You are What You Eat!

Have you ever heard the saying, “you are what you eat?” Well, if you haven’t… now you have! This saying not only applies to your overall health and nutrition, but to how your skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, your skin can benefit from the same nutrition you get from different food groups that have a positive effect on your heart health and other organs. Crazy, right?

Good nutrition is key when it comes to having a happy heart and healthy lifestyle. Instead of constantly being on the latest fad or “quick fix” diet, focus on finding a lifelong, realistic approach to healthy eating, and eat with joy, flexibility, and, most importantly, balance. Instead of cutting out pizza completely, make homemade cauliflower crust with fresh vegetables as toppings. Are you craving something extra sweet for dessert? Make a “chocolate shake” using Shakeology and add a few of your favorite sprinkles. Are you thinking of having a burger and fries for dinner? Make your burger bunless and make homemade sweet potato fries. There are so many ways to be flexible with your nutrition, YET still live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Allowing yourself the ability to figure out what works for you when it comes to maintaining your health by focusing on your nutrition will only benefit you in the long run.

Taking control of your nutrition plays a huge role in your mental health. Properly fueling your body with the nutrients needed to get you through the day allows you to be in the right headspace all day long. What we fuel our body with makes all the difference and directly impacts the function of your brain and well-being. Eating high-quality foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will nourish the brain in a positive way. Positive attitude = a happy YOU!

Your nutrition plays a huge part in what makes you, YOU! You’re worth the time and energy, so put in the work to kick your nutrition into gear! You’ll be happy you did!

xx

Love your Heart!

I can’t believe February is over, and we are also (almost) all the way through winter. I don’t know about you, but so far, the year has been flying by. I don’t want to go into Spring without channeling our attention towards one of the most IMPORTANT months of the year — February! Why is February so important you might ask?! February is American Heart Month, and we use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and the many ways you can help yourself, friends, family, and the community with fighting for their health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 lives are faced with death because of it. Heart disease has affected all of us in some way, shape or form, and it is important to know that there are things you and your family can do to help prevent heart disease and make healthy, lifelong choices!

Here are THREE very important tips to keep your healthy lifestyle in check and your heart health strong!

Tip #1 Take inventory of your kitchen

In order to take control of your health, you have to take control of what is in your kitchen. A great starting point for kick starting any health journey is decluttering (especially in the kitchen), and that begins with eliminating the junk foods lurking in your fridge and cupboards. I encourage you to filter through your kitchen and toss any empty-calorie foods. You’ll thank me later!

Tip #2 Forget all of the excuses and cook at home

There is a laundry list of reasons out there for everyone as to why it is easier to eat out — “I’m too busy,” “I don’t like to cook,” “I got to get the kids to practice,” and the list goes on. There are plenty of healthy and easy ways to cook a hearty meal at home for you and your family. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to use Pinterest (which gives you hundreds of easy recipes to use at the click of a button). Believe me, if I can find time to cook, so can you!

Tip #3 Start moving, and keep moving

Regular exercise is crucial for heart health, but there’s another habit that’s just as important, and that’s to KEEP MOVING! Making small strides to meet your goal is always beneficial. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs! Instead of driving around in the grocery store parking lot to find a front row spot, park towards the back and enjoy the fresh air. Small steps = lifelong victories!

I hope these tips are things you can incorporate into your everyday lifestyle!

Enjoy your day, and be well!

xx