Before reading, you could jump to the previous article Nourishing Foods for Optimal Health.
So, you’re convinced that health is vital – now the question is, how do you protect and improve it?
The good news is that small, consistent habits in daily life can lead to significant improvements in your health.
At Secret Lands Farm, we believe in a holistic approach. Nourishing your body with good food (our specialty!), staying physically active, getting enough rest, and nurturing your mental well-being. Let’s briefly explore these pillars of a healthy lifestyle.
Eat Whole, Nourishing Foods
Nutrition is the cornerstone of health.
You truly are what you eat, as the old saying goes. A diet based on whole, minimally processed foods provides the vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and fibre your body needs to function optimally. Focus on incorporating plenty of vegetables and fruits (for antioxidants and fibre), whole grains (for energy and digestive health), and quality protein sources.
We’re big fans of lean proteins like fish, legumes, and, of course, our pasture-raised lamb. As well as fermented foods like yogurt or kefir, which can support your gut health with beneficial probiotics.
Cooking at home with fresh ingredients is a great way to ensure you know exactly what’s in your food. (Need inspiration? How about a hearty lamb stew packed with vegetables, or a fresh salad sprinkled with cubes of feta made from sheep’s milk?)
Remember, healthy eating isn’t about strict dieting or depriving yourself.
It’s about balance and enjoyment.
Enjoy indulgent foods in moderation and try healthier swaps. For example, snack on cheese and nuts instead of chips, or choose a naturally sweet treat like our honey yogurt instead of overly sugary desserts.
By choosing high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, you’ll likely find that you feel fuller and more satisfied. Please reduce the temptation to overeat junk food. It might take a little extra time or meal planning to eat healthy, but your body will thank you with steady energy and vitality.
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Stay Active Every Day
Our bodies were made to move, not to sit all day.
Regular physical activity is linked to numerous health benefits. From stronger muscles and bones to better cardiovascular health to improved mood and mental clarity. You don’t have to run a marathon (unless you want to!); even a brisk 30-minute walk or a fun dance session in your living room counts. The key is consistency! Finding activities you enjoy and making them a part of your routine. Maybe it’s a morning yoga flow, a bike ride with the kids, or walking your dog through the snowy trails.
Exercise helps control weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and can even boost your immune system. Plus, it’s one of the best stress relievers around. A quick jog or some stretching can melt away the day’s tensions. During busy times (hello, holiday errands!), try to sneak in movement: take the stairs, do some gentle stretching while watching TV, or have a family snowball fight outdoors. It all adds up.
The bottom line: keep moving in ways that make you happy. Your heart, muscles, and mind will grow stronger for it.
Prioritize Rest and Mental Well-Being
In our go-go-go modern world, rest is often undervalued – but it’s as critical to health as nutrition and exercise. Quality sleep gives your body time to repair and your brain a chance to recharge. Most adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you’ve ever skimped on sleep, you know the next day doesn’t feel great: you might be cranky, foggy, and craving sugar or caffeine.
Chronic sleep deprivation can impair your immune system and is linked to issues like high blood pressure and weight gain. So, consider a healthy sleep routine as a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle. This could mean setting a regular bedtime, creating a relaxing pre-sleep ritual (a warm bath, reading, or a mug of herbal tea – maybe with a splash of our sheep’s milk for creaminess!), and keeping your bedroom cool and dark.
Mental health is equally important.
Mental health is equally important. Managing stress and nurturing a positive mindset can keep you healthier and happier. Different strategies work for other people. You might practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or even baking and cooking as therapy. (Kneading dough or stirring a pot can be wonderfully soothing – and you get a tasty reward after!) Staying connected with loved ones is a huge mood booster, too.
Carve out time for family dinners or video calls with friends, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed – social support is a powerful buffer against stress. If you ever think persistently anxious or down, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Sometimes a chat with a therapist or counsellor can work wonders, just like seeing a doctor for a physical illness.
Remember, mental health is health – never feel guilty for taking a “me day” or doing something that makes you laugh. In this joyful holiday season, simple things like listening to festive music, watching a funny movie, or going outside to enjoy the winter scenery can lift your spirits. A healthy mind-body balance will amplify all the benefits of your good physical habits.
Preventive Care and Listening to Your Body
One more habit of healthy people: they pay attention to their bodies and take preventive health measures.
This means scheduling regular check-ups, dental cleanings, and recommended health screenings (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms/Pap tests, as appropriate). Catching potential issues early can make a huge difference. It also means noticing when something feels “off” in your body or mood and addressing it proactively.
Whether that’s getting extra rest, tweaking your diet, or consulting a healthcare provider. For example, if you notice every time winter comes around, you feel a bit low on energy, perhaps you might be low in vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin). A common issue in Canada’s dark winters – and could benefit from a supplement or more foods rich in vitamin D. Or maybe you realize your knees ache after specific workouts – a cue to vary your exercise or improve your technique.
Listening to your body’s signals and acting on them is a form of self-care that can prevent minor issues. Issues can snowball into larger health problems.
As farmers, we’ve become pretty good at observing our sheep closely and preventing issues – whether it’s noticing a ewe that’s not eating (and might be getting ill) or giving supplements to avoid mineral deficiencies in the flock.
We encourage you to treat yourself with the same attentive care. You deserve it!
By combining wholesome nutrition, regular exercise, ample rest, stress management, and preventive care, you build a strong foundation for health.
Next, let’s zoom in on what we know best: nutritious foods and how they can elevate your health – with examples straight from our farm.
If you would like to learn more, How to support your health with Secret Lands’ products here is a link