Variety is the spice of health!
Food, nature, appreciation
- Remember that small changes make a big difference
- Foods, movement, fresh air, appreciation and mindfulness (even while sitting) can set you on a positive track
- Keep track of how you feel as you make changes – do you have more energy? are you able to accomplish tasks with more ease? are you sleeping better? how is your mood and ability to concentrate?
- Have a water bottle and pack snacks (like nuts, fruit, cheese) to take along or keep handy
Spend time in nature (or even looking at photos of nature) to help improve memory, restore mental energy, decrease stress, improve concentration, encourages natural movement. . . and more!
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. Williams, Florence 2017
Appreciation and observation of the arts – helps us learn through surprise, creates a new way of seeing things to develop empathy, recognizes the contributions of others . . . and more!
Art as experience – John Dewey
Save money and gain the physical and mental rewards of preparing your meals and snacks
Every day eat the following:
Whole grain bread, cereal, rice, and/or pasta
Starchy vegetable such as potato, peas, corn, beans
Non starchy vegetable such as tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, various greens, beets . . . and more!
Fruit (limit juices) canned and frozen ok!
Yogurt – prefer plain, add your own fruit and cereal
*Lean meats – baked, roasted, grilled
*Eggs – two per week
*good sources of iron, but can replace with beans and vegetables