Look Back and Live Better

Food was the full-time job of our ancestors and that meant everyone contributed -- no one was sitting in the forest eating alone! We are inspired by this simple way of living, but also feel the pressures of modern life.  So, this year we are grounding our habits in our ancestral roots with this guide to health for the new year.

Wired for Connection

For most of human history we lived in tight knit communities, so our brains are wired for connection. Even in modern times, studies show that laughing with people is good for your health. Laughing helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase immune cells and increase endorphins—the natural “feel good” hormones. 

Our calendars are already full, and it can be hard to make time for dinner parties or coffee dates, so instead of making socializing a big to-do, try these easy ways to connect with others everyday:

• Accept your neighbor’s offer to help when you’re getting that garden project done or cleaning out the attic.
• Schedule a workout dates or take a gym class with that friend you’re always meaning to spend some more time with.
• Do your grocery shopping with a friend who lives nearby and swap recipes to help make meal planning more social.

You’ll be surprised how shifting from “I’ll just do it myself” to “thanks for the help!” will leave you feeling more supported and connected to the people in your life. 

Move Through Nature

Energy feeling low? Get off the couch and get into the yard to take care of that project you’ve been putting off or take a walk with a friend. Physical activity has so many benefits:

• Increases energy
• Improves mood
• Lowers risk of chronic diseases, like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease
• Promotes sleep and relaxation 

Get extra benefits from your workout by going outside! Just being outdoors in nature can pay off in big ways, so get out there! If you are in an urban area or don’t have a scenic hike around the corner find some outdoor stairs to climb near work or home; take a brisk walk and breathe in that cold winter air; explore a nearby garden, walking path or hiking trail for a weekend outing.

Spending time outside where you can see the sky helps:

• Restore focus
• Increase creativity
• Reduce stress
• Increase the vitamin D our body makes from sun exposure

Eat Well, Feel Well

Choose foods as close to nature as possible, carrying snacks that are both nutritious and delicious. There are plenty of overly processed options calling to you (we see you break room vending machine!) so skip the chips and cookies and instead choose snacks that are made with real ingredients like Caveman Protein bars, Nutrition bars and Grain Free Granola bars (coming soon!). Our snack bars are filled with heart-healthy nuts and seeds.

You may think winter time is devoid of quality produce but, with a little planning, it’s still possible to “eat the rainbow”. Each color of fruits and vegetables offers different vitamins and anti-oxidants that help the body work at its best. Here are some tasty options that are bountiful in winter.

Cheers to a healthy year with nutritious food, outdoor activities and quality time with friends and family.