There are many things that impact your health, some positive and some negative. It’s up to you to do all that you can to avoid the unhealthy ones. Of course, it won’t always easy. Obstacles sometimes get in the way. But, by learning more about the following five factors, which positively impact your health, you’ll be well on your way to better health. The factors covered in this report are quality nutrition, hydration, detoxification, oxygenation and alkalization. Hopefully, you’re already familiar with a few. Here’s a statistic to toss on the pile: Less than 3 percent of Americans meet the basic qualifications for a “healthy lifestyle,” according to a new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

QUALITY NUTRITION

Everyone needs to be concerned about quality nutrition, regardless of where they feel they stand health-wise. There are so many benefits to proper nutrition that it’s somewhat difficult to know where to begin. Here are some of them for your consideration.

 

Increased Productivity

Recent data indicates that eating foods that are unhealthy for you actually puts you at a higher risk of productivity loss. Some studies put that number as high as 66 percent. Self-discipline is one of the qualities that has got to be taught, we’re not born with it, and the level at which you’ve got it right now is merely a result of your past experience, education and upbringing. But, since it has to be learned, it’s never too late to learn it some more. Even more of a reason to think of healthy food as fuel for your brain, don’t you think?

 

Fewer Wrinkles

Foods that contain a high water content help to moisturize your skin. They also contain antioxidants, which help to reduce the likelihood of cell damage and keeps your skin younger

looking for a longer period of time. Go one step further and include foods like salmon, on the menu. Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids that are also beneficial to your skin.

 

 

 

Saves Money

 

By sticking to a healthy diet, you generally have fewer medical bills. In addition, you’ll probably eat less, which means you’ll save money on groceries. This is especially true if you’re one to eat a lot of sugary treats and/or fast food meals.  Meal planning is a great way to stick to a healthy diet without blowing up your budget.

Less Cravings

 

It probably won’t happen immediately, but eating healthier is a great way to reduce cravings. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates do an excellent job of stabilizing your blood sugar. This helps to alleviate a rapid drop in blood sugar, which causes a craving.

1. Kosher salt
2. 2 cups quinoa
3. 2 cups cherries
4. 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
5. 3 tablespoons minced shallot
6. 4 tablespoons olive oil
7. 1/2 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
8. 1/2 pound feta cheese, crumbled
9. 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

DIRECTIONS

1. Pit the cherries into a small mixing bowl, and let sit while you make the quinoa. (Some of their juices will drain into the bowl.)
2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, add the quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer, and rinse thoroughly under cool water. Add the quinoa to the boiling water, and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the quinoa is just barely al dente. Strain it using a fine-mesh strainer.
3. Add an inch of water to the quinoa pot, set the fine-mesh strainer (with the cooked quinoa still in it) inside the pot; make sure the quinoa doesn’t touch the water. Cover with a dish towel and the pot’s lid, turn the heat up to high, and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and no longer waterlogged. Turn the quinoa out into a large mixing bowl, and fluff it up with a fork.
4. Slice the pitted cherries into thin rounds, and set aside in another small bowl.
5. Add the minced shallot, red-wine vinegar, olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the bowl that the cherries were pitted into (to make use of the cherry juices). Whisk to combine.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the warm quinoa; add the parsley, feta, and almonds; and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt.

 

 

Healthier Smile

 

The calcium in milk and other dairy products helps to strengthen your teeth. Yogurt is known to contain microorganisms that are helpful in fighting the bacteria that causes bad breath. Research indicates that Omega-3, found in fish, may even reduce the chances of gum disease.

 

Longer Life

Although nothing is guaranteed 100 percent, quality nutrition goes a long way in helping you to live longer. Several studies indicate the possibility of low-meat, vegetarian or diets high in nut consumption very well adding years to your life.

chicken tenders and prawns in lemon garlic and rosemary sauce with grilled asparagus. Served with a salad of black quinoa, dried cherries, crumbled feta, mint, and parsley; drizzled in a garlic and lemon vinaigrette.

 

The next time you feel a bit gloomy, why not take a minute out of your day to eat a banana or a couple of pieces of dark chocolate? The average-sized banana contains 10 mg of dopamine. Dark chocolate is packed to the brim with polyphenol. Both of these substances are known to give your mood a boost when you need it the most.

An added benefit to all of these things is the fact that learning to eat healthier automatically makes you more knowledgeable about nutrition. So, not only are you helping yourself, you’re helping your family as well as our passion for health & wellness What could be better than that?