Healthy Eating Active Living

Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression.

Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet. Simple choices will improve nutrition and overall health. Start eating better by:

• Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables (aim for fruit and vegetables at every meal)
• Picking healthy protein sources (lean meat, fish, nuts, legumes, and/or beans)
• Eating 100% whole grains (brown rice, 100% whole-grain breads, quinoa)
• Drinking water instead of sugary drinks (i.e., soda, sports drinks)
• Choosing healthy oils (like olive oil)
• Avoiding junk food

The human body was designed for activity. When people are active every day, they have greater overall energy and find it easier to maintain weight and prevent chronic diseases. There is also an important mental health benefit. Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline. Staying active helps you concentrate better at work and helps your child focus better at school. 

Make Exercise Easy

Physical activity doesn't have to be a chore; it can be easy and you don't need a gym membership or expensive equipment. Walking is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to improve fitness, but there are plenty of other ways to be active. Here are some ideas:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Take a walk during your break or lunch
• Have walking meetings
• Park the car farther away from your destination and walk
• Bike your neighborhood, to the store or to the park
• Take a family walk after dinner
• Walk the dog
• Play a sport
• Dance

Outdoor Rx is a collaborative initiative aimed at getting people outside and improving their physical and mental wellbeing. The average American spends more than 10 hours per day interacting with screens, which disrupts outdoor cognitive health. Exposure to nature for 10-15 minutes every day can help reduce stress, promote better sleep, lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and increase happiness. Getting outside doesn't have to be intimidating. It can be as simple as going for a walk with the dog, gardening, or exploring a new trail. So pick an activity and head outside for your daily dose.