Wine at 5: The Sixth Habit for a Blue Zone Lifestyle: Health and Wellness Blog

Did you increase your fruits and veggies last week? At a barbeque last weekend, I enjoyed my plate of mostly veggies more than I ever have – maybe the power of suggestion :). This week I want to focus on the sixth healthy habit from the Power 9™: move naturally, know your purpose, down shift, 80% rule, plant slant, wine at 5, family first, belong, right tribe.

According to Blue Zones Project, the healthy plant compounds and antioxidants in wine have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and slow the progression of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Try drinking while you eat a meal with friends to experience the full benefits of this Power 9^® principle. Remember, however, that if you go overboard, the positive effects will be replaced with negative habits, so be mindful of your intake.

Since I do not like wine and prefer to ingest the good without the bad, I take a daily supplement with even more of those healthy plant compounds and antioxidants than wine. In addition, I get plenty of fish oil to also help with heart disease and neurological disorders plus take preventative measures for my immune system (the best defense against cancer): whole-food supplements, plenty of sleep, ½ my weight in ounces of water/day, a positive environment, chiropractic care, regular exercise, frequent hand washing, increasing raw-organic foods, more alkaline than acid foods, and any other natural measures I can employ.

It sounds like a lot of work, yet I have found that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Wow – I just realized how many of the Power 9™ support our immune systems :). Luckily, I have plenty of opportunities to fellowship with friends through my daily work, Bible studies, and weekends get-togethers. The gradually warming weather even allows us to get some vitamin D, exercise and fresh air as we fellowship.

For your FREE consultation (in person, over the phone, via email), speaking and training needs, tips, or gift certificates, please contact Jessica Crouch: www.ChooseToImprove.com, Jessica@OrganizeAnywhere.com, 319-504-6689. Remember, reaching a goal with help is better than not reaching it at all: creating healthier lives, empowering others to live their purpose and dreams.