Fuel For Starters: How A Healthy Lifestyle Can Fuel Your Business

When you're an entrepreneur, balancing your schedule is challenging. It seems as though there's always too much to do and never enough time or energy to accomplish everything. That being said, many entrepreneurs often prioritize completing work or personal tasks over exercising or eating healthy food simply for the sake of saving time. What they don't realize, is that by trying to save a bit of time, they are only receiving a shortterm gain for a longterm loss. It may take longer to find healthy food options and exercise daily with a busy schedule, but by adopting a healthy lifestyle, you'll receive countless benefits that will have direct effects on your overall performance and attitude in the workplace.

Stress Relief. As meditation in motion, physical activity helps bump up the production of endorphins, your brain's feelgood neurotransmitters. Endorphins work wonders on lowering your stress levels, as well as contributing to an overall positive attitude and peaceful state of mind. So next time you're feeling stressed, try replacing a few cocktails with a great 45 minute workout instead.

Time Management. By disciplining yourself to exercise regularly and plan meals, you bring a certain level of consistency to your schedule and stay driven to follow routine. This discipline reflects in workflow and daily time management, as scheduling forms structure rather than based around reactively responding to tasks.

Energy Boost. Ditch the energy drinks, performance supplements, and coffee (yes, we said it). By exercising and eating nutrientdense foods, your body will reach an optimal energy metabolism (and we all know how much entrepreneurs like to optimize!). This means you will yield more energy with less food and be fueled throughout the day. Also, the more water your body has, the easier it is to convert your food into energy, so staying hydrated is key! Not only will you have increased mental and physical stamina, but your mental sharpness will be more prevalent.

Confidence is Key. Feel better, look better, work better. Remaining mindful of your health, eating well, and staying in motion will give you greater sense of pride and a boost in selfesteem. These life changes will generate a strong and positive attitude, that directly reflects in the workplace. As an entrepreneur, confidence is what will drive you beyond the doubt of peers and inspire investors. It is necessary for a leader to be confident in his/herself as well as his/her business to motivate followers, customers, or teammates.

Longevity. By living a healthy lifestyle, we are reminded that success and results take time. Entrepreneurs can be inherently impatient, selfimprovements help us stay on track with longterm thinking and strategy building. Patience and persistence are key in both your personal and professional life, so do not be disappointed or distracted by seeking instant gratification. Taking care of your welfare will enable you to build your business and do what you love for a much longer time.

Nicole Marquis, founder and CEO of HipCityVeg, operates a series of unique fastcasual restaurants. These restaurants serve only plantbased foods and have begun to storm the east coast after being founded only 4 years ago. When asked how being health conscious affected her as an entrepreneur, Nicole stated, "by actively practicing a healthy lifestyle, it provided me a clear mind and body to stay focused on my idea," Marquis explained, "this active practice and clarity ultimately attributed to my personal success and the success of my business."

Marquis' philosophy is to embrace healthy bodies, a healthy planet, and compassion for all living things through quality plantbased and fastfood inspired meals to people everywhere, which certainly makes the decision and effort to eat healthier a whole lot easier! As dieting and exercise become simpler and more accessible, it is increasingly inexcusable to deny yourself a healthy lifestyle. Take advantage of the vast mental, physical, and professional benefits to give your mind and body what it needs to be the greatest starter you can be.

Dean Mahmoud, Communications, Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship

Sponsored Content Provided by Drexel University's Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship