Time: < 30 Minutes
STEP 1: Talk to your doctor about the supplements that you need for your age. This is a great time to also get blood work done (as the results may increase the need for a certain supplement or dietary adjustment) and ask your doctor if there are any procedures (mammogram, colonoscopy, etc.) that you should be scheduling. Doctors are able to recommend easy starting points for adjusting your lifestyle to improve your health and can be great resources for any questions or developments you have regarding your health. Taking a probiotic, daily vitamin, or fish oil supplement can easily become a habit that can transform your health and wellness.
STEP 2: In addition to talking to you doctor look elsewhere for additional suggestions. Doctors are usually very well versed on fixing a problem but for preventative maintenance you may want to consult health websites, a naturopath, or an alternative medicine practitioner. Ask friends, co-workers, and your social network for suggestions.
STEP 3: Be careful not to self-diagnose simply based on what you read on the internet! This can be very dangerous. If you plan to start taking supplements, talk to your doctor, naturopath, nutritionist or the like to determine what is best for you and what dosage is needed.
STEP 4: A great way to supplement is by adding more whole foods, fruits and vegetables. Organic and local farmers markets are a great place to shop. A fun and easy way to incorporate healthy snack foods into your diet is through health food subscription services. Pay a flat monthly rate and get a package of healthy foods sent to your door—you will likely be introduced to numerous delicious and healthy products you wouldn’t have otherwise known about. HelloFresh, Sun Basket, and Freshly are three great services to consider.
STEP 5: Lastly, consider what you are drinking each day. Are you drinking at least ½ your body weight in water? Are you drinking soft drinks that are full of sugar (or fake sugar), aspartame and artificial colorings and/or flavorings that are known to be hazardous to your health? If so, consider limiting your intake. Your body will thank you. A great way to get a clear idea of what you eat and drink in a day (and how much you are eating and drinking) is to write it down. Spend one week recording what you consume (be honest) and reflect on that list at the end of the week. Let your results show you where to cut back so that each time you want a certain food or beverage you will be reminded to consider whether you actually want (or need) it.
