Chris Johnson

It's about living a life in balance, nationally renowned wellness expert Chris Johnson told UCS staff at a recent seminar.

Johnson, in a presentation sponsored by the Utica Education Association's Staywell committee, shared a guide for living that creates balance between nutrition, energy, and vitality.

"Everybody wants to feel better. Every wants better health," Johnson said.

For Johnson, the key is making sure you have the right information to make positive choices. For instance, nutrition labels generally go by a rule that less is better. Shoppers should keep in mind that the less ingredients in a package, the better the product will be for you.

He also talked about the importance of "upgrading" food selection. If you enjoy peanut butter, look for natural peanut butter at your store. The key is to know your choices.

"I'm not telling you to get rid of anything; I'm just telling you to upgrade," he said.

Johnson said the good news is that it's never to late to begin making small changes that include more activity and better eating habits, since the body has a natural ability to heal itself.

He urged UCS staff members to adopt a "beginner's mind" that would allow them to explore changes that will lead to better health. The important part is to get started, even if the changes are minimal at the beginning.

"Ask yourself: What is one step I can do today that will lead to something better down the road?" he told audience members.

The UEA Staywell Committee is dedicated to supporting wellness in the Utica Community Schools.