• 4 Ways To Start 2022 Off Right

  

  The new year is when you can create new beginnings and resolutions for yourself. As the previous year has been hard on everyone, it is the perfect opportunity to get a total reset and give yourself the chance to prioritize your mental health and physical wellness. Most importantly, it is a great time to plan how to practice a little TLC to avoid feeling burned out during the mid-year period. From incorporating snacks to boost your day to working out regularly, here are four ways you can start 2022 off the right foot.

  Grabbing a Midday Snack

  To many people, Monday is often the psychologically hardest day of the week. As it is the first day of two days of fun and relaxation, your sleep patterns would have already been disrupted by the weekends. So there’s little wonder why you would feel more irritable and annoyed than usual, even if you might have slept earlier the night before. However, there are ways you can change that up.

  For instance, bringing with you a midday snack to school or the office gives you something to look forward to in the morning. We’d recommend getting a mood-boosting, nutritious, and crunch snack like the Crunchmaster Crackers, which are gluten-free, baked to perfection with the right amount of moisture to be paired with your favorite dips and toppings.

  If you’re still feeling a little hungry from lunch, perhaps you could have these Minute Ready to Serve microwavable cups that are made for busy days with meals on the go to give you that boost of energy and keep you satisfied. They are available in various flavors, including Brown Rice & Quinoa, which is gluten-free and non-GMO.

  Drink a Refreshing Cold-Press Shot

  There is nothing better than a refreshing bottle of our PUR Cold-Pressed Shots to give you that shot of midday motivation. Our concentrated doses of essential wellness Elixirs provide you with the best of both worlds, as you can get enjoy the fresh and sweet flavors of our cold-pressed juices while strengthening your immunity and detoxifying the body. This is sure to be a pleasant welcome change in your diet after coming back from an entire holiday season of feasting. Best of all, if you are feeling generous, you can share the Wellness Elixir Combination Pack Cold Pressed Juice Shot with your friends and family!

  Strike a Pose to Get in Shape

  If you have wanted to join a fitness class since the year before, now is the best time to do it! You can take care of both your physical and mental wellness through yoga, where you can train your body to be stronger and more flexible and your mind to be more resilient and calm. In addition, we’d recommend buying your own yoga mat as a way of committing to be healthier this year.

  When shopping for one, remember to do some prior research and determine which material would suit you best. As a general rule of thumb, a thinner mat would be better to train stability-building, while thicker mats are ideal for therapeutic yoga. In addition, PVC mats are easier to maintain and clean, while natural mats made with natural rubber, cork, jute, and TPE are generally more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

  Listen to Music and Audiobooks during Workouts

  According to many studies, music is a mood-booster that can distract you from fatigue and pain during exercising. This causes your endurance to increase, and often you will stretch beyond your physical limits more than you will realize. Many people love listening to music while doing an intense workout as it keeps them feeling motivated and focused. If you are working out on a cardio machine such as a treadmill, you can opt for an audiobook or podcast that you love to distract you from counting the minutes and seconds. We’d recommend getting comfortable headphones within your budget with a Bluetooth connection to eliminate the chances of wires being tangled up all over your hair and body.

  Photos courtesy of Getty Images (woman stretching, yoga mat, headphones)

  SOURCE: Crunchmaster, Minute Rice

  Find more wellness and lifestyle advice to give yourself a boost in the new year at eLivingtoday.com.

  Your Mood-Boosting Juice of the Day

  PUR’s Cold Pressed Juices are crafted using only the freshest, highest-quality natural ingredients that are locally sourced to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. We cold-press our juices to preserve as many nutrients and live enzymes to allow drinkers to reap the maximum benefits of the ingredients we use. At PUR Cold-Pressed, we don’t have to compromise quality for quantity. That is why our cold-pressed juices are produced exclusively in Monterrey, Mexico, where we have better control over the cold-pressing process of our drinks. More importantly, our flavors are perfect for all seasons, when you can share the joy of drinking our signatures cold-pressed juices with your family.

  For more information about our cold-pressed juices, please do not hesitate to contact us!

• 4 Ways To Beat the Cold During Flu Season

  

  When the cold temperature drops during the year, many illnesses such as cold and flu tend to arise. Many experts say this is due to more time spent indoors, and therefore this increases the likelihood of the cold virus spreading from one person to another.

  Unfortunately, many people tend to conflate the flu symptoms with the common cold. According to a OnePoll survey conducted by Mucinex on more than 2,000 Americans, it found that sore throat, fever, and migraine are the top symptoms of a person suffering from the flu.

  With the rising cases of the pandemic and the cold weather, you are likely to spend more time at home with your family members. While there isn’t a failsafe way to ensure that you and your family won’t catch a cold, there are some precautions you can take to lower the chances of contracting the flu.

  Maintaining Personal Health and Hygiene

  One reason why many viruses tend to spread so easily is due to poor personal hygiene. Small steps such as washing and sanitizing your hands before and after eating are essential to prevent you from spreading or catching the infection. In addition, working on your health by exercising regularly and eating healthily during this period is crucial and can significantly boost your immune system and lower the chances of inflammation.

  Drinking sufficient water and getting enough sleep every night (at least 7 to 9 hours) are equally important. They can help the body regenerate, strengthen antibodies, and develop a barrier against common illnesses.

  Stocking and Preparing in Advance

  Catching the flu symptoms, such as sore throat, can be disruptive, uncomfortable, and at times painful. Therefore, it is important to stock up your medicine cabinet with throat lozenges and sprays to soothe and alleviate the pain. We’d recommend using the Mucinex InstaSoothe line to combat your symptoms.

  Experts have clinically proven them to quickly deliver a numbing, anesthetic effect to the throat, which can last up to two hours. While the throat is numbed, active ingredients such as Dextromethorphan HBr will suppress coughs.

  In addition to this, you should also prepare other pain relievers, decongestants, fever reducers, cough syrups to fight other cold symptoms. To help you stay on top of your health, masks, tissues, hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps should be replenished as you brace for the incoming winter season. Thermometers and humidifiers will also be useful to manage your illnesses.

  Disinfect Household Surfaces

  Generally, many people tend to fall sick during the winter months as they tend to neglect their own personal hygiene. In addition, viruses and bacteria that cause the cold and flu tend to spread more easily in colder temperatures. They are usually passed through contact with non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, and wood and can last for up to 72 hours.

  Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry and disinfect all communal surfaces such as light switches, remote controls, doorknobs, faucet handles, dining tables, countertops, and toilet seats. Some helpful and effective ingredients in disinfectant and antibacterial sprays you should look out for are ethanol (alcohol), sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide (bleach), citric acid, and pine (with at least 30% concentration)

  Plan Ahead for Your Children’s Sick Days

  Having your little one become sick during the winter can be disruptive and worrying. That is why it is critical to plan ahead and clarify your workplace’s sick time or leave policies during the start of the year. Speak to your manager or human resource department to discuss possible flexible arrangements that work for both parties – for instance, working from home if your responsibilities permit it.

  Having a clear line of communication will help significantly in the future, as you will not need to sacrifice your leave days for an unexpected event. Alternatively, you can consider asking a friend or family member to help out if you’re unable to take time off. Remember to inform their school teachers and coordinate with them any homework or materials they will have to catch up on when they recover to ensure they don’t lag behind.

  Find more self-care remedies and tips for managing cold and flu season at Mucinex.com.

  Photos courtesy of Getty Images

  SOURCE: Mucinex

  Your Family’s First Choice

  PUR’s Cold Pressed Juices are crafted using only the freshest, highest-quality natural ingredients that are locally sourced to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. We cold-press our juices to preserve as many nutrients and live enzymes to allow drinkers to enjoy the maximum nutrition from the ingredients we use. At PUR, we don’t have to compromise quality for quantity. That is why our cold-pressed juices are produced exclusively in Monterrey, Mexico, where we have better control over the cold-pressing process of our drinks. More importantly, our flavors are perfect for all seasons, when you can share the joy of drinking our signatures cold-pressed juices with your family.

  For more information about our cold-pressed juices, please do not hesitate to contact us!

3 Healthy Recipes To Try In 2022

With the new year finally upon us, now is the perfect time for you to make new resolutions and commit to them. The first and most immediate aspect of your line that you can change is your diet. Today, fresh ingredients are readily available and accessible at grocery stores and meal delivery programs. So whether you're starting work, resuming your school semester, or returning to your office, you can always make intelligent meal choices that will provide you with the fuel you need to tide you over the day. We share three healthy and delicious recipes to try in 2022 this year.

Tuna Pasta Casserole

This Tuna Pasta Casserole serves four people is perfect for those looking for a filling meal feeling guilty about it, as it is made with whole-wheat rotini pasta. This sumptuous dish provides you with an ideal balance of protein from the tuna and vitamin A and vitamin C from the mixed vegetables and peppers. As many of the ingredients are naturally savory, you won't need to add more salt to enhance its taste.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces dried whole-wheat rotini pasta (about 1 1/2 cups)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 pouch (11 ounces) low-sodium chunk light tuna
• 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) low-fat, low-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose, salt-free seasoning blend
• 3/4 cup crushed low-sodium, whole-grain crackers
• 1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Boil the pasta according to the package's instructions without adding salt. Drain with a colander and transfer to a large bowl
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a two-quart baking vessel with cooking spray.
4. Add mixed vegetables, chopped roasted bell peppers, tuna, chicken soup, salt-free season blend, and half-and-half. Mix until well-combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top it off with whole-grain crackers and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake in the oven for half an hour or until the casserole topping is golden brown.

Nutritional information per serving: 400 calories; 7g total fat; 2.5g saturated fat; 0g trans-fat; 2g polyunsaturated fat; 2g monounsaturated fat; 30mg cholesterol; 537mg sodium; 52g carbohydrates; 8 g dietary fiber; 7g sugars; 32g protein.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good initiative

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Tuna Pasta Casserole)

Turkey and Bean Tostadas

If you are looking for something healthy yet savory that can spice up your day, the Turkey and Bean Tostadas serve five people and are your go-to meal. Infused with lime juice and a variety of different spices, this dish incorporates nutritious ingredients that meet your daily needs. From creamy avocado to juicy tomatoes to sweet corn to spicy jalapenos, you get to taste nature's flavor in one bite.

Ingredients

Salsa:

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 2 medium tomatoes)
• 1 medium avocado, halved, pitted, and diced
• 1 medium avocado, halved, pitted, and diced
• 1-2 medium fresh jalapenos, seeds and ribs discarded, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Tostadas:

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 5 corn tortillas (6 inches each)
• 8 ounces ground skinless turkey breast
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. To make salsa: Stir in tomatoes, corn, jalapenos, onions, avocado in a bowl, and top it off with lime juice. Set it aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
3. To make tostadas: Line a baking tray with aluminium foil and lightly grease with non-stick cooking spray. Spread tortillas evenly across the sheet and evenly grease with cooking spray. Pierce your tortillas with a fork to prevent air pockets. Bake them in the oven for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden-brown.
4. In a medium non-stick saucepan, cook the ground turkey and season with chill powder, ground cumin, coriander with medium-high heat until it is thoroughly. Stir occasionally to break and separate turkey bits.
5. Add in the beans and cook till they are heated through. Remove from heat and coarsely mash the beans with a potato masher.
6. Lastly, assemble your tostadas by spreading the turkey mixture and topping with salsa.

Nutritional information per serving: 260 calories; 7.5g total fat; 1g saturated fat; 0g trans-fat; 1g polyunsaturated fat; 4.5g monounsaturated fat; 18mg cholesterol; 60mg sodium; 33g carbohydrates; 8g dietary fiber; 7g sugars; 19g protein.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good initiative

Ginger Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
• 1 medium onion, finely minced
• 3/4 tablespoon minced peeled gingerroot or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) solid-pack pumpkin
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large pot and cook and stir onion occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes until soft.
2. Add in garlic, thyme, cinnamon, ground ginger/gingerroot, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until well-combined.
3. Stir in flour, and pour in the vegetable broth and water. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot and continue cooking until well combined.
4. Add in the pumpkin, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. After five minutes, reduce the heat and bring it to a simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Pour and stir in the milk, and remove from the heat.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with sour cream and chives to taste.

Nutritional information per serving: 138 calories; 2.5g total fat; 0g saturated fat; 0g trans-fat; 0.5g polyunsaturated fat; 1g monounsaturated fat; 1mg cholesterol; 199mg sodium; 27g carbohydrates; 10g dietary fiber; 14g sugars; 6g protein.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good initiative

SOURCE: American Heart Association

More Tips for a Better 2022

Mastering these three healthy and delicious recipes is a great way to kickstart your new year. While maintaining a good diet is important, it is equally important to focus and take good care of the mind and self to avoid burnout. Here are a few practices and habits you can integrate into your daily routine to help boost and increase your self-confidence and growth:

• Spend more time with the family: According to some studies, setting aside some quality time for regular meals can greatly increase your self-esteem, strengthen bonds, and lower stress levels.
• Appreciate the cool temperature: The cool weather won't last forever. So take this opportunity to do outdoor exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, or running without breaking a sweat. Soaking in that vitamin D in the morning contributes to a better mood and strength immunity. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week.
• Incorporate more TLC: Spend more time away from the phone and switch off your phones, laptops, and electronic devices that can be distracting. Instead, take the time to process the day and think about what you are grateful for.

Your One-Stop Destination for Cold-Pressed Juices

PUR's Cold Pressed Juices are crafted using only the freshest, highest-quality natural ingredients that are locally sourced to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. We cold-press our juices to preserve as many nutrients and live enzymes to allow drinkers to reap the maximum benefits of the ingredients we use. At PUR, we don't have to compromise quality for quantity. That is why our cold-pressed juices are produced exclusively in Monterrey, Mexico, where we have better control over the cold-pressing process of our drinks. More importantly, our drinks are perfect for all seasons, when you can share the joy of drinking our signatures cold-pressed juices with your family.

For more information about our cold-pressed juices, please do not hesitate to contact us!