Sleep
Sleep? Please. I’ve got to fold the laundry, give the kids a bath, eat dinner and exercise before the gym closes– at midnight. After a shower, I’m lucky to get six hours of sleep. Well, we are here to tell you your 300 minutes of sleep aren’t enough. Only 3% of the population – those with a special genes - can function effectively on less than eight hours of sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, memory and concentration lapses, and a decrease in immune function. These are bad things. Lack of sleep also affects your mood. When you bite your coworker’s head off for offering you a breath mint (probably because you were too tired to brush your teeth), you should ask yourself how much sleep did you get the night before. It was probably well less than the required eight hours. Yes, eight hours. Examine your daily routine. Prioritize. Exercise earlier rather than later. Eat healthy. Don’t drink soda after 6:00 pm. Enjoy your evening TV, but shut it off two hours before bedtime. Then, hit the sack by 10:30 pm. If you still have trouble falling asleep, read an astrophysics journal.
Vitamins: The Flinstones in Fast Forward
If something was named after the Flintstones, it has to be good for you. Vitamins supplement our diets. They help regulate our metabolism, assist in converting fat and carbohydrates, and help in the creation of bone and tissue. And, some of them taste good!
Rocks for Jocks! Minerals, Minerals and Vitamins!
Rocks for jocks! What they didn’t tell you is that geology is the hardest (no pun intended) science class. Still, jocks know strong bones are a must when getting tackled, checked or punched. Calcium is the building block of our bones. Magnesium and zinc help grow healthy skin, tissues and teeth. Minerals also assist with chemical reactions in your body. Yes, rocks are for more than just jocks.
East Meets West - Preventative care
Meditation. Relaxation. Breathing. Yoga. Do they really lower blood pressure? Studies say, yes. Eastern and Western medicine can co-exist if they both accept preventive care as a foundation. First, take care of yourself. Second, get your yearly checkup. Many illnesses have no symptoms. An annual physical can reveal hard to detect problems when they’re still treatable. Preventive care is the healthiest health care option. And, it saves everyone money in the long run.
Get a little F and V. That’s Fruits and Veggies
Were you the kid that slipped your broccoli under the table to your dog? We understand. Greens like brussel sprouts and lettuce have unappealing names. But, vegetables and fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, calcium, potassium, folic acid and fiber. Still not convinced? Eat 100 carrots; it’s cheaper than having laser eye surgery! That makes fruits and veggies better for you than Twinkies.
Hey Arnold. Got Protein?
The Terminator probably ate way too much of it; Kate Moss probably had too little. But, we all need protein to survive. The human body does not store protein, which means we can only get this macronutrient from the foods that we eat. Choose your protein wisely – lean meats and dairy are packed with it. Not a carnivore? Go for the soy. However you get it, aim for between five and seven servings per day.
Forget Dr. Atkins
Why? Because anyone who advises you to eschew fruit, bread and pasta is, well, wrong. As in, unhealthy. Carbohydrates provide our bodies with fuel for physical activity and help our organs function. Carbohydrates come in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which provide our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, fibers and phytonutrients. Simply put: humans need their carbs.
Go Skinny Dipping - 30 minutes a day
Tired of the treadmill? Bored on the stationary bike? Try skinny dipping (private pool please). Anyway you move it or use it, 30 minutes a day will keep the doctor away. Moving around for 30 minutes can improve your immune system and reduce your risk for illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer! Plus, studies show that people who regularly exercise live longer. Yoga. Dodge ball. Even Red Rover counts as exercise.
The REAL Skinny on Fats
Fat is good for our bodies and for our foods. And, it tastes great. But, not all fats are created equal. Unsaturated fats, found in plants and fish, promote heart health. Saturated fats, found in milk, butter, cheese and meat, are healthy in moderation. Gorging on cheese and meat will spike your cholesterol. Trans fats (the villains of fats), usually disguised as hydrogenated oils are found mainly in processed foods (think Oreos and Ritz Crackers ). They should be avoided like root canals.
H20
Drink from a fire hydrant, or drink from a well. Drink from a water bottle, or drink from a stream. Just make sure that you sip, sip, sip your way to at least eight glasses a day. Why? Because we are water, and water is us – 65% of us. Yes, more than half of your body is good old H2O. Drinking water helps regulate our body temperatures. It helps transport oxygen to the cells. It also helps our bodies stay hydrated, vibrant and happy. Drinking it makes us feel good!
Have your Cake and EAT it too!
Cookies and candies and cakes, oh my! How can one resist? By not resisting. Satisfy your sweet tooth, and sustain your waistline at the same time by snacking in moderation.