Spring challenge
Spring is the perfect time to revisit wellness goals and refocus on personal well-being.
The spring season breathes life, energy, and motivation and also serves as a time of possibility. This Spring, challenge yourself by focusing on the key components below and embark on a journey towards a healthier and happier you!
Nutrition
It’s easy to feel bombarded by the latest healthy eating trend or fad diet but good nutrition is really about consistently choosing healthy foods and beverages. With healthy eating patterns, it’s possible to enjoy food and beverages that reflect your preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations. Have questions? Browse common nutrition questions answered by Registered Dietitians. Click here
Eating for better energy
Many people look forward to what they are going to eat that day but rarely does one look back and reflect on how the foods we eat make us feel. Challenge yourself to track your energy after you eat. Jot down any sensations you're experiencing: are you satisfied, tired, peckish? Then rate your energy level from one to five. Also ask yourself: Was there a lot of sugar? Did I eat any protein? One day of tracking should give you some insight into how different foods affect your energy.
Brain health
Lifestyle has a profound impact on your brain health. What you eat and drink, how much you exercise and how well you sleep are all critically important to your brain health. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Exercise improves blood flow and memory; it stimulates chemical changes in the brain that enhance learning, mood and thinking.
Eat smart, think better
As you grow older, your brain is exposed to more harmful stress due to lifestyle and environmental factors, resulting in a process called oxidation. Food rich in antioxidants can help fend off the harmful effects of oxidation in your brain. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are packed with antioxidants. Spinach, kale, broccoli and other leafy green vegetables are also rich in many brain-loving nutrients.
Rest well
Studies demonstrate that sleep is incredibly complex and has effects on virtually all systems of the body. Multiple parts of the brain are involved in the processes of producing hormones and chemicals that regulate sleep and wakefulness. Sleep also energizes you, improves your mood and your immune system, and may reduce buildup in the brain of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid plaque, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. When it comes to improving sleep, it can be hard to know where to start. Start small with these habits. Click here
Ready to make some changes?
This is the best time to get a fresh start by creating healthy habits that will last throughout the year. Take charge of your health by trying these simple tips for a healthier spring.
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