Back to Health

In today’s busy world it is easy to lose track of our well being. With trying to balance work and weekend chores many of us have got into the habit of grabbing a quick bite to eat just to save time. Quite often after a long day and busy weekend there is little energy left for ourselves let alone having enough time for an exercise routine. But there is a way to regain your vitality and also find the time for a healthier you.

Nutrition

Eating wholesome foods and staying physically active can boost your energy and enhance your health. With a just a few changes you not only help prevent many diseases but you regain your well being. Start the day right by eating a nutritional breakfast. Try not to skip meals, this leads to unmindful snacking and plays havoc with blood sugar levels. Eat bright colorful foods, they are full of vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals. Keep a large fruit bowl on the counter or table and overfill it with, oranges, bananas, kiwi, all your favorites. Eat a large dark green leafy vegetable salad once a day. Go light on the salad dressing try olive oil and imported vinegar. Pamper yourself. Slow down and enjoy your food. Take the time to sit at the table and make dining something special. Maybe have dinner by candlelight or under the moon. Choose your fats wisely. Limit or maybe get rid of the unhealthy fats you find in vegetable shortenings or lard, red meats, and fried foods. Never shop hungry. Everything looks wonderful in the grocery store when you are famished. Try making a food list of healthy items for the next time you shop. Read you food labels. Avoid eating foods that contain chemicals and preservatives for some ingredients are known to have unhealthy side effects and no nutritional value.

Exercise and Breathing

Finding time to exercise is not always easy. The importance of exercise cannot be emphasized enough. But there are ways to incorporate some type of activity into our daily lives.

• If you live close to work and the grocery store, walk or ride a bicycle there instead of driving.
• Anytime there are elevators available, do not use them. Climbing stairs is great exercise and will tone your legs in a short time.
• Next time your child or friends child is outside playing hopscotch or baseball, join in the fun.
• Instead of meeting friends for lunch at the local coffee shop have your friends join you for a walk to the park or window shopping.
• Join an exercise class that is close to work so you can go there before or after work or maybe during part of your lunch.
• Walk your dog or a neighbors dog as often as you can, this is a good way to get out for fresh air and get some exercise.
• When you are standing in line anywhere take note of your posture. Stand straight and tall, bring down the shoulders from the ears, and breathe.

If you find yourself getting impatient when you are in line or while driving; stop and take note. This is an opportunity to take a break and do some deep breathing. Getting upset will not make the traffic or grocery line move any faster. Stress is one of the major causes of disease.

Take just 10 or 15 minutes in a day to sit down and not just relax but let go of all worries. If you find your mind wandering, focus on your breathing. Sometimes closing your eyes can help you relax.