Currently viewing the tag: "Healthier Life"

the health jeanne

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jEanne Angleberger,   

Shaklee Associate for a Healthier Life

Do you find yourself eating differently around your family and your friends? Our food choices can be influenced by the company we share at the table. Studies have shown that we tend to eat more when we are with friends and family than when we eat alone. In addition, the quantity of food we eat usually increases as the number of people eating with us grows.

People in our social networks can influence what food we eat, both healthy and unhealthy.

Socially, we may be encouraged to eat what everyone is eating, even if regularly we might now choose to eat that category of food. This can occur more often than not when a group is having a meal together at a restaurant.

Furthermore, whether right or wrong, people eating “healthy” foods tend to be more positive than those who don’t and tend to feel better overall. So, can my healthy eating influence others to begin making better food choices? The answer is yes. Have healthy food choices at your house and when friends or family come over, offer them to your guests. Put out nutritious items to snack on, like low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Personally, I believe people want to be healthy. Being a positive influence on others provides an incentive. Therefore, it creates a desire to consider making healthy food choices.

The company we keep at the table can influence our food choices. Eating healthy is the best choice for us and can benefit us, both physically and mentally!

the health jeanne

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jEanne Angleberger, Shaklee Associate for a Healthier Life

Zucchini is a summer favorite — nutritious, and plentiful. It is also incredibly versatile: fried, grilled, stuffed, and tossed into any and every kind of dish. If you like Old Bay Seasoning, try making mock crab cakes using zucchini!

Zucchini is easy to grow and will produce enough for the neighborhood! The skins are dark and shiny. The average length of zucchini is approximately six to eight inches. They store well, whole and unwashed, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Sauté zucchini with onions and peppers. Add your favorite spices and seasonings. You can also steam zucchini and serve it with garden-fresh (or dried) basil, chives, or thyme. Some may prefer adding raw grated zucchini onto salads.

My kids’ favorite is frying slices of zucchini. Cut the zucchini into half-inch slices. Dredge slices in a beaten egg. Next, press the slices into cracker crumbs, coating on both sides. Put them into a pan and fry until the crust browns and the zucchini is tender.

Zucchini is low in calories, fat, and sugar, and is rich in multiple antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin. It also contains several important nutrients: folate, vitamin B6 and B2, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. One cup of raw, chopped zucchini is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and has only 20 calories. Zucchini may also help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Also, regular consumption of zucchini may help you lose weight; it is rich in water and has a low calorie density, which may help you feel full.

So, enjoy zucchini while it’s in season. Try your hand at planting it in your garden. It’s plentiful, and it’s also a great plant for beginners because it’s easy to grow.

 Add zucchini to your dinner menu and make it a summer favorite.

the health jeanne

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jEanne Angleberger,

Shaklee Associate for a Healthier Life Make America Healthy Again is a book defining why Americans have become unhealthy. Dr. Nicole Saphier does an excellent job researching and stating the reasons why we lack healthiness.

She continues to tell us we need to take better care of ourselves by adopting preventative measures. If we get healthier, we can improve overall care.

It boils down to personal responsibility. What can I do to prevent illnesses? Become your own self-advocate. Learn what it takes to become healthy.

Take a glance at your diet. Does it contain vegetables and fruits? We hear over and over the importance of eating plenty of colorful veggies and fruits. Eighty percent of Americans don’t eat according to the CDC’s recommended diet. Instead, we eat too many calories and too many processed foods.

Get moving. Make exercise a priority; find something you like to do: walking, jogging, hiking, aerobics, yoga—just get yourself moving. The health benefits you will gain will more than outweigh the sometimes daunting task of motivating yourself to get an exercise routine in place. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 80 percent of adults don’t meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, and more than 80 percent of adolescents don’t do enough physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth.

Focus on eating fewer calories and fewer processed foods. Be sure to work on keeping your weight down.

Being unhealthy costs our nation billions every year!

We must consider ways to become healthy. And, we must take action now!

the health jeanne

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by Jeanne Angleberger, Shaklee Associate for a Healthier Life

Boost Your Health This Summer

Summer is here, and it’s time to have some summer fun and create memories! So, let’s think about some tips that can help boost your health this summer.

Eating a nutritious diet is important. Load up on berries. Blueberries and blackberries are especially rich in antioxidants and fiber. Freshly-picked veggies contain the highest nutrients. Pick the colorful ones.

Create bonding time. Studies have shown that walking in the woods can improve blood pressure, boost mental health, and decrease cancer risk. So, go spend some time “forest-bathing” to improve your health. Enjoy outside activities with the family this summer. These memories will last a lifetime.

Be good to your eyes. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Lens should be amber or brown.

Remember to apply sunscreen before planning your outdoor activities. Consult with a dermatologist for a recommendation.

Be sure to brush and floss your teeth every day. Your teeth need to be healthy for chewing the delicious fruit and vegetables.

Stay hydrated. Water is the best beverage for hydration. To maintain proper hydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Be sure to get enough sleep. Our body needs rest to restore and replenish for the next day. Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Getting between seven and nine hours of sleep each night will make your heart healthier and your overall health better.

A few healthy reminders can go a long way. Be mindful. Treat your body well every day. It just may create a memorable and healthy summer for you and your family!