5 Incredibly Easy Ways To Be Proactive About Your Health This Year

 This post was sponsored by Metamucil as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Not long ago I turned 30.

It was like any other birthday. Honestly, as much of a fuss as most of my friends have made when turning the 'big 3-0' it's really quite un-extraordinary. I'm a pretty firm believer that age is but a number to chronicle the passing of time, rather than mark the loss of it. And while it's true, as we progress on this crazy journey called life, there are legal and physical landmarks often associated with various milestones, one is only as young (or old) as they are in spirit and in heart.

This all being said our bodies are the vessel in which we progress through life, and more than any number on a birthday card, it's how we choose to take care of it through proactive health which ultimately weighs the largest on how much living we'll get out of it.

So, back to me and my birthday, there I was feeling no less or more extraordinary than the day before, having recently turned 30. I'd visited my personal physician for an annual checkup and he'd shared a few criticisms of his own. Side note: Am I the only one who feels as though they've let their doctor down when they get less than ideal feedback???? But I digress- I could go into the nitty gritty but it really comes down to this:

One's health is and always well be a complex and constantly changing picture painted by a number of factors. Some we can impact, while others we can only anticipate, and others we simply can't avoid. There is no magical formula, no paint by number, to perfect health.

When I asked my personal doctor what his best advice was for me, knowing I had some personal health hurdles to begin trying to overcome, his response was simple,

"The same thing I tell every patient. Make time."

Time, of course, for one's health. Whether it's researching new recipes that are lower in sodium/sugars/fats, researching one's family tree for hereditary dispositions, logging the amount of water drank in a day, or scheduling an annual checkup. So many people, myself included, express that their crazy lifestyles don't allow much time to really stop an care for themselves. But there are a few simple things one can do to help maintain balance within their hectic life.

1. Change the view.

Before you start yelling at me telling me how it's negative 50 degrees and you can't even see past the snow drifts at your window, hear me out. I know we can't all live in Southern California where 50F is a frigid Winter's day.

Studies have proven that natural light is how our bodies most signal the beginning of a new day, and help get our systems primed to tackle the tasks of the day ahead. An excellent start to the day means all of your body's systems are jump started and primed in peak condition. So, whether you quite literally dine on your front porch for breakfast, or merely open up the blinds by the kitchen nook- take a moment to let a little natural sunlight re-invigorate you.

This time of the year the sun rises quite early, as well as the rest of the Earth's natural creatures.

While you may not have sunny skies up above changes are there are other signs of a new day- including audible ones such as birds and wildlife outside your window. Take a moment to take a deep breath and stop and listen for these natural cues of a fresh day's beginning.

2. Go With Your Gut.

If you've ever heard the age old adage "You are what you eat"- it's not 'age old' advice for nothing. You most certainly are a reflection of not just what you put into your body physically, but inhale, spray on, and so much more.

Sometimes we can't, or don't, always make the best of choices when it comes to the 'into' part and the most frequent excuse is that we don't have the time. Being proactive about your health with some simple daily supplements and choices really curbs time spent on recovery or correction down the line, and can take just a few minutes a day with some supportive products from Walmart.

That's precisely why I always have an orange tub of Metamucil Premium Blend powder on my kitchen counter, right next to my coffee brewer. Having it out, and at the ready reminds me to keep up with my regular maintenance and helps avoid any excuses.

Made with 100% natural psyllium fiber, and available in sugar free varieties (with no artificial sweeteners or colors), Metamucil helps trap and remove the 'sludge' in my digestive track so I can not only enjoy a fuller feeling between meals, but also a lighter feeling day in and out. When you digest more efficiently your entire body benefits by the absorption of all the GOOD things you put in it and quicker processing of the things which aren't so good.

I typically drink a glass of Metamucil every other day- but find their Cinnamon Thins extra convenient to take my proactive gut maintenance on the go when traveling- they're pretty delicious too!

 3. Nurture your Skin.

And speaking of that which you put ON your body- Skincare is a huge concern year-round, but especially tough during the winter. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things one can do during the winter months- not only will great hydration help the body naturally purify, it will improve the appearance and health of your skin. Having a regular, and seasonal, skincare regimen will not only foster beautiful, hydrated, skin, but also reminds us to be on the lookout for any changes or skin-related symptoms that may be developing as an impact of age, stress and environmental factors. Try this recipe for our 3 Ingredient Nourishing Lotion to help pamper and nourish winter skin:

3 Ingredient Nourishing Lotion

3 TBS Heavy Cream

1/2 Ripe Avocado

2 TBS Honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree into a smooth cream. Apply directly to dry or rough spots and leave on for at least an hour. Rinse with warm water.

4. Honey Infused Garlic.-

My next proactive support secret is for the immune system, and one that many busy individuals have been relying on for centuries. For those with an aversion to garlic, marinating these 4 calorie cloves in organic honey can prove a delicious alternative that packs a powerful punch. Both honey and raw garlic provide sulfuric compounds and antioxidants. I keep a small mason jar of crushed or diced garlic cloves in clover honey for a variety of recipes, and even straight consumption.

5. Oven-Roasted Orange Chicken With Fennel.-  

You've probably already figured out how we were going to round this out. Honey Garlic makes for the most delicious, and sunny, Vitamin-C packed Oven-Roasted Chicken with Fennel. Not only does this meal smell delicious through preparation and cooking, it looks gorgeously ready to plate straight from the oven. Why not have a few friends over to unwind and bask in the genius of your chef skills (anyone can make this recipe, I promise)- having a strong social support system is, you guessed it, also good for the mind and body! Catch the complete recipe at the bottom of this post.

It stands to reason the biggest bang for your proactive health will be the integrating of all of these tips, and more, into your lifestyle. Busy lives often mean little time to focus on ourselves but it's important that we make the time not just when our body is telling us it needs attention! Naturally the best steps you can take to support yourself any time of the year are the ones that fit easiest into your lifestyle, to ensure you will continue to do them! I shop at Walmart for my on-hand proactive health support aids, such as Metamucil, and of course I get all my fresh oranges, honey, garlic, and more there too!

I've shared some of my favorite tips to keep up with a busy lifestyle, how do you support immune health?

Oven Roasted Orange Chicken And Fennel

***Click here for printable Orange Chicken and Fennel recipe.

Ingredients:

4 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Diced Cloves Honey Garlic

4 TBS Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

3 Oranges, Sliced Horizontally (1/4" Slices)

3 TBS Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons Grain Mustard (Such as German or Stone Ground)

3 TBS Brown Sugar

1 TSP Salt

1 1/2 TSP Freshly Ground Black Pepper

3lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Cut to 1/2lb Sections)

2 Medium Fennel Bulbs, Rinsed And Cut Into 6ths

1 TBS Fresh Chopped Thyme Leaves

Directions:

1. Combine Olive Oil, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Mustard, Brown Sugar, Salt and Pepper in a medium bowl.

2. Rinse and pat dry chicken and place in a large gallon sized bag. Add fennel wedges, orange slices, thyme, and fennel. Pour marinade over and seal bag tightly, gently massaging to combine and coat all ingredients. Refrigerate 3-4 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 475F.

4. Place the chicken in the center of a 9 x 13" casserole dish. Distribute fennel wedges and orange slices evenly around chicken. You may add some halved baby red potatoes for bulk- but I prefer to serve this with my Green Tea Rice. Pour the marinade juices over the chicken and fennel/slices.

5. Place in the oven, uncovered and roast 40-45 minutes.

6. Remove from oven and transfer chicken, fennel, and orange slices to a serving dish. Cover with foil to keep warm.

7. Pour cooking juices into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2 cup. Pour over the chicken and serve over a bed of potatoes or green tea rice.

Simple Tips To Find Balance In A Crazy Life + Delicious Recipes

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadeHealthPack #CollectiveBias This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner.

 Last year I turned 30.

It was like any other birthday. Honestly, as much of a fuss as most of my friends have made when turning the 'big 3-0' it's really quite un-extraordinary. I'm a pretty firm believer that age is but a number to chronicle the passing of time, rather than mark the loss of it. And while it's true, as we progress on this crazy journey called life, there are legal and physical landmarks often associated with various milestones, one is only as young (or old) as they are in spirit and in heart.

This all being said our bodies are the vessel in which we progress through life, and more than any number on a birthday card, it's how we choose to take care of it which ultimately weighs the largest on how much living we'll get out of it.

So, back to me and my birthday, there I was feeling no less or more extraordinary than the day before, having recently turned 30. I'd visited my personal physician for an annual checkup and he'd shared a few criticisms of his own. Side note: Am I the only one who feels as though they've let their doctor down when they get less than ideal feedback???? But I digress- I could go into the nitty gritty but it really comes down to this:

One's health is and always well be a complex and constantly changing picture painted by a number of factors. Some we can impact, while others we can only anticipate, and others we simply can't avoid. There is no magical formula, no paint by number, to perfect health.

When I asked my personal doctor what his best advice was for me, knowing I had some personal health hurdles to begin trying to overcome, his response was simple,

"The same thing I tell every patient. Make time."

Time, of course, for one's health. Whether it's researching new recipes that are lower in sodium/sugars/fats, researching one's family tree for hereditary dispositions, logging the amount of water drank in a day, or scheduling an annual checkup. So many people, myself included, express that their crazy lifestyles don't allow much time to really stop an care for themselves. But there are a few simple things one can do to help maintain balance within their hectic life.

You don't have to make plans to climb a mountain or start training for Secret Ninja Camp (yes, that's a real thing- and yes, it does sound awesome) to help find balance. In fact you really shouldn't make any drastic life changes, dietary or physically, without first consulting your own personal physician. But I do suggest that you expand your personal interests by defining specific goals. Goals, in general, help foster structure through a progression timeline. Set realistic goals to achieve a specific result, or lead up to a culminating event/triumph. Share your personal goals with close family and friends and let them support you as you progress.

Expect hurdles. Finding time to reach for a goal while you're already juggling work, family, personal relationships and more will be a struggle. It wouldn't be a goal if it wasn't. Don't punish yourself for setbacks but do recognize what caused them and how you can better overcome the hurdle next time. Whenever possible break your daily/weekly progress into many smaller sections of time that can fit in between your existing schedule. Breaking up your efforts and spreading them out will seem much less tedious than trying to cram 1 or 2 bigger efforts into your regular routine.

Having goals are nice, and break up the monotony of everyday commitments and obligations but caring for one's self can seem like a complete mystery when the topic turns to nutrition. General guidelines for healthy eating exist but there's always some fancy click bait lurking on the side of your Facebook browser tempting you with the latest 'study' or trend. On top of that every person truly is unique- without annual health exams and clear communication with a personal physician you truly can't know what your body is lacking, or has an excess of.

Disclaimers aside, as much as I try, I don't have the time to research all the nutrient potentials of everything I eat. I wish I had time to cook a homemade meal every day, or the willpower to never eat a scrap of 'junk' food, but I don't. What I can do is shop at Sam's Club, where I personally save time by using their 'Click N' Pull' online ordering system on thousands of items from toothpaste and batteries to fresh produce. Because I can shop amazing club pricing from just about anywhere with a WiFi or data connection I don't have to compromise on smart eating due to price or lack of time. I simply place my order online, show my order confirmation receipt to the Customer Service desk in store, and have my entire purchase brought out to me ready to go.

Sam's Club also offers a wide array of personal hygiene and health maintenance products (mine even has a full service pharmacy) in quantities that keep me stocked longer, so I can spend less time shopping and more time tackling my busy life. One of those products is the Nature Made® Daily Diabetes Health Pack, scientifically formulated to supply nutritional support for people with diabetes or prediabetes. † It's the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Diabetic Multivitamin Supplement Brandǂ It's unique 6 daily supplement health packs are individually packaged to inspire healthy choices for general population including those who are Pre-Diabetic or Diabetic to live a healthy lifestyle. † Inside each Health Pack you'll find A Multivitamin/Mineral providing essential vitamins and minerals for daily nutritional support. † Fish Oil with Vitamin D3: Fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA DHA, which help support a healthy heart. † Vitamin D supports bone, teeth, muscle and immune health.† Vitamin D3 is the body’s preferred form of vitamin D.* You'll also find Alpha Lipoic Acid with Green Tea which has antioxidant properties which neutralize free radicals.†

It may sound like a mouth-full, okay it's literally a mouth full of nutritional supplements, but it's proven a great way for me to fit nutritional support into my daily routine.

Another important key to finding balance in a busy lifestyle is by taking time to explore new ways to enjoy favorite things. For example, if you find yourself stopping into the local smoothie shop every night on your way home it might be a good idea to look into ways to include that fruit flavored experience into a less complicated routine at home. Researching alternative ingredients or presentations of foods you tend to lean on can help introduce new nutrients and benefits with minimal effort or cost.

I found an amazing recipe for Sparkling Strawberry Mint Infused Water on the My Food Advisor® website that's recently changed the way I consume water while at home throughout the day. Not only has it saved excess seasonal strawberries from going to waste I've found I personally don't crave any added sugars when I introduce the sensation of carbonation with the rich flavors of real fruit. I just might enjoy this particular recipe more than my favorite drink at the local cafe.

Of course having a collection of trusted resources to help tackle your biggest time hurdles will really make the process of finding balance much easier. Consider spending an afternoon gathering and researching resources which may work for you. Having a local retailer which offers a wide range of smart shopping decisions with a variety of convenient shopping methods, such as Sam's Club, can be a worthy asset on your list. You may also with to take note of a few reputable websites which provide recipes searchable based on nutritional criteria. I prefer to utilize My Food Advisor® and the USDA recipe database, but your needs may vary based on your personal balance goals.

In fact, I recently tried out a new recipe I found while browsing the My Food Advisor® website, Turkey Sausage and Egg Casserole. At just 100 calories per serving with approximately 4g of sugars and 13g of protein I found it to be a deliciously filling way to kick start our weekend routine. Be sure to grab the recipe directly from the My Food Advisor® website, then follow along here as we cover the simple steps to make it.

To begin you'll want to gather some basic ingredients:

Cooking Spray

2 C Nonfat Milk

4-5 Green Onion Bunches

1/2 TSP Dry Mustard

1/4 TSP Salt (Optional, We don't include it)

1/4 TSP Black Pepper

16 OZ Egg Substitute

4 Slices Whole Wheat Bread

3 Precooked Breakfast Sausage Patties 

1/4 C Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Begin by preheating the oven to 350F.

Coat a 9x13 dish with cooking spray.

Prepare your ingredients.

• Cut your bread into 1/2" cubes.
• Dice your turkey sausage patties.
• Chop your green onions down to about 1/2" into the whites.

Start by whisking the nonfat milk, green onions, dry mustard, salt (optional), pepper, and egg substitute in a medium sized bowl. Since an egg substitute is being used you really only need to whis to combine and distribute the spices evenly.

Next spread the bread cubes evenly over the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the diced turkey sausage  on top and in between then slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. The green onions will want to 'clump' on your initial pour so pour slowly and keep moving for even distribution. Top with the shredded cheese and cover with foil.

Bake the casserole for 20 minutes at 350F then carefully pull the oven rack forward, remove the foil, and place back into the oven for an additional 40 minutes. We like a nice 'crust' on the top so we let ours bake just a tad longer to really get that golden hue.

I loved this recipe because it was easy enough to prepare in under 10 minutes, and gave us a fair amount of leftovers. I wound the bread was naturally sweet and think our decision not to add salt didn't hinder it any way. If anything, next time, I'll add an extra dash of pepper- though the beauty of pepper is each individual can season their own serving if truly desired. It also just so happens to pair perfectly with my new favorite drink, the Sparkling Strawberry Mint-Infused Water from above!

Ultimately finding balance amidst the craziness will never be a perfect science at any age. There are a variety of tools one can use to help but my favorite truly is having a support system. Learning what works for you, personally, will always be trial and error, but making the most of life while you do it will always be made most possible through a strong tribe of family, allies and friends. Now, tell me, what are some resources or trick you use to help maintain balance everyday?

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

ǂ Based on US News & World Report – Pharmacy Times Survey

Are you looking for more great resources to help balance your crazy life? Grab the Sam's Club shopping list resource below for your next shopping trip! 

Live Vibrantly With #CentrumFunFlavors- Rainbow Grapes Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CentrumFunFlavors #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Grab life by the horns.

I am a firm believer that life is meant to be lived. Challenges are meant to be accepted. You can never have too many friends. And, our most precious gift is our health.

When I find myself with 'free time' it actually makes me feel quite anxious. That's not to say that I don't create moments to relax, I do; just that such moments are cherished as a different form of living. I appreciate the calm moments, but I thrive in the hectic ones. Once my heart starts pumping with the adrenaline of a deadline, a creative project, or a goal, that's when I feel most alive. Of course, to keep a mind and body constantly moving like that requires a lot of fuel and fine tuning I don't always have time to stop and schedule so I rely on simple time saving solutions to help promote healthy living amid the sometimes hectic lifestyle.

Last year I spent 8 months training for a 'fun run' unlike any other I'd done before. It was an entry level endurance course, a gateway to even more demanding, prestigious, courses such as the Spartan Race. When my journey began I had absolutely no physical stamina. I hadn't been to the gym in a few years, and the idea of climbing a few flights of stairs, let alone scaling a 15" vertical wall, exhausted me. But the thrill of the challenge, and the thought of such an accomplishment motivated me to completely transform myself.

I didn't turn into a weightlifter, and I'm far from a professional athlete as a result. What I did gain from the months at the gym, the numerous training programs, and the lifestyle changes, was a greater appreciation of myself and an expanded vision of my limits. The commitment took time, plenty of energy, and hinged highly on my ability to fuel my body through healthy decisions and choices made every day. A high protein snack after the gym, extra calcium in the morning, and a complete daily vitamin that took all the fuss out of measuring crucial intake amounts of Vitamins A, C, D, and more.

While I still have several events this year, I'm not training nearly as intense I had last year; partly because this year has thrown a lot of curve balls at me. For example, bowling league is something I've done for years, often multiple leagues at a time, yet this will be the first Summer I take it off to help regroup and revitalize myself. I'll still be volunteering at the daycare on Thursdays, and hitting the beach with Nora (the dog) regularly- but I wanted to see what I could do with a more open schedule. Who knows what surprises await me?

No matter how regular, or unexpected, my day to day schedule is, I pack every waking moment with one thing or another. I don't have time to keep track of what vitamins and nutrients I have or haven't received in a day, and some days I don't even see my home from sunrise to sunset. Centrum's range of adult multivitamin solutions truly help me keep going with fun and delicious products that help promote overall health. (These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) I stock up on mine at Walmart, because their prices are awesome, and their selection is great. Not only can I pick up a Centrum Gummies Multi-Vitamin for Jay, I can also discover the newest Centrum varieties, like Centrum Vitamints Raspberry while doing my everyday shopping.

You may remember I first introduced you to the new Centrium Vitamints last fall, when the brand launched their multivitamin infused mints; an easy to take supplement for busy adults on the go. I've kept a bottle of the Vitamints in my handbag ever since. It's a great way to remember to take my daily multivitamin when I go to reach for a breath freshener. But I've got many other life hacks up my sleeve, to encourage smarter living, and one of my favorites just happens to be be something you can throw together while you're at Walmart- Rainbow Grapes.

Supplies:

3lbs Seedless Grapes, Removed From The Vine

100-150 Toothpicks

Bowl Of Water (Large Enough To Accomodate The Grapes)

Instant Flavored Gelatin Boxes, In The Flavors Of Your Choice

Step 1: Start by submerging your grapes in the bowl of water. Plunge a toothpick halfway into a grape, at the top where the stem was once attached. Repeat this for a layer of grapes until you have a good portion ready to go. Make sure that your grapes, themselves, are still primarily underwater.

*Note: This project may be done bypassing the bowl of water by placing the (off the vine) grapes in the freezer the evening before. The freezer method will allow the natural condensation of the grapes (As they thaw) to act as a binding agent for the gelatin coating, but the coating may be spotty and less photo-perfect.

Step 2: Pour each flavor of gelatin mix into it's own container, keeping in mind deeper containers will be easier to work with than shallow ones. Removing one grape at a time, roll the grape in the gelatin mixture of choice. If the coating is light or spotty quickly daub one side of the grape into the water bowl and return it back to the mix for a second turn.

There is a bit of an art to getting the grapes 'perfectly' coated. Do not get discouraged if the water droplets pool the mix at one corner, or certain areas of the grapes are lighter than others. If desired you can use your fingers to gently even the coating- though I do have to say the shell/coating is quite intense, so be careful not to cake it on!

Step 3: As you dip and coat your grapes place them in a parchment lined cookie sheet to rest. Once your sheet is full, or all grapes have been dipped place the tray in the fridge (or the freezer, if desired) until chilled. This serve best cold, when the coating has hardened and creates a fun 'shell' texture. Once they have chilled they can be popped off of the toothpicks and served as is.

TIP: Some gelatin mixes will be white when they are initially poured, and only show their true color once wet/dipped. In my experience colored mixes tend to yield a more vibrant color. Regardless, the color of your grapes will darken as they chill and set.

 Rainbow grapes make a great treat when entertaining, or a smart choice when swapping out more traditional dessert options. That's entirely outside of the fact it's hard not to smile when you see a bowl full of rainbow colored grapes! They smell sweet, and the texture of the crunchy shell, with the sweet juicy grape beneath, is quite addictive. I make these up to days in advance so I have a less guilt ridden dessert waiting for me late night when I raid the fridge.

Rainbow Grapes can be made in a variety of colors with red, purple, or green grapes, so the variety options are endless. For an extra pop of tart try dipping your grapes in lime juice just before dipping! These also make a fun garnish to several of my favorite afternoon Summer mocktails!

It my sound silly, but small things like the sweet treats, or simple solutions in life really help keep me going. It can be hard to stay on track with a healthy diet, or optimal nutrition so I rely on hacks and innovative products to supplement my busy lifestyle. It's not that I can't afford to have a down day, it's that I don't want to. There's always something new to try or discover, why pass anything up because you didn't have the time to stop and take a moment for you?

The 60 count of new Centrum Vitamints in Raspberry, from Walmart, fits in my handbag. With a suggested adult serving of 2 per day, that's one month of daily vitamins and minerals on hand, on my schedule. The raspberry flavor chewable has a light minty aftertaste and no chalky residue, so it's actually replaced my standard mint! 2 products in 1 is what I call genius, and a real time and money saver for this busy millennial! Grab a coupon here and enjoy staying healthy with simple solutions like Centrum Gummies and Vitamints.

This past weekend Jay and I left bright and early to take a 4 and a half hour drive up the coast to Monterey (more on that soon!) We spent the afternoon in town, playing tourist with the dog in the stroller, than made the drive back down the coast home. That's my idea of a day trip- packing something into every hour of the day, from radio surfing and sing-alongs, to delicious local food and photo opps, and a nice coastal drive with the top down at night. To some people that may sound a little exhausting. For me, it made me excited to look forward to what-ever's next! Tell me about something you're excited about or currently planning for this year!


What Daughter Says: Don't let a lack of time hold you back from the things you want to do and the places you want to see. Find smart solutions for busy lifestyles!

Rainbow Grapes

Click here to print the Rainbow Grapes Instructions