The biggest contributor to health and well-being isn’t what you think
If I asked a few random people on the street what the biggest indicator of overall health is, they’d probably say diet or exercise.
Since middle school health class, the emphasis on the food on your plate and how you move your body have been characterized as the biggest levers impacting your health.
While I do fully believe that movement and food both play an important role in overall health, nourishment is about so much more.
From how you spend your time and what you think about to how well you sleep, and even who you spend your time with, there are 16 major factors contributing to your overall health and well-being. But, I think you’ll be shocked to know one of the most impactful of them all.
There was a study1 done a few years back on social networks and the impact that they have on your overall health. It was discovered that there is a significant correlation between healthy behaviors depending on who you spend your time with.2 But, this isn’t just a one-off study. Have you heard of the Blue Zones?
Relationships matter: A lesson from the Blue Zones
It’s no coincidence that the Blue Zones, or the areas in the world where there is the highest concentration of centenarians (people age 100+), emphasize community as one of the key contributors to longevity.
Relationships matter both for your overall health and well-being. From improving mood and reducing stress levels to even encouraging healthy habits3, the people who you spend your time with have such an impact on how you live and show up each day.
The Blue Zone communities place great importance on:
Spending time with loved ones, often living in multi-generational homes
Belonging to a faith-based community and regularly attending group gatherings
Creating social circles around healthy habits such as regularly cooking meals at home, going for a swim in the ocean, or meeting together and sharing their lives at the end of a long day.
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Happiness is contagious
Did you know that happiness is contagious? Not only do relationships matter for your health, but they also can have a big impact on overall happiness as well. From boosting mood and supporting stress levels, to providing encouragement in everyday life, the people around you are making an impact whether you know it or not.
While spending time in community with others matters, it’s important that the people you are choosing to spend time with are living and acting how you wish to become. For me, I care about spending time with people who are encouraging, loving, kind, and ultimately feel like sunshine when I’m around them!
Celebrating love and community to support your health
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the relationships in your life. This is actually one of my favorite holidays because there’s something sweet about the celebration of love in the midst of a chaotic world. Not just romantic love, but platonic love shared with friends and family too. As you step into this next holiday, I encourage you to spend time with people who you care about and deeply enjoy being around. Afterwards, notice how you feel, for the impact to your health and well-being is being shaped daily by the people you spend your time with.
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I’ve rounded up my favorite Valentine’s breakfasts, snacks, and sweets! From nourishing chocolate peanut butter sweet treats to a delightful chocolate cherry pudding, and an extra pink smoothie, this roundup has a little bit of everything to make the day extra special. Enjoy!!
And if you need inspiration for Galentine’s or date night, paid subscribers will receive a special edition meal plan with lots of nourishing & delicious Valentine’s-themed meals this Saturday.
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My favorite healthy Valentine’s snacks & treats
Chocolate, peanut butter, and of course lots of berries are loaded into these nourishing snacks and sweet treats! I love an easy and delicious way to make a day feel more special, and I think you will quite enjoy every one of these easy recipes. Which one are you most excited to try?
8 easy Valentine’s breakfast recipes
Chocolate cherry chia pudding — This creamy chocolate chia pudding is the perfect breakfast packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants!
Strawberry oat crumble — A gluten-free strawberry oat crumble made with fresh berries and a golden oat base. Naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and easy to make.
Chocolate covered cherry overnight oats — Enjoy a festive, gluten-free holiday overnight oats recipe for your nourishment, your energy levels, and your enjoyment!
Raspberry cacao protein pancake bowl — I dream about this breakfast option that takes under 5 minutes to make! Packed with protein and loaded with antioxidants, this dish will set your day up for success.
Raspberry quinoa breakfast bowl — Refreshing, flavorful, and packed with protein this Raspberry quinoa breakfast bowl is an easy option to prep ahead of time. (gluten-free and dairy-free, too!)
Pistachio raspberry basil seed pudding — With about 13 grams of fiber per serving, this smooth and creamy basil seed pudding is an easy prep ahead breakfast that supports gut health while being super flavorful!
Raspberry cacao overnight oats — A festive holiday bonus overnight oats recipe to boost your energy, nourish your body, and delight your taste buds!
Raspberry beet smoothie — A smooth and creamy, bright pink blend that is loaded with iron, protein, and healthy fats. Drizzled with almond butter, this beet smoothie is balanced and delicious!
7 easy Valentine’s sweet treat recipes
Dark chocolate sea salt brownie bark — A nourishing sweet treat rich in antioxidants and a balanced dark chocolate flavor. This is one of my favorite no-bake, gluten-free and dairy-free sweet treats made with real ingredients.
Dark chocolate sea salt cookie dough peanut butter cups — A creamy, rich, and healthy sweet treat made with quality ingredients, these Dark chocolate sea salt cookie dough peanut butter cups are one of my favorite freezer-friendly desserts to have on hand.
Chocolate brownie bite energy balls — These chocolate date energy balls are made with nourishing ingredients, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving while getting in fiber and healthy fats. Enjoy this easy and delicious snack!
Dark chocolate chunk cookie dough stuffed dates — A balanced and nourishing sweet treat rich in fiber plus a boost of protein and healthy fats. These delicious cookie dough bites are one of my favorite afternoon snacks!
Valentine’s dark chocolate peanut butter hearts — It’s love at first bite with these dark chocolate peanut butter hearts with heart sprinkles. Enjoy this nourishing and extra festive Valentine’s sweet treat! I used this heart-shaped ice cube tray to make these cute little heart sweet treats!
Raspberry chia dark chocolate cups — A nourishing and delicious sweet treat with an extra boost of fiber. Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate envelopes a lightly sweetened blend of raspberry chia for a bright and balanced snack!
No-bake chocolate peanut butter super seed cookies — These no-bake chocolate peanut butter super seed cookies are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Enjoy this delicious sweet treat with added benefits!
Stay tuned for a special edition nourishing & delicious week of meals with a prep-ahead breakfast option, a grocery list, and a prep guide in Grace’s grocery guide, coming this Saturday.
Access the full guide and every nourishing recipe to make healthy eating even easier for you, become a paid subscriber today!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Valentine’s edition newsletter. May this inspire you to book a date with a loved one or have a friend over to make a nourishing & delicious sweet treat!
Wishing you a nourishing and joyful week ahead,
Grace Barker
P.S. Would you give this post a ❤️ or 🔄 if you found it valuable? It helps more people find me, so they too can live healthier, more nourished lives!
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https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0217264
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided here is based on my own experiences only and should not be considered as personalized nutrition advice. I am not a registered dietitian and cannot provide medical or dietary guidance for specific health conditions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
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https://time.com/5609508/social-support-health-benefits/
The connection betwen relationships and health outcomes is so underappreciated. I've been thinking alot about how the Blue Zones prioritize multi-generational living and how isolated modern life has become in comparison. The part about happiness being contagious feels especially relevant for building intentional communities around shared values.