Resolve to be healthy and feel your best in 2014!

Published on Fri Jan 10, 2014 - 2 min read

Published by: Bryan Bradford

By Bryan Bradford, Chief Nutrition Officer of Sunflower Shoppe Natural Foods

January 10, 2014

Ever find yourself caught up in this unhealthy cycle: stressful days lead to overeating and an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep which leaves you exhausted and stressed again the next day? Here are 4 resolutions that will help you break this cycle in 2014:

1. Manage stress – When talking with our clients I usually get laughed at if I suggest they reduce stress. We all live such busy and active lives that it sometimes seems impossible to reduce the amount of stress we are under in spite of how healthy high amounts of activities and commitments may seem. However, chronic stress leads to overeating and making poor food choices. It will also disrupt our bodies own circadian rhythm, leading to sleep problems. Yoga, meditation and laughter are proven to calm the mind and spirit. Supplements such as B-complex and Holy Basil can also help. Check out our website to view the latest Ask The Expert video on stress for timely tips.

2. Choose energizing foods – Opt for foods that create energy rather than zap it. Complex carbs such as raw fruits and vegetables and lean protein create lasting energy. Try snacking only on fruits, nuts and veggies. Drink lots of water and include teas that boost your metabolism such as green tea or Yerba Mate. Include high quality protein shakes such as RawFit by Garden of Life. Ask us more about our new Everyday Diet program coming soon!

3. Sleep tight. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. You have heard this repeatedly, and it is another recommendation that gets a good laugh out of my clients. Our bodies heal and repair overnight, and we are better able to manage stress effectively when we are well rested. There are even research studies that prove that weight loss is easier if you get enough sleep at night! Resolve to have a regular bedtime and routine. Supplements that support your efforts that we at Sunflower Shoppe like are Deep Sleep or 5-HTP.

4. Do this last thing first thing every morning: Exercise – Just 15 minutes a day can dramatically change the way you feel both physically and emotionally! It does not have to mean an expensive and time-consuming gym membership – walking, biking and weight bearing are simple and effective. Find something you enjoy and start your day doing it. If you would prefer to have a more structured guide to your work out we have a fabulous fitness DVD now available to help you customize your personal plan. Ask one of our Nutrition Specialists about it today!

Make small steps toward a healthier you! For more information about these topics come see us at Sunflower Shoppe, where great health is just a way of life!

The content and opinions expressed in this “Shoppe Talk” blog are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or to provide medical advice. We are not medical doctors and we do not prescribe medication. If you have any questions about the relationship between nutrition and supplements, we recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified and licensed health practitioner. Our opinions are based on the literature and data from a variety of medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, biochemists and other professional researchers. You are encouraged to make your health care decisions based on your own research and the advice of a qualified health care professional.