To be healthy doesn’t mean avoiding all holiday desserts. Last year, we shared baking alternatives for a healthier dessert. For those aiming to reduce sugar or saturated fat intake, these baking substitutions can help, especially during the holiday season. However, health is about more than just the food we eat.
In the early 2000s, longevity researchers introduced the term “Blue Zone” to describe an area of extraordinary longevity. They studied these areas across the world and identified common denominators, of which they found nine. They called these lifestyle habits of the world’s healthiest, longest-lived people the Power 9:
- Move Naturally: Live in environments that promote movement
- Purpose: “Ikigai” or “Why I wake up in the morning”
- Down Shift: Establish routines to shed stress
- 80% Rule: Stop eating when 80% full
- Plant Slant: Beans are staple. Meat is consumed only 5 times per month (and small servings at that!)
- Wine @ 5: Moderate alcohol intake with friends
- Belong: Belong to some faith-based community
- Loved Ones First: Put families first
- Right Tribe: Social circles support their healthy behaviors
As would be expected, elements of our Physical Capital, such as movement and dietary patterns, are important to living healthy lives. However, the Blue Zones Power 9 demonstrate that our Intellectual and Psychological Capitals are just as important to health and longevity. As such, as you enjoy the final weeks of this holiday season, worry less about overindulging and focus more on those that matter most.
Read more about the Power 9 here.
Enjoy a couple of our favorite Blue Zone dessert recipes below:
For more holiday related articles, check out our 2020 Healthy Holidays series, featuring:
- Finding seasonal produce in your area
- Incorporating Physical Activity into your busy holiday schedule
- Strategies to upgrade your Thanksgiving menu at the store, in the kitchen and at the table, with plenty of recipes to choose from
- Baking alternatives for a healthier dessert
Nicole Schultz Ninteau is the Physical Capital Resources Manager with Schultz Financial Group Inc.
Schultz Financial Group Inc. (SFG) is a wealth management firm located in Reno, NV. Our approach to wealth management is different from many other wealth managers, financial advisors, and financial planners. Our team of fee-only fiduciaries strives to help our clients build their wealth across four capitals: Financial Matters, Physical Well-being, Psychological Space, and Intellectual Engagement. We provide family office and wealth management services to clients located in Nevada, California, and other states. If you’d like more information, please check out our website or reach out to us via our contact page.