If you made a resolution to get healthier this year, it’s time to get moving. Here are some ideas to help you continue to make strides toward your goals right here in Asheville.
Eat Local
Asheville has long been known as a beacon of healthy living. That is shown by our abundance in original local grocery stores such as Earth Fare and Greenlife (the latter now owned by Whole Foods.) While you can certainly find decadent foodie options throughout the city, there are also restaurants that cater to every kind of healthy food choice.
For instance, if you avoid gluten in your diet, you don’t have to limit yourself in Asheville. Posana downtown features a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are a few places offering exclusive menus, including the downtown vegetarian institution, Laughing Seed, and the all-vegan Plant on Merrimon Ave in North Asheville. These are just examples of a few of the healthy eating options in town – do you have a favorite?
Get Active
Of course, exercise is also a key factor in staying fit and healthy. Simply going for a walk through one of our many historic neighborhoods can get you out and moving. If you want something more natural, there are hiking trails throughout Buncombe, Madison, Henderson, and throughout all the counties in Western North Carolina.
We’re not going to pretend like there’s a shortage of yoga studios – you’ll find one on practically every corner! The community of Asheville is proud to be a city that makes the practice of yoga and mindfulness more accessible to all.
Live a Sustainable Lifestyle
While food and exercise are the cornerstones of healthy living, in Asheville we also take the environment into account. With a healthy environment, we can be healthier people. At GoPrime Mortgage in West Asheville we encourage everyone to pitch in to create a sustainable lifestyle, which can start as small as participating in recycling programs.
Sustainable living can also mean gardening in your own backyard, or raising chickens, which is popular throughout the city where it’s allowed. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by conserving energy in your home with smart appliances.
Focus on Your Mental Health
Please don’t neglect your mental health when it comes to your resolution to be healthier in 2023. We’re grateful that mental health is being talked about a lot more today, and we encourage everyone in our community to create a culture of positive mental wellbeing.
There are resources in the Asheville area including RHA Behavioral Health Services and All Souls Counseling Center. There are also a number of private counselors in the Asheville area who are there to talk with if you need someone to listen. Don’t forget the value of community when it comes to building your emotional reserves.
Get Involved in the Community
Speaking of community, we believe that health is about more than the individual. Building a healthier Asheville also means having a healthier community. There are positive health benefits you can get from giving back – seriously! Volunteering is good for you mentally and physically.
Keep in mind that you can’t do everything, so choose a cause or two that resonate with you. If you love animals, volunteer with a local rescue group. If you want to make the community better for those experiencing homelessness, you can become active in organizations like Homeward Bound WNC. Whatever you do, get involved.
Simply living in a community that values healthy living can help you live up to and your goals. Finding a home in Asheville starts with talking to a local lender about your financial options, so call us today.
