HEALTH TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE
Nutrition:
1. Buy whole foods — whether canned, frozen, or fresh from the farm — and use them in place of processed foods whenever possible.
2. Reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup, a calorie-dense, nutritionally empty sweetener that many believe is worse for the body than sugar
3. Start each dinner with a mixed green salad. Not only will it help reduce your appetite for more caloric foods, but it also will automatically add veggies to your meal.
2. Reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup, a calorie-dense, nutritionally empty sweetener that many believe is worse for the body than sugar
3. Start each dinner with a mixed green salad. Not only will it help reduce your appetite for more caloric foods, but it also will automatically add veggies to your meal.
4. WATER, WATER, and more WATER. Not only will you eat less but you will feel less fatigued and your skin will look fabulous. You would be surprised how many people are dehydrated and don’t even know it.
Physical Fitness:
1. Do a squat every time you pick something up. Instead of bending over in the usual way, which stresses the lower back, bend your knees and squat. This forces you to use your leg muscles and will build strength.
2. Every time you stop at a traffic light (or the bus does), tighten your thighs and butt muscles and release as many times as you can. (Don’t worry, no one will see it!) This will firm leg and buttock muscles improve blood flow — and keep you mildly amused!
3. Whenever you’re standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes.
3. Whenever you’re standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes.
Stress Control:
1. Give your partner a hug and kiss every day before work and after. Studies show this simple act can help you remain calm when chaos ensues during your day and also better your relationship.
2. Have a good cry. It can boost your immune system, reduce levels of stress hormones, eliminate depression, and help you think more clearly.
3. Twice a day, breathe deeply for three to five minutes. You will be surprised how much more relaxed you will feel.
2. Have a good cry. It can boost your immune system, reduce levels of stress hormones, eliminate depression, and help you think more clearly.
3. Twice a day, breathe deeply for three to five minutes. You will be surprised how much more relaxed you will feel.
Sleep:
1. Sprinkle just-washed sheets and pillowcases with lavender water. The scent has been shown in studies to promote relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.
2. Buy a new pillow. Studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a “cool” pillow — one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keep your head cool.
3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You’ll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan — a natural sleep-inducer.
2. Buy a new pillow. Studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a “cool” pillow — one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keep your head cool.
3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You’ll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan — a natural sleep-inducer.
Just a bit of advice: Do not take off more than two or three days at a time. After missing a few days, it is easy to miss a few more and then to lose the habit entirely. Even if the activity is less strenuous that it had been before, or if your schedule is tight and it cannot be done for long, exercise anyway. Something is always better than nothing and even short workouts help to retain the habit.
Remember that the benefits outweigh the costs. Working out does take up time and energy, but it also promotes health and mobility, increases confidence, improves the quality of sleep, and makes you more attractive. It is easy to make excuses and say “I’ve done a lot today and I’m tired” or “I have no time” but in the end, you will reap the immense benefits of exercise if you sacrifice the time and energy that it takes to exercise. With all these little health tips you will not only feel like a million bucks…you will look like it too!!! =0)