It has been said that the most valuable thing that you possess is your health.

Let’s face it, today more than ever, health is a topic of concern. We take precautions to avoid exposure to others and to mitigate our risk of contracting coronavirus by wearing masks, social distancing, staying home and following guidelines and protocols when out in public. 

We do this because we don’t want to get ourselves or others sick.

So...What is health? To have good health is to be free of illness or injury, to be able to adequately cope with the demands of life, and to maintain a state of equilibrium with yourself and your environment. 

When we are in a state of good health our quality of life increases dramatically. We are able to utilize our bodies without pain, experience natural energy, and enjoy feelings like joy and happiness. 

One of the factors that influences our health the most is diet. The foods that you eat make a measurable impact on the condition of your health. By eating healthy, wholesome and nutritious foods you give your body the building blocks it needs to fortify healthy cells and smooth bodily functions. 

Just as important are the things that we avoid eating as part of our diet, refined sugars being the deadliest. Additives, processed ingredients, unhealthy fats, and unnatural sugars are problems for our bodies to flush out the best it can. Too much of these harmful items result in extra weight, clogged arteries and decreased ability to regulate blood sugar. 

Today I’d like you to draw the mental connection between your healthy eating and your good health. By sticking with it you will take measurable strides towards claiming better health. 

This means having a stronger immune system that’s ready and able to fight off viruses.

So please add good health to your list of reasons for exercising and instilling healthy eating habits to last you a lifetime.

Processed snacks are where many people get off track with their health and fitness journey. 

Use these 5 fitness snacks below to stay on track:

1) Hard Boiled Egg and Sliced Veggies.

2) Sliced Apple and Almond Butter.

3) Natural, Low Sodium Jerky.

4) Seasonal Berries with ¼ cup of Almonds.

5) A Bag of Homemade Kale Chips. See recipe below.

Salty, crunchy snack foods are a weakness for most people. Instead of eating chips or popcorn or crackers, which quickly add up in unwanted pounds, make a batch of these delicious, crunchy kale chips. Kale chips are low in carbs and make a delicious crunchy snack.

Courtesy of RealHealthyRecipes.com

What you need
Servings: 5

1 bunch kale, washed and torn, stems discarded
1 Tablespoon olive oil
dash of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl mix the kale pieces with all of the ingredients.

3. Spread evenly on foil-lined baking sheets.

4. Bake for 12 minutes, watching closely that they do not burn. Remove from oven when crispy.

Nutrition
One serving equals: 51 calories, 3g fat, 68mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 2g protein