Healthy

2018 is here. Phew. With the new year comes a new wave of motivation that we definitely welcome. The list below includes some tips for things to do with that new-year motivation to make a healthy 2018. Find an excuse to walk more. Even if it's just a quick trip outside, walking has the potential to do wonders for your mental and physical health. Try new foods as often as possible. If there something new and intriguing in produce, give it a try it might be a new fave. Are zoodles a thing you've been eyeing for a while but never took the plunge, now's the time. Drink more water. Consider getting a Klean Kanteen or other reusable water to cut down on waste as well as chemical exposure. Wake up on time to give yourself some "me" time. Less

With an aim to inspire families to eat at home together more often, we are proud to celebrate National Family Meals Month™ in September!  During September, we encourage families to share one more meal together per week and we will highlight simple, healthy meal solutions to help make that happen. Did you know that numerous studies underscore the long-term health, academic and societal benefits of consistently eating together as a family?  Home-cooked meals nourish the spirit, brain and health of all family members.  Not to mention, people who frequently cook at home eat fewer, healthier calories.' Additionally, regular family meals are linked to the kinds of outcomes that we all want for our children: higher grades and self-esteem, healthier eating habits and less risky behavior. However, according to a 2013 Harris poll, only 30 percent of American families share dinner every night.

Are you shaking up your diet in the New Year? Valley Natural Foods wants to help your diet get off to the right start. However, you may be wondering why you should even consider including protein powder in your diet.  Protein powders are a great way to fuel up and provide energy pre or post workout such as when running a 5K, in addition to helping boost energy, burn fat and balance blood sugar. Protein powders can also help promote weight loss because Raw Fit, for example, has soluble and insoluble fiber from certified organic grains, seeds, legumes and fruits, which makes one feel full, satisfying hunger, suppressing one's appetite for longer periods of time. Also, if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet that lacks protein-rich foods, a plant-based protein powder mixed in smoothies, a blender bottle, or other foods may be