The Complete Vitality Health Plan to Nourish Your Body and Live Longer
We all want some sort of “vitality health plan” in our lives. We want to feel energized, happy, and healthy. Yet, with so many ways to manage your health, sometimes adopting a “healthy lifestyle” can seem overwhelming. If there’s one change you have time to make, it’s this: Shift to a whole-foods, plant-based approach to eating. This is the most impactful way to turn back the clock, relieve inflammation, and extend your health span! I call it eating Clean & Green.
Before you ask, no – adopting a vitality health plan doesn’t mean only guzzling green juices that taste like grass! By eating Clean & Green, I mean sticking to a plant-based eating guide that’s low in sugar and processed ingredients and high in cell-nourishing nutrition to keep you energized. Nearly every vitamin and mineral that your body needs can be found in your veggies and greens.
I don’t refer to it as a diet because you’ll still get to enjoy your favorite foods while discovering new and delicious flavors and textures. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about your glass of red wine and chunk of dark chocolate with dinner, if you so choose.
Go Pro-Plant
Bottom line: Healthy foods, like fresh veggies and local organically grown fruit, nourish your organs and supercharge your cells. They love you back! Taking even the smallest step towards a plant-based diet, as organic and local as possible, connects you to deep, lasting health in a way that can’t happen when you consume mostly processed food. These foods help to feed your gut all the good probiotics and fibers that it loves. This can help to reduce inflammation, ease digestive issues, and even alleviate feelings of depression. Your entire health is linked to the health of your gut. You can’t develop a vitality health plan without starting here!
Reclaim Your Kitchen
Nearly 1/3rd of Americans say they cook just four out of 21 possible meals a week. As bodies on the move, it’s totally understandable. Yet, there’s a good reason to revisit and reclaim your kitchen. Not only will you save money by eating in, but a study by Johns Hopkins found that you’ll also save calories AND eat less when you do dine out! To start, plan on three simple plant-based mains and sides to cook the following week, like roasted squash, cauliflower steaks, or even salmon over swiss chard. If you have picky eaters at home, try to make “meatless Mondays” an event to look forward to!
Give Added Sugars the Axe
In recent years, Americans have finally said how sweet is TOO sweet. The last time we checked, the average American allegedly sucks up anywhere from 17 teaspoons (71.14 grams) every day. That’s 57 pounds in a year! Meanwhile, the American Heart Association advises no more than 6 teaspoons daily. Swap out soda for sparkling water or enhance foods with naturally sweet spices, like cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla extract. Still, feeling tempted? Repurpose your sugar bowl by emptying it out and packing it with tea bags, dog treats, or hair ties!
Think you can make the change, but need some Clean & Green inspiration? Check out my book, “Younger in 8 Weeks”, which is filled with over 70 recipes for wholesome dishes and desserts! It will be your guide to developing a personalized and powerful vitality health plan. Complete with prep tips and food shopping guides, it helps make the healthy choice an easy one.
Continue checking in here on our Women’s Health Conversations blog for even more inspiration on staying active at any age, reasons to go sober, the season’s healthiest superfoods, and more! What’s your secret to maintaining a vitality health plan to make you feel more energized and empowered? Share them with other smart savvy women all across the country by following Women’s Health Conversations on Instagram or Facebook!