Being healthy and eating right impacts our outlook on life and therefore impacts our business.  What better motivation to work harder and achieve more in real estate is there than feeling healthy and knowing your eating habits will improve your quality and quantity of life? 

One of the best sessions on health we have ever attended was presented by Dr. Ann Kulze, M.D., author of Dr. Ann's 10 Step Diet. Her recommendations, presented at the yearly convention of the South Carolina Association of REALTORS®, should motivate you on a Monday or any other day.

What are you doing today to make yourself healthier?

1.  Watch your fats!   Avoid trans fats and eat as little saturated fat as possible.  Get the majority of fats in your diet from virgin olive oil, canola  oil, nuts/seeds, and avocados!  And don't forget those omega 3 fats!  They're essential to your diet.  Dr. Ann says that if you do your fats right, you should:

• Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke  
• Lower inflammation in the body  
• Improve neurological/mental health  
• Reduce the risk of some cancers  
• Decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol  
• Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

 
2.  Watch your carbs!  If a food is white, watch out!  Dr. Ann calls these foods "Great White Hazards":  white flour products, white rice, white potatoes or sugar.  I don't think any of us like the idea of obesity, increased cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Watching your carbs should also help with weight control and improved gastrointestinal health.

3.  Eat your fruits and veggies!  Make your goal 7 servings a day!  "Superstar" fruits include berries, cherries, plums, whole citrus, cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, red grapes, and apples.  "Superstar" veggies include a wide range of vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, and more!  And what should happen if you eat your fruits and vegetables?  You will be able to

• Reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke
• Product against high blood pressure
• Improve gastrointestinal health
• Prevent age related vision loss and more!
  

4   Consume protein in the form of fish, beans, omega 3 eggs, and low-fat dairy.  Of course, we should limit our red meat!

5.  Finally, drink lots of water as your primary beverage.  Drink fresh brewed tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages in moderation, lots of juices (avoid fruit juice is weight if an issue) and no sodas (not even sugar free)!

It's too late to change bad habits for yesterday - Yesterday is already gone. 
Today is just right - matter of fact, right now is the best time to begin! 
Don't put it off until tomorrow!  You will have lost a day! 

We highly recommend Dr. Ann's book and newsletter.  For more information on eating healthy, pick up a copy of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet and check out her website - Healthy Living Made Fun and Easy.  You'll like the free newsletter and her blog.  Do it today!

Bruce and Mary are South Carolina REALTORS® specializing in Savannah Lakes Village, a planned golf and lake front community that features retirement and second homes in addition to lakefront and golf course lots for future building.  Our community has two premier golf courses, Monticello and Tara, and amenities including a Health & Wellness Activities center, clubhouses and restaurants.  For additional information on retirement or second homes in Savannah Lakes Village, email Bruce and Mary or visit Savannah Lakes Homes.