Lack of energy? Weight got you down? Not enjoying life?
So you feel as if the referee in a boxing match has just counted to ten and you’re out of the game. Just follow three easy steps to win the fight for a healthy satisfying life.
Step 1
The first step in improving your life is to change your mental perspective. Attitude or the lack of a positive one can prevent you from enjoying the quality of life you deserve. The beginning of your journey on the road to good health should start with an action plan. This action plan’s first goal is for you to start today, not tomorrow or next week. Take no procrastination prisoners. “Just Start Today!”
Step 2
Once your mental frame of reference has been renewed, proceed immediately to step two. This step involves eating healthier meals. I encourage you to educate yourself prior to drastically altering your diet. There are many excellent books out there on the subject of good healthy eating habits. A doctor or registered dietician can be very useful in this manner.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services have an abundance of health related topics on their websites. In fact, in January 2005, these two agencies jointly published the new Dietary Guidelines for eating healthy.
On the USDA’s website, (www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp) you can download a food pyramid guide and chart that provides food intake recommendations on the 5 major food groups – meat, milk, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They also heavily promote the need for regular physical activity for maintaining a healthy body; we’ll discuss this important subject later.
Essentially, for a well-balanced and nutritious diet, you should minimize or eliminate altogether, high levels of fats, saturated and trans fat, sodium, sugars and cholesterol. Fried foods don’t help either. Focus on foods rich in nutrients, fiber, calcium, vitamins, such as A, D, E and B12 to name a few. Increase your intake of fruits, lean meats, green leafy vegetables, and baked foods. Reducing your portion sizes can provide a dramatic boost to maintaining your healthy body by positively affecting your caloric and fat intake. Consuming too many calories is a significant cause of being overweight and unhealthy. So watch those calories.
You ask, “What will changing my eating habits do for me?”
Well, the answer is plenty. You will avoid the following: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and a few cancers for one .You get the idea!
To learn more about what’s in your food the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Information Center (www.nalusda.gov/fnic/dga/dguide95.html) has a database of over 6600 foods. You can find out exactly what type of nutrients is in your food. For example, let’s take 1 medium apple. According to this database, the weight of a medium sized apple is 138 grams, with 6 milligrams of Vitamin C, 3.3 fiber grams, 75 international units of Vitamin A and etc. This information will also better help you when comparing food labels at the grocery store.
Step Three
We are not through yet. The journey would not be complete without a brief discussion on Exercise! Exercise! and Exercise!
Frequent exercise is pivotal in your journey to good health. A lack of exercise is analogous to pumping gas (eating healthier foods) in a car without a working engine (body). Therefore, eating healthy and exercise work in tandem.
Exercise can be very simple and is an activity that can be done right in your home. You do not have to join a gym or formal exercise program. Although, you are encouraged to do so and be with like-minded individuals who can be a huge built in support mechanism, especially if you are challenged with step one, developing a positive mental outlook.
Walking. That’s right walking those calories and fat cells off right in or near your home. The cost is absolutely free, except for a few minutes of your time. Walking is the most basic and simplest form of exercise anyone can do. Start off slow at first, walking only 10 to 15 minutes. Eventually build your endurance up to 30 minutes or greater gradually over time. Walking is a cardiovascular type exercise that is essential to maintaining a strong healthy heart. You will experience enhanced lung capacity in the process.
The substantive benefits of exercise include burning up those unwanted calories, fat and love handles while increasing stamina and overall energy level. In time, walking will be one exercise addiction you will never live without ever again. Other exercise routines are important as well. These include, stretching, sit-ups, pushups, and leg raises. You should develop your own personal exercise regimen conducive to your particular situation. A good personal trainer or book can steer you in the right direction.
Lastly, consult your doctor or qualified medical personnel prior to starting any diet and/or exercise program.
P.S. Good journey on your road to good health!
Michael Kane is a writer and author of several screenplays, articles and short stories covering various topics. Visit Michael's websites, www.consumersdiscountrx.com/rightnow; www.411infomall.com; www.premiercardchoice.com. You may contact Michael at mamergers@hotmail.com.
