EP 26: The Power of Prevention: How to Stay Energized and Healthy Without Another Prescription

Marie Grace Berg on April 28, 2025

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

Have you ever felt like your energy tank is always running on empty? Many of us on Amelia Island are busy with work, family, and trying to enjoy our beautiful beaches. When we feel tired, we often reach for quick fixes. But what if there’s a better way?

The Energy Garden: A New Way of Thinking

Imagine your body is like a garden. You can wait until weeds appear and then pull them out. Or, you can take care of your soil daily so fewer weeds grow in the first place.

This is what Dr. Means teaches us in her book “Good Energy.” Prevention isn’t about avoiding illness – it’s about creating vitality before problems begin.

Why Nassau Health Foods Believes in Prevention

Here at Nassau Health Foods, we’ve been serving Amelia Island since 1985 with one mission: to help you live a healthier, more sustainable life. We believe good energy doesn’t come from a bottle – it comes from daily choices that nurture your body’s natural abilities.

5 Simple Ways to Create Good Energy Through Prevention

1. Morning Rituals That Set the Tone

Your body has an internal clock that loves routine. Here’s a simple morning plan:

Let the sunshine in: Open your curtains within an hour of waking up
Hydrate before caffeine: Drink a full glass of water before your coffee
Move gently: Stretch or take a short walk to wake up your muscles

Quick Win: Place a glass of water by your bed each night. Drink it when you wake up before doing anything else.

2. Food First: The 80/20 Energy Solution

Did you know about 80% of your energy comes from what you eat? Prevention means feeding your body before you feel hungry.

Start with fiber: Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables
Add protein: Include eggs, fish, or plant proteins like lentils
Don’t forget healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil help your body absorb nutrients

Success Story: Jessica, a busy mom who shops at our store, started eating protein with every meal. Within two weeks, her afternoon energy crashes disappeared.

3. Stress: Your Teacher, Not Your Enemy

Stress isn’t always bad. It’s like an alarm system telling you something needs attention.

Get curious: Ask “What is my stress trying to tell me?”
Take mini-breaks: Even 2 minutes of deep breathing can reset your nervous system
Write it down: Keep a small notebook to jot down what triggers your stress

Prevention Tip: Create three 5-minute breaks in your day dedicated to nothing but breathing and resetting.

4. Movement as Medicine

Your body was built to move. Sitting all day is like keeping a car in park with the engine running – you’ll burn fuel but go nowhere.

Set a timer: Stand up and move every 30 minutes
Make it fun: Dance to one song, stretch, or walk around your home
Think small: Two minutes of movement is better than zero

Island Idea: Take advantage of our beautiful beaches! A 10-minute barefoot walk in the sand works muscles you didn’t know you had.

5. Sleep: Your Ultimate Prevention Tool

Sleep isn’t just rest – it’s when your body repairs itself. Poor sleep is like trying to build a house with half the construction crew missing.

Consistency matters: Go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends
Create darkness: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask
Cool down: Keep your bedroom between 65-68 degrees for optimal sleep

Easy Win: Turn off screens one hour before bed. Read a book or listen to calm music instead.

The Prevention Path: Tom and Susan’s Story

Tom and Susan moved to Amelia Island for retirement. At first, they felt tired despite having more free time. They came to Nassau Health Foods looking for energy supplements.

Instead of just selling them pills, we talked about prevention. They started with small changes:

Morning beach walks to get natural light
Shopping for organic produce at our store
Taking our Revasca Heart Supplements as part of their prevention plan
Getting a Glycocheck Screening to understand their heart health

Six weeks later, they didn’t need those energy drinks anymore. “We feel better now than we did ten years ago,” Susan told us.

Why Prevention Works When Quick Fixes Don’t

Think of your body like a bank account. Quick fixes are like taking out loans – they give you energy now, but you pay interest later. Prevention is like making small, regular deposits that grow over time.

Dr. Means explains that our bodies are designed to generate good energy naturally when given the right tools.

The Science Made Simple:

Blood Sugar Stability: When your blood sugar stays steady, your energy doesn’t crash
Inflammation Control: Less inflammation means more energy for daily activities

Hormone Balance: Well-balanced hormones help your body use energy wisely

How Nassau Health Foods Supports Your Prevention Journey

We’re not just a store – we’re your partners in prevention:

Organic Groceries: Fresh, clean foods that support stable energy
Amelia Fresh Café: Healthy meals when you’re too busy to cook
Thrive Membership: Personalized guidance for your wellness journey
Glycocheck Screening: See how your prevention efforts are working
Revasca Heart Supplements: Support your heart health naturally

Start Your Prevention Plan Today

Remember the garden metaphor? The best time to start caring for your energy garden was years ago. The second best time is today.

Take These Simple First Steps:

Add before you subtract: Add one vegetable to every meal before cutting anything out
Start with morning light: Open your curtains first thing tomorrow
Move a little more: Set a timer to stand up every hour
Visit us: Stop by Nassau Health Foods for a free 10-minute prevention consultation

Your Good Energy Future Awaits

Prevention isn’t complicated – it’s about small, consistent actions that add up over time. As Dr. Means reminds us in “Good Energy,” your body knows how to thrive when given the right support.

Here on Amelia Island, we’re lucky to have natural beauty all around us. Let’s match that outer beauty with inner vitality through the power of prevention.

Ready to start your prevention journey? Visit Nassau Health Foods at 833 T.J. Courson Road or call us at (904) 277-3158. Your future energetic self will thank you!

Nassau Health Foods has been empowering the Amelia Island community to live healthier, more sustainable lives since 1985. Our knowledgeable staff can help you create a personalized prevention plan based on your unique needs.

🌱 Visit us in-store or online to start your journey toward better energy and vibrant health. https://nassauhealthfood.com