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BENEFITS OF DAILY HABITS
Living Healthy is a lifestyle, it can be as simple as breathing, there is no need to place a lot of emphasis on it, the more you do something the easier it becomes. It takes approximately 21 days of repetitive behavior to develop a new habit, which then becomes almost automatic. Like taking a shower or brushing your teeth you don’t think much about it, you just do it.
If you happen to be one of the many participants with health goals for the New Year to lose weight, tone up, exercise more or move to the next level of looking your best; just imagine everything you want for a healthier and more energetic life. It can be yours by developing the healthy habits below.
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Water – water carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, cushions joints and protects tissue and organs, water aids in body temperature and blood circulation, water helps with dry skin and removes toxins and waste.
* Drink 8 glasses to total 64oz a day
* Hit the floor drinking your first 16 oz
* Consume 32 oz’s more throughout the day
* Another 16 oz by the evening
Salads – try to eat a salad every day as a meal or with a meal
* A colorful salad, dark green leaf lettuce, include some raw spinach
* Carrots, tomatoes, sprouts, avocadoes, raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds
* Light vinaigrette dressing or your favorite dressing on the side for light dipping
Fruit – you cannot go wrong with fresh fruit
* “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is a fact, not just folklore. It is a good snack when you get that late night urge. Apples contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. One medium (5 ounces) unpeeled apple provides over 3 grams of fiber, more than 10% of the daily fiber intake recommended by experts.” Apples can lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of hardening of arteries, heart attack and stroke.
* Pineapple – fresh pineapple has potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. “Pineapples provide an ample supply of vitamin C, a commonly known antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing. The body uses vitamin C to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one of the primary building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C also decreases the severity of colds and infections. Including an excellent source of trace mineral manganese (for energy production).
Eat mini meals – “Going too long without food, letting yourself get too hungry, leads to making poor eating choices such as foods high in simple carbohydrates," says Neal Spruce, CEO and founder of Apex Fitness.”
* Eat three to six times a day in smaller portions
* Eat and chew your food slowly
Exercise – three or more times a week, keep variety in your workout
* Stretch in bed to wake up the body, then again on the floor
* Walk, jog, swim or join the gym
* Take the stairs up and down
* Lift weights to strength bones and tone
* Dance – get your praise on |
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A few import facts; it is best if you purchase your salad and snack items and prepare them ahead. This way you may avoid skipping the mini meals or eating the wrong foods. Next, get a water bottle or buy filtered water (do not refill used recyclable water bottles). Keep water within your reach at all times, by your bed, at work, and on the go.
Track what you do on your calendar for the next 21 days and see what new healthy habits you develop.
Do health every day, think healthy, practice healthy, be healthy – I am in agreement with your health!
Shirley Taplin has been involved in healthy lifestyles her entire adult life. A Motivational Coach and Inspiring Speaker, she is passionate about helping others make courageous choices that leads to Living Healthy.
Email Shirley at: staplin@dallasgospelconnection.com
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