We all know the basics of what makes for vibrant health: eat well, exercise daily, get enough sleep. But what about the super simple, under-the-radar strategies that are lesser known?

Often overlooked, these quick fixes could pay big dividends in your energy level, digestion, and even longevity. Better yet, each and every one is an easy tweak to your normal routine.

Eat breakfast before having coffee. Coffee is one of my favourite things on the planet, but it’s hard on your stomach acid. We need that acid to digest properly, so do yourself a favour: line your stomach with food first, then coffee.
Plan a date with a friend. Or pick up the phone and call someone you love. Social connections are the stuff of life (literally - they’re closely tied to longevity). The more we can weave these into our daily routine, the better.
Drink alkaline water. Most of what we eat, combined with our North American pedal-to-the-metal lifestyle, tends to make our bodies acidic. The absolute easiest way to nudge your pH in the right direction is to add trace minerals to your drinking water. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a high end filter with multiple layers of charcoal, carbon etc, add a few drops of a trace mineral supplement such as Concentrace to your water.
Eat quality protein at two meals a day. This will ensure you have the energy you need to get through the day. Rather than the highs and lows of carbs, or grazing on purely fruit and veg, which will leave you feeling hungry, protein has staying power. Combine it with complex carbs for the best results.
Veg before fruit. Not all produce is created equal. I know, I know, it’s way more fun to pig out on watermelon than broccoli! Fruit, however, has tons of sugar - which is why it tastes so good. Keep fruit for a snack and make vegetables the centre of your plate.
Take a midday break. A short nap if you can swing it, a simple time out if you can’t. This one is backed by tons of research (and most of the world outside of North America). You’ll feel much peppier come five o’clock if you do this religiously. I like to lie flat on the floor with my legs vertical to the wall, and zone out for 15 minutes. This inversion/ relaxation has the added benefit of boosting immunity.
Read before bed. No, not on your iPad or phone. Get those electronics out of your bedroom! If you’ve watched TV, your brain needs a disconnect to signal that the day is truly done. Nothing does this like an old fashioned book.

These seven strategies may sound too simple to make much of a difference, but small changes often reap big rewards.

Pick one, pick two, or pick them all: the benefits of these health hacks will quickly become obvious when you skip out the door with energy to burn!