How to be Healthy
Defining Health
What does it mean to be healthy? In my opinion, being healthy means that your entire body is working at 100% efficiency in order to absorb nutrients from the food you eat and distribute those nutrients to all parts of your body, so all of your body parts can work together the way they were meant to in order to keep you healthy. This includes all your internal organs and the 12 systems of your body. Because your body was meant to be healthy. Your body is constantly trying to be healthy. Unfortunately, sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy.
What does being healthy require? Put simply, you have to eat nutrient-dense foods (not empty calories), exercise, get enough rest, and have a positive mindset. I know, sometimes that is easier said than done. Most people have their nemesis. Mine is bread. Some people love chips, others love cookies, cake, or candy. Our vices are usually either sweet or salty. These flavors can be addictive. Over time, people start eating more of what they like (which may not be healthy) and less of what they need. What to do…what to do…
When it comes to food, first, you have to recognize your food issues and decide that you’re going to make the effort to be healthy. Then, you have a choice to go cold-turkey or take baby-steps. Different strokes for different folks. Whether you’re trying to give up smoking or sugar or salt, some people just pick a day and stop. That’s great, if you can do it. But for those of you who can’t do cold-turkey, you can start slowly by reducing the amount of sugar, for example, or exchanging an alternative for your cravings. There are many little tricks you can use. Portion control is one method. Eat a little less of everything. Don’t go back for seconds. Split dessert with a friend. Skip dessert altogether. Don’t eat after 8:00pm. Eat grapes or nuts instead of chips or cookies. Drink water instead of soda. Drink tea instead of coffee. Make your own fresh juice from fresh fruits and veggies rather than buying processed, store-bought juice. Small changes.
Start eating more SuperFoods. There are a number of SuperFoods in various categories from Green SuperFoods, to Bee SuperFoods, to Fruit & Nut SuperFoods, to Herbal SuperFoods. SuperFoods are nutrient-dense, which means they have a high nutrient-to-calorie ratio. You want the nutrients. You don’t want all the calories.
When it comes to exercise, try to get in at least 30 minutes per day. You can go to the gym or work out at home. Go for a jog or a bike ride around the neighborhood. Buy some dumbbells and workout in your garage or basement. You can get a great workout without the need for a lot of equipment.
Rest and relaxation. Try to get to bed at a reasonable time. Try to get 6-8 hours sleep. Some people need more, some less. If you can’t fall asleep, there could be many reasons, so try to find out why. Are you eating too late? Working out too late? On the computer too late? Stressed out? Once you know the reason, you can work on fixing it.
Attitude is key! Negativity is a killer. It causes stress, and stress leads to a host of health issues. You can choose to be either positive or negative. Try being positive. Sh*t happens, but how you react can greatly affect your health. When bad things happen, don’t dwell on it. Face it and fix it. Or you can just let it go. Either way, you’ll be much happier with a positive attitude.
To summarize, if you can eat well, get a little exercise, get some good REM sleep, and stay positive, your body will love you for it. And in exchange for treating your body well, your body will stay healthy for you. And that should make you happy!
Be Healthy!
Bill
Ultimate Health & Wellness
310.413.0514