Be a Healthier You

52 Ways To a Healthy You

Colored fruits or vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which are chemicals that can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of compounds called free radicals. Berries, for instance, contain compounds known as polyphenols and anthocyanins. People who eat more of these fruits and vegetables have a documented lower risk of cancer, heart disease and some neurological diseases.

The Color Code: A revolutionary Eating plan for Optimum Health

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Be a Healthier You: Make a Change for the Better

Setting and keeping personal goals can actually affect our levels of happiness. The only difference between those of us who achieve our goals and those who don't is the way we live each day. With all the pressures and stressors we face, it’s important to arm ourselves with the necessary tools to make healthy changes and achieve our goals, but change can be uncomfortable and challenging for many - even if it’s for the better.

"Positive change is often necessary to live a long, healthy and happy life," states Laura Lewis, nutritionist and author of the book "52 Ways to a Healthy You." "Changes can improve your health, help you live longer, look younger, feel better, boost your energy, get leaner and most importantly, be happier than you have in years."

Based on her new book, Lewis offers readers 52 tips to get on track and live a happier, healthier life. Here are five of her favourites:

Do It Right With D

Most people know that vitamin D plays an important role in the development of strong bones, but recent studies now show vitamin D can also help promote other areas of health such as muscle and joint protection, support for colon and prostate health, autoimmune protection, heart health, mood health, immune system strength, breast health and more. In her book, Lewis suggests a great way to incorporate vitamin D into your life is through a daily multivitamin, like Nature Made Multis with 1000 IU of vitamin D, the level many experts recommend for optimal health.

Create a Little Resistance

One of the easiest ways to keep our metabolism revved is to improve heart and lung health and keep bones strong through resistance exercise. Resistance exercise, or weight training, can increase energy levels and simultaneously increase lean muscle mass. Great examples of resistance exercise include incorporating elastic resistance bands or free weights into workouts two to three times weekly.

Make Yourself Feel Good

Get yourself in that space of just plain feeling great. You could have all the tools before you, but if you don’t feel good about yourself, about life in general, you won’t be motivated to change. Watch funny videos, feed the ducks, or get rid of negative people and negative thoughts. Lewis says, "True change happens from the inside out from the heart, then the mind and the result is a longer and happier life."

Get Those ZZZ’s

Short-lived bouts of insomnia are usually nothing to worry about, but chronic sleep loss can contribute to health problems. Not getting enough sleep can affect metabolism, mood, cardiovascular health and the body’s ability to learn and retain information. Bottom line sleep is crucial. Trouble sleeping? Try avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bedtime and if you don’t fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes after lying down, get up and do something relaxing.

Be Balanced

If your goal is optimal health and longevity, it’s best to take things gradually. By balancing the addition of each new lifestyle habit, you can increase the chances of long-term life changes, and feel less overwhelmed in the process. As you take on each new change, focus on how great you look and feel as a result, not only a few weeks from now, but also years down the line.

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