5 Resolutions for a Healthful Year

It’s not too late to jump-start your New Year resolutions. Saint Pierre’s Chef-Owner Emmanuel Stroobant shares his go-to well-being tips.

1. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

To me, mindfulness means being fully present in the moment. There are many ways to practise mindfulness. One of my personal favourites is meditation. This is something that I do by myself, as well as with my team. It allows the mind to refocus on the present moment and encourages an awareness of one’s thoughts, bodily sensations, feelings and environment.

If the idea of meditation isn’t for you, try focusing on your breathing for a short while – just sit and be. You can do this with your eyes open or closed, whatever feels better for you.

Another option is to really take your time to experience things. Pay attention to what you’re thinking, feeling, seeing, smelling, tasting and hearing. Take eating as an example. First, spend some time observing what you’re about to eat. Then, take a long deep breath and smell it. Finally, taste it. An alternative is to watch a sunrise or sunset. All you need to do is set aside a few minutes of your time and enjoy the view.

2. MOVE YOUR BODY

I can’t emphasise this one enough. Do something active, in any shape or form that you enjoy. Your body will thank you for it. Take a walk or go for a run. Bonus points if it’s outdoors. Engage in a session of yoga. Even something like stretching helps.

3. DO A DIGITAL DETOX

This is one of the hardest things to do on my list. If being without your electronic devices for a few hours or half a day seems daunting, try to abstain from using your mobile phone when you’re having a meal. It’s a great mental break in my book and helps you to reconnect with yourself or your dining companion.

4. EAT WELL

This means different things and works differently for everyone. It’s a matter of finding something sustainable that works for you and your lifestyle.

In my case, it was becoming a vegetarian. I was surprised by how quickly I felt a difference in just a week. I had so much more energy. The hardest thing for me is when I smell bacon cooking, it’s very hard to resist. For others, this could mean being a flexitarian, adopting one meatless/vegetarian meal a day or week, or reducing your sugar intake.

Another thing I’ve been doing is intermittent fasting. I didn’t know much about it till a few years ago. Turns out that because of my lifestyle, the 16-8 window (fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window) naturally works well for my lifestyle

5. BE GRATEFUL

Mastering this can be a challenge. I say, start small. Find things in your life to be grateful for. Even if it’s taking a few seconds to make a mental note of something or someone that you’re grateful for.

Better yet, make a gratitude list (this can be as long or as short as you like). You can also express your thanks to the person you’re feeling grateful for.

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At Two Michelin-starred French restaurant Saint Pierre, Chef-Owner Emmanuel Stroobant’s thoughtful approach to mindful living is reflected in every dish, from vegetarian fine dining options to indulgent French cuisine classics. Nestled along Fullerton bay with a breathtaking view of Marina Bay Sands, the restaurant is ideal for special occasions or a refined French lunch with colleagues in Singapore.
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