Start the New Year Right: Intentional Acts for Eye & Brain Health, Energy, and Sleep

This content was written in partnership with OmniActive Health Technologies for its “Lutein for Every Age” initiative, a consumer awareness initiative with the goal of educating people on the importance of lutein for eye health throughout life. It’s January, and we’re all about that fresh start energy. There’s just something about the new year that makes us all want to do better in all areas of life, especially our wellness. This year let’s skip the over-the-top resolutions and focus on intentional acts and goals that are meaningful, doable, and at the same, downright transformative. A focus on eye and brain health, energy, and sleep—may be the trifecta to feeling your best this year—and a great place to start a new year wellness journey. Why? Achieving progress and benefits in these areas can actually be enjoyable (and tasty!) with the right recipes (and products). Let’s dig into specific health goals for each of these areas of focus, why they matter and how to crush them with ease.  Goal number 1: Prioritize Eye & Brain Health Why It Matters:Your eyes and brain are the ultimate multitaskers, whether you’re hustling through work, scrolling your feed, or sharing laughs with your favorite people. Eye health and brain health are synergistic. Think gut-brain axis. There is an eye-brain axis, and if you notice  issues with vision, it may be a sign that something is going on in the brain.  If you care about your eye and brain health, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by OmniActive Health Technologies (I’m a nutritional advisor to the company) found that 76% of people prioritize eye health and 80% value cognitive health.  One of the easiest ways to care for your eyes and brain this year is to incorporate the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin; they’re your secret weapons. These nutrients act as antioxidants to not only help shield your eyes from blue light but also support memory and focus. But here’s the thing: the body cannot make macular carotenoids, so dietary intake (or supplementation) is the only way to get beneficial amounts. Think of lutein and zeaxanthin as your natural vision and brain protectors—good for everyone in the family, from the youngest to the wisest. Here are a couple of delicious ways to get your lutein and zeaxanthin in: When shopping for supplements, look for Lutemax 2020 or Lutemax Kids on the label. They’re formulated to deliver that lutein goodness for healthier vision and sharper focus. Check out  Lutein for Every Age for more expert insights on eye and brain health and how lutein and zeaxanthin work to support eye health and cognition. Goal number 2: Boost Your Energy Why It Matters:Let’s face it: consistent energy is key to tackling everything from your morning workout to after-school carpool—and still having the mojo for a little “me time.” In the same OmniActive survey  81% of people said that they value steady energy, and 69% say it impacts their mood. Makes sense to us. How much better is everything when you feel more alive?  There’s no better reason to fuel your body smarter than to beat the afternoon energy crashes. Nutrition is a game-changer here, helping you stay energized and focused throughout the day. To get you started, aim to do these few things: 1) Start the day with a breakfast of whole real foods to lay a good foundation for the entire day, 2) continue to eat whole real foods consistently throughout the day that provide fiber, protein and healthy fats, 3) stay adequately hydrated and 4) minimize highly packaged processed foods and sugar. This is a great way to ensure proper blood sugar control and steady energy.  Here are some delicious ways to keep your energy up: If you’re still in need of a little boost or mental energy, look for supplements or ready-to-made drinks featuring enXtra. enXtra is a caffeine-free ingredient that can help you power through your day without the crash often experienced when consuming caffeine. It has been shown to increase alertness, focus and attention.  Goal number 3: Improve Your Sleep Why It Matters:Sleep is a pillar of a Nutritious Life for good reason. Sleep is critical to brain function, immune health, and heart health. And, there is a direct link between inadequate hours of sleep and being overweight and obese. Seventy-eight percent of people prioritize better sleep, yet it’s still something many of us struggle with achieving.  Research shows that sleeping only 4 hours per night for 2 nights causes leptin, the satisfaction hormone that tells your body to stop eating, to drop 18%. And levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone that says “eat more,” to jump 28%. There’s a reason you can’t stop chowing after pulling an all-nighter.  Stress, screens, and busy schedules can all wreak havoc on our sleep cycles. This year, give yourself a real bedtime and stick to it, ditch the screens at least 30 minutes prior to going to bed and focus on nighttime eating and drinking habits that support your sleep.  Nighttime foods and drinks to help you sleep better: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nutritious Life | Founded by Keri Glassman (@nutritiouslifeofficial) If you still need help, botanical ingredients such as Sleeproot can help. This low-dose valerian extract can be a game-changer for better sleep hygiene. Recent research suggests that those who took Sleeproot significantly increased actual sleep time and fell asleep faster.  This year, let’s focus on these intentional shifts that make us feel sharp, focused and energized. Prioritizing eye and brain health, maintaining steady energy, and improving sleep are key. With simple lifestyle shifts and a little support from the right products, these goals are absolutely within reach. Check out Lutein for Every Age for more expert advice, recipes, and inspiration. Cheers to your healthiest, most energized year yet! (Image: Unsplash)  

5 Surprising Reasons You’re Always Tired 

Can’t figure out why you’re tired all the time? The obvious answer is that you’re probably not sleeping enough. After all, very few people are getting the recommended seven to nine hours per night.  RELATED: 6 Tips for Better Sleep But there are other, not-so-obvious factors that may be affecting your energy levels. From what and how you’re eating to the hormones circulating throughout your body—it’s all connected. If you’ve conquered your insomnia but still feel like you’re always dragging (or running on caffeine), consider these possible causes. 5 Common Causes of Fatigue  You’re Dehydrated  Studies suggest that even mild dehydration can mess with your energy levels, causing fatigue and making it difficult to concentrate. You should be drinking (on average) 64 ounces a day. If you have trouble making that happen, consider these tips to make your H2O more exciting. You’re B12 Deficient  B vitamins are often called “the energy vitamins.” Specifically, not getting enough B12 can make you feel weak and tired. Vegans and vegetarians are especially at risk for B12 deficiency. Follow this advice to try to get enough in your diet, or you may need to supplement. You’re Not Eating Enough Protein  Carbs give you fast energy, but protein takes longer for the body to break down, giving you sustained energy. Especially if you’re frequently exercising, you may not realize how much protein is required to help your body repair and build muscle. Salmon is a great option since it’s filled with protein and delivers those beloved B vitamins. You’re Eating Too Infrequently Long stretches without fuel can leave you running on empty. Eat small meals or snacks every three to four hours to keep your energy level steady. Just remember to avoid sugary snacks since high-sugar foods will only provide a quick rush and then an energy crash. You’re Thyroid Is Out of Whack Countless people are walking around with undiagnosed thyroid issues that lead to constant fatigue and weight gain. According to UCLAHealth.org, some symptoms include joint or muscle pain or weakness, a puffy face, and unexpected weight gain. If your symptoms seem to match, consider heading to your MD for tests. Of course, don’t forget: While any of these scenarios may be draining your energy, fixing them won’t negate the need for a good night’s sleep…every night.