Technology has increased our ability to connect with each other. A quick survey of any room will show the majority of individuals looking down at their device. However, are we connecting to others in a positive way? Or are we skimming through posts that are negative, hurtful, and ultimately leaving us with feelings of loneliness and isolation? It's important to cultivate relationships that support our needs and wants. Prioritize your family and friends. Take the time to meet in person and really listen to each other. Get out and actually do things together. Cherish your relationships--it's good for your health!
"Eating the rainbow" is a good technique to incorporate when you're trying to improve your eating habits. We reap the benefits of the micronutrients that occur naturally in whole foods and give the fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. Be cautious, however, of the artificial colored "foods" that are conveniently placed front and center at every corner we turn! These brightly colored candies and snacks have been designed to entice us into buying and consuming them. Yes, artificial food dyes look appealing, especially to children, but they actually do nothing to improve the nutritional value of foods. Found typically in processed foods, many of the chemical dyes, banned in other countries, are still legally used in the US. These artificial colors and preservatives have been linked to hyperactivity, cancer, and other health issues. (See the report issued by The Center for Science in the Public Interest detailing these risks here: hhtps://cspinet.org/resource/food-dyes-rainbow-risks). The best solution is to avoid artificial food dyes all together. Consume whole, real foods as much as possible. Remember that dyes are also found in personal care products, so read the labels on those items as well. Even though they aren't being ingested, they can still be absorbed through the skin.