I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its client. All health related suggestions and opinions expressed in this post are all my own.
Momma Told Me: Living healthy doesn't have to be boring.
I'm the first to admit that I am not as health motivated as I know I should be; but that doesn't mean that my health, and the health of my family, isn't important to me. It's simply that getting out and training for marathons, or hitting the gym, doesn't come natural. I'm more of a 'snuggle on the couch and indulge in a bowl of Chex-Mix' kind of gal. At the same time, I realize that, the older I get the more important it is to stop and take a few moments to consider healthier options in things I do everyday. I know, I know, who has the time to fit anything else into their busy lives? Trust me, taking the necessary steps on the way to well is as simple as making small changes over time. Changes like taking your
recommended vitamins, choosing the stairs over the elevator, and creating more memorable smiles with the ones you love.
I'm pretty much useless in the morning. From sun up to sun down our household has a seemingly never-ending array of chores and tasks for me to tick off throughout the day. I know I should eat a healthy breakfast- it's the most important meal, but my breakfast often consists of an orange or a granola bar more often than not. And if you find yourself eating a Pop-Tart instead of scrambled eggs and bacon, it's okay, we're all a work in progress; the important part is that you ARE in progress. Luckily I can always stop at the Walgreens on the corner and take care of some of my daily chores while getting prescriptions filled, stocking up on our necessary vitamins and supplements, and saving with Balance Rewards. Our local Walgreens is actually closer than the nearby grocery store, and usually faster to get out of, as well as cheaper when it comes to our well necessities. This month Walgreens' in house brand, #WellAtWalgreens, is even on sale Buy One Get One Half Off, for a mix and match promotion that makes getting back on track in 2014 a no-brainer.
It's a great thing I can grab family pictures for Sabrina's school project from the photo department, and do my shopping at the same time; because I'm often left scrambling to pick her up from school. In fact, Walgreens has many healthy initiatives. The Well at Walgreens brand is just one of many ways I can stretch our budget, and my time, by shopping quality vitamins and supplements while getting other daily chores done. By the time I arrive in front of the school at 1:30 to claim my parking spot, I'm wondering where half the day has gone! My tummy's usually starting to rumble and I reach for a nutrient rich high protein shake to curb my cravings and keep me fueled for the evening ahead.
Naturally, my health isn't the only focus, our way to well includes supplements for the entire family. Jay relies on his B12 vitamins to provide him a little extra energy without the caffeine crash during the work week. And we both take daily multi-vitamins to get our recommended nutrients. I am a notoriously bad pill-taker and have a hard time swallowing capsules, so I've been grateful to find several options for everyday supplements in chewable and gummy form. And there's no convincing needed to get Sabrina to take her Well Children's Gummy Multivitamins when they come in adorable dinosaur shapes and bold, bright, colors. Once the homework is done, and the vitamins have been devoured I'm sure to encourage outdoor activities that will keep her active; and sometimes I can even get the rest of the family to join in!
Sometimes the way to well is about more than daily maintenance, it's about preserving the smaller things that bring us happiness. Lactose intolerant Jay once thought he'd have to give up many of the foods and treats he loved due to lactose sensitive digestion. With his Lactose Enzyme Digestive Supplements in easy to take chewable tablets, he can enjoy a scoop of ice cream, or even two, without the embarrassment and discomfort of his sensitivity. There are dozens of similar supplements people take daily to encourage healthy digestion, including probiotics, which act as a friendly bacteria that naturally improves the break down and absorption of foods, much like antibiotics work with our system to keep us healthy.
At the end of the day, no matter how healthy I've tried to stay, there's one key to a well balanced day that is crucial to it's finish and providing a jump start for tomorrow, sleep. For several years, out of college, I worked multiple jobs and maintained a graveyard lifestyle that had me catching cat naps in the evening and 'sleeping' during the day. After training my body to accept this schedule, it was hard to get back on track and re-enter the world of the living. I tried many over-the-counter medications to help me fall asleep, and stay asleep, at night before discovering the natural dietary supplement Melatonin. Just 2mg before bed, with a cup of my favorite tea, helps me fell asleep quickly, and wake well rested.
Walgreens knows the key to a happy life is a healthy one, and good health starts with the simple choices we make every day. That's why, from February to the end of 2014, 1
¢ from the purchase of every Walgreens brand Health and Wellness product, up to $3 million, will support the bringing of preventative wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way To Well commitment
®. Just another way we can all stand healthier, together.
How do you encourage well being in your circles and around you?
What Daughter Says: The way to well can be fun when you fill it with friends, family, and creative everyday solutions.
