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As we continue to settle into our new normal over the coming weeks and months, it’s essential that we prioritize well-being in our own lives, including healthy behaviors around nutrition, sleep, stress management and physical activity.

Each of these play a key role in protecting our mental wellness and our immune system. Here’s a rundown of strategies to keep in mind:

NUTRITION | sugars and processed carbs are inflammatory, do our best to limit these. Incorporate as many veggies as possible, along with fresh fruits (especially berries).

ALCOHOL | eliminate (or continue to eliminate if already gave up for Lent), or limit to not more than 1-2 drinks per day.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY | any type of movement counts! Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, but even 5-10 minutes is enough to enhance endorphin release and boost mood.

SLEEP | aim for at least 7 hours per night for optimal immune function. Skimping on sleep also makes it more likely that we eat more refined processed carbs, drink more alcohol, and skip our workouts.

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Boost your own personal ‘Social Distancing” Toolkit:

  • Download the Eat Fit Smartphone app for healthy recipes, including zero-proof cocktails, mocktails and Eat Fit dishes, along with brand-specific shopping guides for nutritious food + drink to stock up on.
  • Visit www.OchsnerFitness.com for at-home workout videos that will continue to be added over the coming weeks and months.

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Want more from Molly? Click here to sign up for Nutrition Bites, the Eat Fit weekly e-newsletter with links to her FUELED TV segments here on WGNO, and her articles in NOLA.com and Thrive Global! Follow Molly on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram: @MollyKimballRD – and check out her weekly podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition with Molly; just search ‘Molly Kimball’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.