Be Proactive in Your Quest for Your Best Self!

This is the first in a two-part series where I’ll share tips on how to pursue a healthier lifestyle. As an avid runner, I’ve always been passionate about pursuing a healthy lifestyle. But exercise is only part of the equation – proper nutrition plays an even bigger role in helping me to feel and look my best. When I fuel my body with the nutrients, minerals and vitamins it craves, I feel more focused and energized, and that confidence translates into all aspects of my life – both personal and professional. I can honestly say that my lifelong pursuit has been well worth the effort – on a recent visit to my physician, I received a clean bill of health! No matter what your age, it’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself. Proper nutrition is the foundation of a happy, healthy lifestyle – when you make smart food choices, your body will work more efficiently, and any medications you’re taking will have a chance to work properly. In celebration of National Nutrition Month, I encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health, one choice at a time. Rather than jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad diet, take a step back and reexamine your ultimate objective – a healthier lifestyle in which you feel more energized, optimistic and comfortable in your own skin. Get started today with these three simple steps:

This is the first in a two-part series where I’ll share tips on how to pursue a healthier lifestyle. As an avid runner, I’ve always been passionate about pursuing a healthy lifestyle. But exercise is only part of the equation – proper nutrition plays an even bigger role in helping me to feel and look my best. When I fuel my body with the nutrients, minerals and vitamins it craves, I feel more focused and energized, and that confidence translates into all aspects of my life – both personal and professional. I can honestly say that my lifelong pursuit has been well worth the effort – on a recent visit to my physician, I received a clean bill of health! No matter what your age, it’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself. Proper nutrition is the foundation of a happy, healthy lifestyle – when you make smart food choices, your body will work more efficiently, and any medications you’re taking will have a chance to work properly. In celebration of National Nutrition Month, I encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health, one choice at a time. Rather than jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad diet, take a step back and reexamine your ultimate objective – a healthier lifestyle in which you feel more energized, optimistic and comfortable in your own skin. Get started today with these three simple steps:

1. Mindset Makeover: The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle must be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint. All too often, people dive into the latest diet craze, only to get burnt out and frustrated shortly thereafter. Gradually refine your daily eating habits to achieve real and lasting change.
2. Fresh is Best: The closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is for you. Do the majority of your grocery shopping in the perimeter of store – that’s where you’ll find fresh produce, dairy and meat. Try to avoid processed or refined foods and foods that are high in sodium or sugar. Visit the Caring Hearts Nutrition webpage for the USDA’s latest dietary recommendations.
3. Plan Ahead: Plan out your meals for the week before you leave for the grocery; then, buy only what’s on your list. Avoid shopping on an empty stomach, as you’ll be more likely to make impulse purchases.

Remember, the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle is a lifelong journey, not a destination. In my next blog, I’ll share 10 tips to help keep you motivated and on track in your quest for your best self!