Healthy Living Guide 2020/2021
A digest on healthy eating and healthy living.
As we transition from 2020 into 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect nearly every aspect of our lives. For many, this health crisis has created a range of unique and individual impacts—including food access issues, income disruptions, and emotional distress.
Although we do not have concrete evidence regarding specific dietary factors that can reduce risk of COVID-19, we do know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to keeping our immune system strong. Beyond immunity, research has shown that individuals following five key habits—eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, not drinking too much alcohol, and not smoking— live more than a decade longer than those who don’t. Plus, maintaining these practices may not only help us live longer, but also better. Adults following these five key habits at middle-age were found to live more years free of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
While sticking to healthy habits is often easier said than done, we created this guide with the goal of providing some tips and strategies that may help. During these particularly uncertain times, we invite you to do what you can to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and hopefully (if you’re able to try out a new recipe or exercise, or pick up a fulfilling hobby) find some enjoyment along the way.
Download a copy of the Healthy Living Guide (PDF) featuring printable tip sheets and summaries, or access the full online articles through the links below.
In this issue:
- Understanding the body’s immune system
- Does an immune-boosting diet exist?
- The role of the microbiome
- A closer look at vitamin and herbal supplements
- 8 tips to support a healthy immune system
- A blueprint for building healthy meals
- Food feature: lentils
- Strategies for eating well on a budget
- Practicing mindful eating
- What is precision nutrition?
- Ketogenic diet
- Intermittent fasting
- Gluten-free
- 10 tips to keep moving
- Exercise safety
- Spotlight on walking for exercise
- How does chronic stress affect eating patterns?
- Ways to help control stress
- How much sleep do we need?
- Why do we dream?
- Sleep deficiency and health
- Tips for getting a good night’s rest
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