Because I believe diet and exercise are so important, I'm often frustrated with the recommendations I receive. Nutrition and natural health ideas are often so negative (don't eat this, watch out for that) or so rigorous (be sure to eat some raw, natural, organically grown vegetable I've never heard of) or so complicated, I end up ignoring them. And yet, I know diet is critical to my health and well-being, so I made up my own rules. My objective was simplicity, so all of you with greater will-power and more discipline, cut me some slack, OK? For the rest of us, I hope you find them useful.
1. Eat less. I used to eat until I was full, and then snack as a hobby. And, sometimes I still do. But, more and more, I decide when I've eaten enough, leave room for a treat later, and simply choose to eat a little less. I think it helps.
2. Drink more water. I used to try to drink 8 glasses a day, but I usually ended up either losing count?or just going to the bathroom a lot. Now, on my way to the table I stop by the sink and grab a glass of water. I figure that's more water than most people drink, it probably helps me eat less (see Rule #1), and sometimes it reminds me to drink even more. Close enough.
3. Eat more fruit. Benjamin Franklin said, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." I just know apples, a banana, some grapes or something "exotic" like a mango or a kiwi tastes good, and it's the fastest, most portable and convenient food I've found. A handful of those little baby carrots beats a sandwich by a good 90 seconds!
4. Eat your vegetables. Yeah, still listening to my mother. But on the positive side, they're so easy! No sauces, no mixing or blending or nothing! Raw, steamed or microwaved, they're great for adding color to a meal (greens, yellows, and beans in all sorts of colors). I know fresh and organically grown is best, and sometimes I buy them that way?.
5. Eat more rice and baked potatoes. I score points with my doctor, my "significant other" and again, it's about the easiest cooking I've figured out.
6. Stretch when you feel like it. I used to follow a routine that recommended stretching and yoga for about 30 minutes every morning. Wonderful stuff! Very healthy. And someday I'm going to give it another try! For now, every morning, and several times during the day, I stand up and try to reach the ceiling. I bend, twist, shake my shoulders, breath deep, whatever seems to feel good at the moment. Then I get back to work.
7. Avoid exercise and elevators. OK, I believe jogging and sweating and lifting weights are good for me. And I do some of it. But I also find it useful to walk around the block to get the mail (the box is across the street) or take the stairs instead of the elevator. I walk the dog, push the lawnmower and play tennis and golf with my friends. That way I figure I'm exercising and leaving the gyms open for the rest of you.
8. Spend time with friends. Talking, sharing dreams, giving and receiving support, solving life's great mysteries and debating politics or religion with a friend does wonders for the soul. And, hugs are good. And if you have a life-partner, I find talking regularly seems to avoid a number of other problems, as well!
9. Laugh every day. Tell a joke, wrestle with your dog or play with the kids next door, but have some fun! Life's short.
10. Plan for dessert! At the end of the day, I really like something special to top it all off. So, I plan for a bite of chocolate or a cup of low-fat pudding or yogurt or a handful of fresh grapes. It sure seems to beat restlessly searching the cupboards and refrigerator for "something" and ending up with a big bowl of ice cream!
Finally, a few words of experience. It's OK to "slip" once in a while. At least it better be OK...I seem to do it periodically. Just get up again tomorrow, make the rules simpler, more fun or more appropriate for your situation and get right back on! I don't think the objective is perfection -- there's no point in having a heart attack getting all stressed out about the rules! Just go have some fun!
? Copyright 2003 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: "Written by Dr. Philip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. Dr. Humbert has over 300 free articles, tools and resources for your success, including a great newsletter! It's all on his website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareCoconut oil is less known compare to olive oil, corn... Read More
Do you allow pleasure from food? Are your senses throughly... Read More
If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your... Read More
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More
Although you may have heard about soy and all of... Read More
I'll preface this article by saying that it will help... Read More
Heart disease results when plaque builds up inside the arterial... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More
Increasing the fiber in your diet has been shown to:... Read More
With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
THE RISKNo doubt you've heard of the increasingly popular "raw... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
Some say they don't or can't buy organic foods due... Read More
Dieters who dejectedly complain they are figuratively "stuck" with their... Read More
If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis,... Read More
BASIC MEAL & MENU PLANNINGAs a basis for meals and... Read More
Some fats are good for you. Your body can't function... Read More
How To Have A Healthy ThanksgivingEnd of the year holidays... Read More
I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Evidence for the importance of fruit and vegetable intake to... Read More
All carbohydrates are not the same. Generally it is assumed... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
On average 30% of foods in our daily diet are... Read More
Tired of having stare-downs with those boxes of Krispy Kremes,... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
What are Glyconutritionals?The Greek word "Glyco" means "Sugar". Most people... Read More
A fictional overheard conversation at a Thelma's Fine Dining.Hi, I'm... Read More
The dangers of processed foods and diets Why is that... Read More
They sit left behind on relish trays. They're often by-passed... Read More
You may have heard that essential fats are an important... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your... Read More
Each and every person living in the UK is... Read More
You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More
Do you notice your child putting off going to the... Read More
In the last twenty years, a huge and growing body... Read More
Because of consumer demand, the food industry focus is on... Read More
I'm going to be a bit radical here, but know... Read More
The problem with sugar is that it doesn't contain any... Read More
In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and quite normal fat gain often... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
Step 1: Eat five to ten servings per day of... Read More
Nutrition |