5 Steps to Healthier Living in 2022

By Khala Hurd December 31, 2020

Nutrition

5 Steps to Healthier Living in 2022

Happy New Year! If you’re thinking about resolutions or want to become more focused on your health and immunity this year, we have some tips for you...

By Khala Hurd December 31, 2020

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite of information or want to drop some knowledge on your dinnertime companions, here’s our Featured 5 of the Week! 

If you’re thinking about resolutions or want to become more focused on your health and immunity this year, we have some tips for you…

5. Cut Back on Sugar

This is a great first step to improving your overall health.

Sugar is something we talk about a lot here on D2D, and that’s because too much can wreak havoc on our bodies. It weakens our immune system, increases insulin, increases blood pressure, and can lead to diet-related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. The first step in reducing your sugar intake is to find how much sugar is in your favorite foods. Many companies sneak sugar into seemingly healthy foods like granola and protein bars. Be sure to read the labels! Sneaky sugar includes fructose, glucose, and dextrose. If you see these on your label, be aware that this is just another word for sugar.

We also have lots of recipes with little to no-added-sugar and even healthier cocktails on our website. Less sugar doesn’t have to mean less fun – it’ll help increase your energy levels and help with your overall health!

4. Take Your Vitamins Every Day 

Many government officials report that mid-January will be a high-peak time for Covid resurgence, making this the time to strengthen our immune systems.

At D2D, we love our vitamins because they make us feel better and prevent us from getting sick and help us fight off illnesses quicker. Vitamins also help protect us against diseases like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Whether it’s vitamin D, vitamin C, Nootropics, or even Epicor, it’s so important to add vitamins into your daily health regimen. Think of it as your little sidekick to help fight off any unwanted sickness! But, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure you’re taking the right ones.

Protect both yourself and your family by taking your daily vitamins and strengthening your immune system. And, if you’re curious to know how vitamins work in our bodies, click here.

3. Fully Understand a Diet Before You Try It

New Year’s is usually a time where we like to try a new fad diet. But before you jump in, make sure you know everything there is to know about a diet before you start.

Tons of fad diets make their way through all social media channels. Whether it’s Keto, plant-based, vegan, vegetarian — it can feel like these diets tout themselves as “the healthiest!” However, it’s important to know how that diet is going to work with your body. For example, if you decide to take on a plant-based diet, understand that due to the lack of meat you’re consuming, your body will need more complex proteins from other sources.

Understand the difference between complete and incomplete proteins and know which one you’re eliminating and which you’re increasing. B12 is a vitamin found in almost solely animal foods. You may need to supplement B12 into your diet another way if you choose a plant-based diet. If you’re an athlete or lead an active lifestyle, understand that you may need more protein in your diet, so 100% plant-based proteins may not work for you.

We are not saying don’t try new diets, but you may do more damage to your body than good if it’s not the right diet for you.

2. Fuel Your MIND

Ok, let’s talk about your MIND now…

We all do everything we can to keep our health goals on track, but what about fueling your brain? Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. But, you can lower your chances by incorporating some of these foods into your diet. Berries, leafy greens, whole grains, fish, even wine – all of these are known to help the brain in one way or another.

In a study done by Rush University, the MIND diet, much like the components of a Mediterranean diet, led to a 53% decreased risk of Alzheimer’s development for those who strictly followed it, and 35% for those who moderately followed it.

Fuel your body, but also make sure you’re fueling your brain. It is just as vital.

1. Be Mindful…

About your food, your exercise, everything!

The most important thing you can do in 2022 is be mindful about what you’re putting into your body. Food is a primary determinant of the strength of our immune systems, how much inflammation is in our body, and how we fight off viruses.

Read the labels. Understand what they mean. Know what’s going into your body. And, when in doubt, just eat more fruits and vegetables.

The Bottom Line

We believe 2022 can be the best year yet for improving our health. Follow these simple guidelines to see how much of a positive change they have in your life. Wishing you a very healthy and safe New Year!