Health is important, and having a good diet is necessary, but with a million “experts” out there, it’s hard to know what to take seriously. This is why to trust scientists like Nicole Avena, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Visiting Professor of Health Psychology and Princeton University. She gave the below advice.
- Eat your fruits and veggies: It’s a cliché tip that many individuals have heard from their parents from a very young age. But it’s true. Each day you should strive to have at least a handful of both fruits and vegetables. Try finding foods that are high in antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries, and kale. In light of this year’s theme, ‘Celebrate a World of Flavors,’ go outside your comfort zone and try a new recipe or food from a different country. It might become a new favorite!
- Daily vitamin intake: In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, it’s important to cover all your bases when it comes to daily vitamins. Each person’s dietary needs will vary slightly. While most people can get enough from diet alone, others may need to take a supplement, and nowadays, there are many vitamin options for men and women of all ages. For men, try vitafusion™ Men’s multivitamin, and for women, try vitafusion™ Women’s multivitamin, both easy to take chewable gummy supplements that include the necessary vitamins and minerals to stay on track. With the weather so unpredictable this season, I also recommend having a cold shortening product on hand that contains zinc, like Zicam RapidMelts, that can help get rid of a cold quicker when taken at the first sign of symptoms. Taking vitamins is a simple yet often overlooked habit for maintaining proper health. If you need an extra reminder, set a daily alarm to ensure you get your necessary vitamin intake.
- Water is your friend: Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health. Not only does water help increase your energy levels and flush out toxins, but it also helps your body maintain regularity and improves your skin complexion. It can be easy to forget to drink water throughout the day, so keep a water bottle at your desk or area where you spend most of your time. This will serve as a constant reminder to stay hydrated.
- Spice up your life: This month, try incorporating more herbs and spices into your diet and ‘Celebrate a World of Flavors.’ Herbs and spices allow you to season food using less salt and sugar while imparting health benefits. Fresh ginger, basil, rosemary, and mint are all excellent additions to many foods and recipes widely consumed around the world. In celebration of flavor, I challenge you to try a spice you have never tried before.
