Healthy Tips
for an Active Lifestyle

HEALTHY TIPS FOR PROMOTING, RESTORING, AND ENHANCING YOUR HEALTHY LIFE

Who says the beginning of the year is the best time to make positive change in your life? Today is the most important day to start living a healthier and happier life by practicing simple habits that create a more balanced lifestyle. I’ve listed a few helpful tips to start you on a path to health any time of the year. Try adding at least one healthy idea to your week. Since you know yourself best, pick the one that appeals to you most and give it a try. Once you have that one down, add on another as you like or as your lifestyle allows. You might just find that in no time you already have a totally new you!

BE ACTIVE

Now is a great time to discover a new activity or hobby such as a painting class, yoga, dance class, music lessons, or a well-deserved family weekend someplace new. Finding creative activities to add to your life will improve your attitude, brighten shorter days and positively affect those around you. It doesn’t really matter what you do, just get up and get moving!

HYDRATE

Our bodies are made of mostly water and that makes hydrating important every day of the year. Just because fall and winter days are shorter and cooler doesn’t mean we should consume less liquids or be less dedicated to supporting our immune systems than we are in the spring and summer months. PRE provides both functionality AND delicious hydration. Hydrating helps with digestion, brain function, and myriad body functions that keep us healthy and active. Each day we should consume approximately 2 liters of water or non-caffeinated fluids to replace the fluids used to keep our bodies functioning. PRE hydrates the body and provides the carbohydrates needed for energy during exercise. As an easy addition to make water delicious AND functional, PRE Probiotic Drink Mixes also introduce friendly bacteria, called probiotics, along with prebiotics to support a healthy immune system.

ENJOY SOME SUNSHINE

There is no better way to get your Vitamin D than by nature’s warm sunshine.10-20 minutes of direct sun light on bare skin, every day, provides our daily intake requirement. Naturally darker skin requires longer exposure to increase Vitamin D synthesis, whereas lighter skin requires less sun exposure to activate Vitamin D production. If sun exposure is irregular, supplement with at least 500iu (international units) of Vitamin D per day. Sunshine is important for your health, but be sure to protect your face and decollate.

SLEEP

Regular, healthy amounts of sleep are crucial to a Lifestyle of Wellness. Sleep helps restore brain function, increases concentration and retention, heals the body and sets natural rhythms that keep us energized, positive and highly functional. Try to go to bed at about the same time every night and get at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Upon waking, try to avoid hitting “snooze” but rather get up immediately thereby setting your body clock for a day filled with energy and productivity. Studies show that sleeping in a completely dark room makes a huge difference in getting a good, restful sleep. It is also important to prepare your mind to go to sleep, so about an hour before you go to bed, dim the lights, and relax.

APPLY SUNSCREEN

A short burst of sun is great for natural Vitamin D production, but sun exposure of more than 1 hour requires at least SPF 30. UVB and UVA spectrums are invisible to the eye and are known to cause the most damage to skin. Summer days give us the longest exposure to the sun, but even during milder weather and the shorter days of fall, sun protection is equally as important. Apply liberally and often when exposed for long periods to avoid burning, and premature aging. When looking for sun protection opt for mineral sun protection rather than chemical.

CHOOSE WISELY

When the weather is dark and gloomy we tend to spend more time inside, sitting, and eating. Salty and sugary snacks are a popular choice when we feel dreary and they have the unsavory side effect of extra body weight. In addition diets heavy in sugar consumption can create a blood sugar imbalance that can lead to many ailments, including diabetes. This is a special concern among the Hispanic community where diabetes occurs nearly 3 times more often than non-Hispanic communities; and 60% of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. Choose healthy snacks that fill you up and keep sugar and calories under control. Instead of cookies or ice cream, opt for whole grain crackers with a fresh mozzarella, cottage cheese, or hummus dip with cut veggies. When your sweet tooth comes knocking, choose instead a scoop of plain yogurt with honey and frozen blueberries, or a whole grain, organic health bar, trail mix, or raw almonds. These treats are rich in whole-food nutrients, antioxidants, and many other beneficial vitamins that will keep you satisfied, stabilize blood sugar and keep you energized.

ADD OMEGAS

A balance of omega 3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids are crucial to assisting heart, brain, joints, eyes, hormones, and reducing excess inflammation in the body’s tissues. This has proven critical in fighting disease and boosting brain function and act as a key component in your overall health. Many people do not get nearly enough omega 3s, so adding fish or flax seed to the menu can be really beneficial. These healthy fats are not only good for adults but are highly beneficial to growing children as well. Always check on the source before purchasing any oil to be sure it’s pure and free of metals.

EAT ORGANIC

Add more organic vegetables and fruits and/or meats into your meal plan. Grocery chains are now more commonly stocked with organic produce – be sure to look for the Quality Assurance International (QAI) Organic Certification or the USDA Organic Certification. Of course, your local farmer’s market is the best way to support local farmers in your area and eat fresher, healthier foods year round. It’s the closest thing to bringing a backyard garden to your table! There have been numerous studies that show that organic foods contain significantly higher amounts of nutrients.

CONSUME PROBIOTICS

Incorporate lots of “living” microorganisms (probiotics) into your diet. In addition to PRE, fermented milk, soy foods (tempeh and miso), yogurt, keifer, and sauerkraut are also rich in beneficial bacteria. As an easy (and tasty) way to add pre- and probiotics to your diet, drink PRE Beverages regularly. Optimal amounts of probiotics, supported with prebiotics, give your digestive tract more life and energy, supporting improved regularity, better brain function and a happier outlook on life.

WORK YOUR BODY - AND YOUR MIND

Studies have shown that when you “workout your mind,” technically making your brain stronger, you are able to increase your memory and keep your mind active.

PACE YOURSELF

Start your day fresh (and energized) with a healthy breakfast and eat small, nutritious meals and a snack or two throughout the day to keep your metabolism going. Ensure you eat lots of healthy veggies and fruits as well as proteins and grains. Stress can sometimes make you feel as though you aren’t hungry, but it’s really important to you keep yourself nourished, but stop eating when you’re full (not stuffed). Eat slowly enough to know when you’re feeling full.
It takes courage to start something new. Incorporating all of these tips at once is not necessarily the best strategy for long term progress. Start with two changes and see how you do. If you get discouraged, slow down and give yourself a reason to try again. With consistency, a little fun, and a positive stick-to-it attitude, you can help yourself feel and look healthier!
Remember, I’m here if you have any questions along the way and the PRE team is passionate about your success!