Hello Loyal Soup People!
I’m seeing a lot of “best of” lists pop up everywhere, so I thought I’d offer one as well! I went through all my Health Tips from 2019, and I wanted to share, humbly, what I thought were three of the most important pieces of advice I offered this year. Let me know what you think!
1 – Keep an eye on sugar intake. I know we’ve heard a lot of changing advice over the years – Avoid fat! Eat fat! Juice! Don’t Juice! But one notion that has really remained consistent in the nutrition world is that sugar doesn’t do you any good. Unless you are burning an astonishing amount of calories every day (i.e. a professional athlete), your body turns sugar into fat. It can also cause inflammation, diabetes, and other diseases. Limiting your sugar intake is a great way to get healthy.
2 – Be wary of certifications. Many people will purchase only organic foods. But this certification is really complicated. First, many small farmers and operators cannot afford the incredible financial and labor burdens associated with the organic certification. They often practice organic and sustainable farming methods – and, in fact, may go beyond organic certification requirements – but will never be able to afford the “stamp.” Also, the organic certification offers a false “health halo” on certain products that aren’t healthy. Organic pizza is still pizza. Instead of focusing only on certifications, learn more about the practices of the companies and farms you support.
3 – Practice gratitude. I’ve been focusing a lot on this during the holidays. But it is really something that we should practice all year long. Feelings of mindfulness and gratitude are essential to mental health. And I truly believe one cannot live a healthy life without mental and physical wellness. They go hand in hand. Whether you write in a daily journal, practice meditation, or simply pause each day to express thanks, I encourage you to find a way to weave gratitude into your life each day.
Thank you so much for reading my tips every few weeks. I so much enjoy sharing them with you and I can’t wait to keep the conversation going in 2020!
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy new year!!
Love,
Soupermom
*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!
Marilyn Polon (Soupermom), Co-Founder and CAO (chief anxiety officer) has been worried about Soupergirl since the company launched in 2008. Actually, even before that. Her career has also been random and fascinating. After twenty years as a speech therapist, Soupermom changed careers and became a volunteer coordinator. She then had a wonderful stint as a docent at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She was then dragged out of retirement by her daughter who insisted that they start a soup company. Could that be any more random?
All of the company’s recipes come from Soupermom’s kitchen. Honestly, she’s a testament to the power of healthy eating. Her hobbies include really long hikes, walking, doting on her granddaughters, and coming up with new recipes for Soupergirl. She is also a guru of all things health related but gets the words to every single song she sings incorrect. All of them. Loudly. Lastly, her laugh is contagious.