Vitamin supplements can be looked upon as a nice “insurance policy” to offset what we may be missing in our foods. If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t eat perfectly everyday. I try my best to eat lots of raw produce, but it doesn’t always happen. Therefore, I take a Multivitamin supplement everyday. The ones I like to aim for are Multivitamins that are derived from whole-food sources. Conventional vitamins are synthesized, or more specifically, made in a laboratory. Whole-Food Based Vitamins are much better recognized by the body, and thus, absorbed better by the body.

In my opinion, Vitamin C is the most important to get everyday because our body cannot store or manufacture it. It’s important to help boost our immune system as well as promote integrity of our blood vessels and heart. It’s also a potent antioxidant.

The B-complex vitamins play a pivotal role in many bodily functions, but are especially important for any type of stress, be it emotional or physical. Overall energy levels are compromised when B vitamins are low.

Vitamin A is excellent for vision and skin health, and is also considered a fantastic antioxidant.

Lots of research has been done in recent years on the positive effects associated with Vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is essential for calcium assimilation which in turn promotes bone and teeth health. Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, can also enhance one’s mood which in the winter months can be extremely helpful!

Vitamin E is also a great antioxidant which protects the heart and is great for skin and brain health.

Obviously, with minerals, the same can be said. A good Whole-Food Based Multivitamin should have a good array of minerals which are responsible for many things the body needs to function well. So, look for Multivitamins that are whole-based or even 100% whole-food derived in fine health food stores because it will be worth the “insurance” to promote better health, energy levels, and longevity.

by Dan Morris

We all know that protein is essential to live but, it can also be used to lose unwanted body fat.  The American diet is so filled with what I consider bad carbohydrates in the form of sugars and starches that we tend to overlook the importance of consuming enough protein.  Desserts containing sugar and breads containing white flour pose a risk for weight gain because of a high insulin response as a result from consuming these products. Not all carbohydrates are ‘bad’, however.  We should eat plenty of berries and organic fruits.  Even sweet potatoes and other healthy vegetables are important to eat on a regular basis.

Protein does not affect insulin levels at all, and therefore, becomes a great calorie source compared to those bad carbohydrates.  Chicken, turkey, fish, lean cuts of beef, legumes, and organic dairy are all great ways to get protein.  If an individual doesn’t like meats or has a busy lifestyle, they can supplement their diet with whey protein powder.  This can fill a void as well as help with recovery after workouts and keep one away from junk foods.

Enjoy the extra energy and increased metabolism by balancing protein with bad carbohydrates in your diet.

by Dan Morris

Many people today are not sure what the words raw or whole-food mean?  I can tell you that for what we put into our mouths, this couldn’t be more important to know.  There is so much processed foods in our food supply that it is difficult to avoid eating much of the time.  This can mean anything with preservatives, colors, artificial sweeteners or even pasteurization (heated).  This means just about anything out of a box or carton.  These foods are not good for us because they’re foreign to our bodies and may lead to many issues and illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.  Low energy levels and a poor immune system can also be a result of eating a lot of processed foods.

So what should we focus on eating?  The key word is raw.  A good example would be organic produce.  Organic produce, like berries, has not been tampered with at all and should be eaten by everyone.  Also, grass fed meats and organic dairy and eggs are also excellent food choices.  Some of these foods may not be as quick and easy to prepare, but will make a profound effect on one’s energy levels and overall health. For those of us that lead busy lives there are many supplements that can fill a void in our diets.  Organic berry concentrates are available as well as whole-food based vitamins.  This is very important to look for because the body recognizes and assimilates nutrients so much more efficiently when it’s whole food derived.  All of the mass marketed one-a-day vitamins are synthesized and not whole food based, and therefore, have very little value.

Start a road to better health today by focusing more on raw/whole-food based things to eat today and feel great and live longer for it!

by Dan Morris

1. Be sure to drink plenty of water every day. A good rule of thumb is 1quart per 50 lbs. of bodyweight everyday. Beverages like tea would also count toward this daily water quota as they are mostly water.
2. Be to sure to eat lean protein (chicken, turkey, whitefish, shakes) sources everyday. Average consumption per person should be 60-75% of their bodyweight in grams and 75-100% of bodyweight for those trying to build muscle.
3. Eating smaller more frequent meals throughout the day is important to keep energy levels up, control hunger pangs, and keep metabolism moving.
4. Minimum 60 minutes a week of cardio is great for the heart. Try to do some free weights and machines because resistance training will keep your muscles and bones strong make you feel your best.