The people around us can play an important role in our overall well-being and quality of life. In the world’s original Blue Zones, researchers found that the right social networks—or the Blue Zones Power 9Ò principle of “Right Tribe”—can help us live longer, healthier lives. Sometimes we must seek out those relationships--and sometimes they are given to us.
Plant-based foods are the mainstays of meals in the world’s original Blue Zones, where people live notably longer and healthier lives. That means a diet with very little meat, instead favoring beans like fava, black, soy and lentils. For Alma Rangel, this Blue Zones Power 9 principle of eating with a “Plant Slant” is key to both her lifestyle and livelihood.
For Charlie Blaylock, farming is his “ikigai,” a Japanese concept meaning “why I wake up in the morning.” Since childhood, he has felt a calling to work outdoors, and while it took a couple of decades and a few career twists and turns, he finally tapped into his life’s purpose six years ago when he started Shine’s Farmstand.
As many organizations have done during the COVID-19 crisis, Blue Zones Project has pivoted from its more traditional work to projects that align with immediate and emerging needs in the community.
Double Up Food Bucks Program at Cowtown Farmers Market Enables SNAP Recipients to Stretch Their Food Dollars.
The school year is coming to a close. Students and educators will miss those end-of- the-year events and goodbye hugs. However, there are plenty of virtual tools to help keep children engaged and learning all summer long. Check out these resources and be sure to follow our Facebook page for more tips. Have a healthy summer!
June is National Great Outdoors Month – something right up our alley! It’s a great opportunity to encourage children and adults alike to get outside and support a healthy lifestyle. Remember, one of the Power 9® principles for longevity is Moving Naturally. In the original Blue Zones areas of the world, people don’t exercise by going to the gym or running marathons; movement is built into their daily lives through gardening, walking, and other chores.
Since the launch of Blue Zones Project five years ago, Fort Worth’s well-being has risen significantly, going from one of the country’s unhealthiest cities to now ranking in the top 20 percent of the country’s metropolitan areas.
Fort Worth’s newest and brightest art installation is making the city more colorful than ever—all while promoting residents’ well-being.
Students at Westpark Elementary had the chance to school their teachers earlier this spring. That’s when Westpark’s Blue Zones Project student ambassadors held their own cooking demonstration—educating faculty and staff about the benefits of scratch cooking and serving up easy-to-make pancakes from wholesome ingredients.