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Bonita & Estero Magazine

A Few Tips Toward a Healthier Lifestyle from FGS Organic Markets' Store Manager

Feb 08, 2018 12:17PM ● By Kevin
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There isn’t a better time than now to start getting fit with health information and products so easily accessible. Simply incorporate the basics into your daily routine – good nutrition, adequate exercise and a daily supplement – and start down the path toward better health.

For Goodness Sake store manager Jodi La Sage started her health and fitness journey 18 years ago and hasn't looked back. It all began at a little store in Naples, where La Sage learned about alternative health and organic eating. Since then, she said she became engulfed into the lifestyle of making conscious decisions about what she was putting into and onto her body.

She's been the manager of the Bonita Springs-based For Goodness Sake Organic Market for the past four years and is excited that the shop is under new ownership. La Sage offered two tips for local residents to get off on the right foot with healthy eating.

"Know your sources, read and understand labels, eat fresh and organic and support local," she explained. "Pre pack snacks, meal prep healthy nutritious meals, drink a large glass of water when you feel hungry. Be present and mindful."

For Goodness Sake, according to its website, "proudly supports the SW Florida Community through educated and open discussion, excellent customer service and by offering the finest organic and natural grocery, health and wellness products."

The saff is dedicated to enhancing the health of our customers and is recognized for its overall health knowledge, compassion and courtesy, the website continues. "[We] are always happy to help you achieve your health and wellness goals."

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy diet as one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nuts, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products. It should be low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar, according to information shared by eLivingToday.com.

  • "Warm weather makes fresh produce more easily accessible. Eat more fruits and vegetables by setting freshly washed and prepared produce on the kitchen counter or at eye level in the fridge. At every meal, make sure half your plate is made up of fruit and vegetable servings.
  • "One-fourth of your plate at every meal should be made up of grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal or barley. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.
  • "The remaining one-fourth of your plate should be lean or low-fat cuts of meat, plant-based protein or seafood."
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends an adequate amount of exercise every day. This guide, also provided by eLivingToday.com, can point to the right amount of exercise to add to your schedule:

  • "Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. For best results, spread the time out over several days.  
  • "Do strength training exercises at least twice a week. Lifting weights builds muscle, which means the body burns more calories – even at rest.
  • "It’s important to keep in mind that when people are active, they produce more free radicals. The antioxidants found in supplements can help buffer the negative effects of the workout."