By Monica Stoutenborough
How often do you read about a new supplement or diet plan that is the easy and quick way to find the good health you are searching for? We’ve been led to believe that each and every ailment has a magical fix that does not require any effort on your part and that you can continue with your current lifestyle. Whether it’s pills, vitamins, supplements or rituals there is no single thing you can add to a less than healthy lifestyle that will transform you into your healthiest self.
For example, many of us know that calcium intake is important for strong bones, however that is only part of the equation. To ensure strong bones we have to also maintain sufficient Vitamin D levels, eat enough foods with magnesium, be physically active and minimize calcium loss that can result from smoking, heavy drinking, excessive caffeine intake and poor diet.
Vitamins certainly can provide benefit in many situations, however whole foods provide the best natural source of vitamins compared to many synthetic vitamin supplements. Consider Vitamin A as a great example. Taking synthetic Vitamin A supplements can be toxic in excessive doses. Instead if you eat foods that are rich in beta-carotene such as kale, sweet potatoes or oranges, your body efficiently converts the carotenoids into Vitamin A, which is more natural. You also eliminate the risk of Vitamin A toxicity as your body will not make more than is needed from foods. In this case you will also benefit from all the other minerals, vitamins, fiber and nutrients found in the plant food.
To enjoy good health you have to invest time and effort into changing your lifestyle. What if I told you that the same diet and lifestyle that is known for preventing cancer risk also reduces the incidence of high blood pressure, heart disease, type II diabetes, headaches, depression, osteoporosis, dementia and more? It is true. For most of us, the benefit obtained from eating a diet rich in nutrients while also becoming active is the most direct and long lasting way to enjoy a long and healthy life. All of our systems work together synergistically and when given the nutrients needed for cellular repair and health we can even reverse many chronic diseases. Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible and enjoy a wide variety of them. Learning to laugh, relax, exercise, and meditate are some of the most powerful behaviors when combined with great food for a long and healthy life.
Monica Stoutenborough Owner, Chef & Instructor at PuraVegan. Monica will be offering a Group Health Coaching Support Program that takes place over 16 weeks, helping individuals with the tools to make lasting life changes. Sign-up is available through her website at www.PuraVegan.com.