setting the tone for the day ahead.

A 2008 study showed that humans experiencing gratitude were affecting their brain in real time, positively influencing the parts of your brain that directly influence deep sleep, healthy eating, our experience of stress, and our dopamine status - the chemical that is responsible for the creation of new learning pathways. Getting super grateful sounds like a hot move to me!

Glow Tip: Turn your gratitude practice into a ritual. Write your list in a beautiful journal or say it out loud during your glowing, morning skincare routine (The Beauty Chef’s Glow F.A.C.E oil is my summer favourite for hydration and sparkle!).

2. Simplify and Nourish

When it comes to nutrition, simplicity is key. Think of your plate as a canvas for nourishment. Fill it with vibrant, whole foods that fuel your body and bring you joy. Instead of obsessing over what to eliminate, focus on what you can ADD. Whether it’s a gut-loving smoothie or a colourful rainbow salad, choose foods that make you feel good from the inside out.

The world’s largest study ever conducted on human gut health concluded that for optimal gut microbiome health, we should try to eat 30+ different species of plants each week. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and herbs. The Beauty Chef makes this easy to do - Glow contains 18 superfood plant ingredients, and Body Wellness contains over 50 different plant foods!

Glow Tip: Supercharge your mornings with a smoothie made with The Beauty Chef’s Gut Primer, Glow, and/ or Body Wellness to feel sparkly again after an indulgent holiday. You deserve a refreshing and radiant start to every day!

3. Move your body for better gut health

Regular movement has been shown to enhance the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is an important marker for a healthy gut. This increase in diversity boosts the production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), which play a critical role in maintaining gut integrity and reducing inflammation in the body. SCFAs also help regulate immune responses and support metabolic health.

I love how Dr. Amy Shah highlights how SCFAs act like "magic fairy dust" by calming inflammation in the body and brain. This anti-inflammatory effect not only protects against chronic diseases but also supports mental clarity and emotional balance.

Remember, Movement is a celebration of your body, not a punishment for your well-deserved holiday. Find joy in moving your body in ways that feel good for you—a gentle stretch, a beach walk, or even a dance party in your living room. Regular movement not only energizes your body but also calms your mind, helping you feel centred and ready to take on the day.

Glow Tip: Create a playlist of your favourite feel-good songs and let them turn up the joy on your movement rituals—bonus points if you’re dancing barefoot in nature! TRIPLE points if you refuel your muscles after a workout with The Beauty Chef’s Body Protein +. 

4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Dehydration can sneak up on us, leaving us feeling sluggish and out of sorts. Make hydration a non-negotiable part of your day. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sexy it up with fresh fruit, herbs, or a splash of The Beauty Chef’s Hydration Inner Beauty Boost for an added probiotic kick.

Glow Tip: Start and end your day with a hydrating ritual - a big glass of water (or 2) structured with your favourite Beauty Chef Boost. Think of it as a toast to your body and all it does for you. AND do your body a favour and buy a water bottle with a handle, making it easy to carry it with you everywhere you go!

5. Prioritise Rest and Rituals

Sleep is the ultimate act of self-love. As life picks up pace, protect your peace and prioritise your rest like the precious gift it is. This year my 3 “wellness words” are 1- strength, 2- energy, and 3 - REST!!!

Rest is perhaps the hardest one of all. We are so good at the doing, but often struggle with the “being”. Remember: We are human beings, not human doings!! We have to practice more.

Despite how busy life may seem sometimes - ok, most of the time, we can’t outsmart being human. Wind down with rituals that signal to your body it’s time to relax—a magnesium-rich snack (dark chocolate - just sayin’), a calming tea, or a moment of mindfulness can work wonders.

Glow Tip: Set aside your phone an hour before bed and play some gentle, soothing music while journaling about the best moment of your day.

6. Love Your Gut

Your gut is the gateway to glowing health. After a season of indulgence, show it some extra love. Incorporate fermented foods like kimchi or coconut yogurt into your meals, or reach for The Beauty Chef’s Gut Primer to help restore balance.

Glow Tip: Blend The Beauty Chef’s Gut Primer into a nourishing smoothie for a quick and delicious reset. Your body will be so grateful!

7. Celebrate Small Wins and Keep Investing in Your Health!

The New Year isn’t about radical life changes—it’s about small, sustainable shifts that build momentum. Every time you choose nourishment, joy, or rest, you’re honouring your health. Celebrate those moments and let them supercharge your motivation, and your body love adventures.

Glow Tip: At the end of each week, celebrate and write down one thing you did to care for yourself and how it made you feel. It’s a beautiful way to stay connected to your progress. Treat yourself to a dreamy yoga class or book the retreat this year that might just change your life - you and your beautiful body are worth it!

8. Love the Skin You’re In.

You deserve to live a joyous life in a body that you love. Feed your gut microbiome for glowing skin that starts from within, and nurture your skin microbiome with deliciously natural skin care goodies that help you to feel confident and radiant, all the days of your life!

Glow Tip: We love The Beauty Chef’s Probiotic Skin Refiner, Glow F.A.C.E oil and Flora Fix Balm for the dreamiest selection of natural skin care ingredients. 

Let’s make 2025 about progress over perfection; gratitude over guilt; and joy over pressure. As you step into this new year, know that everything you need to glow—mind, body, and spirit - you carry inside of you already.

Sip, Sparkle, Glow!

Cheers to a year of health, happiness, and radiant self-love, you gorgeous creature!

Love always,

Niki Lo(v)e xx

 

Registered Naturopath & Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist | Registered Personal Trainer & Myofascial Movement Specialist | Wellness Educator | Creator of Glow classes & Glow School

Nikiloe.com