6 Ways to Spring into a Healthier You

Spring is a time for renewal and transformation, providing a great opportunity to reset your daily routine and create fresh new habits to help you work toward a healthier body and mind.

As the home of America’s Farm Fresh, we know self-care can mean fueling your body with farm fresh food or gathering around a table to spend quality time with loved ones. Below are six easy ways to take better care of yourself and form sustainable healthy habits.

1. Eat breakfast

Breakfast remains the most important meal of the day. As WebMD states, it helps kick-start your metabolism and gives you energy to focus and get things done. Aim for a breakfast with lots of protein – according to Healthline.com, protein is more filling than carbs or fats, making you feel fuller longer which can help curb cravings and maintain energy levels. Protein intake can also lead to health benefits like building and repairing muscle, boosting metabolism and lowering blood pressure. A great way to start your day is to fuel up with one of our new Farm Fresh Protein Bowls. Packed with protein and nutrient-rich ingredients, these bowls are a convenient way to get the energy and nutrition you need in the morning, while keeping you satisfied until lunch. March is also National Nutrition Month, where the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics invites everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy habits. Follow #NationalNutritionMonth on social media for more healthy eating tips.

2. Get your exercise

Eating well and exercising go hand in hand when it comes to overall wellness. According to the American Heart Association, you should aim to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. If you have a fitness tracker, a good goal is to aim for 10,000 steps a day. This exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous like running or weightlifting — it can be as simple as going on a family walk or bike ride after dinner. Activities like gardening or yard work are also great calorie-burners.

3. Spend time in nature

Breathing fresh air and spending time in nature is good for the body and the soul. In fact, it has even been proven to boost your mood and provide cognitive benefits. As the weather warms, take advantage of opportunities to eat your lunch outside, walk or bike to work, or take your daily neighborhood run to a local trail. You can also benefit from spending time cutting your grass, watering your flowers or tending to your garden. At Bob Evans, we know farm fresh food also tastes better. When you can’t pop into one of our restaurants, growing your own produce and herbs can be a simple way to eat better at home. Click here to read more about how you can start your own at-home garden.

4. Drink plenty of water

Our bodies are about 60 percent water and we constantly lose it throughout the day, so it’s important that we replenish our supply to avoid dehydration. While experts are split on how much water intake is ideal, a general rule of thumb is eight 8-ounce glasses a day. While this may sound daunting, there are simple ways to help you stay on track. Buy a large reusable water bottle that tracks the ounces on the outside; it’s easy to fill up a few times a day versus after every glass. Also, if you get bored with just plain water throughout the day, consider adding fruit like lemons or cucumbers to add some flavor. Other beverages like tea and juice, and even the food you eat, also help keep you hydrated and count towards your daily intake goal!

5. Reduce stress

Stress can have a negative effect on both your body and mind, so it’s important to proactively take measures to reduce the amount of stress in your personal and professional life. This can be done by setting aside time each day to do something you enjoy and staying organized by making daily to-do lists for tasks and setting reminders on your phone for appointments. Some great ways to recharge include listening to music, taking a bath, meditating, reading a book and spending quality time with loved ones. Whatever helps you relax, make sure you build in time for self-care every day, even if it’s just five minutes.

6. Get enough rest

Rest helps your mind and body recover. The National Sleep Foundation recommends healthy adults get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Improving your sleep habits will also help you maximize the rest time you do get. This includes keeping to the same sleep schedule even on weekends, having a supportive but comfortable mattress, sleeping in a dark and cool room and cutting off screen time at least 30 minutes before bed to help your mind relax.

Tell us about your new healthy habits by tagging @bobevans on Facebook or @bobevansfarms on Instagram or Twitter.