Inspirations for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Acupuncture for whatever ails you

2010-05-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

I truly believe in acupuncture as a way of not only maintaining health but alleviating many health issues. Acupuncture uses the body's natural immune system to heal. The human body has its own intelligence and knows exactly what it needs to bring the body back into balance. Acupuncture boosts the immune system so that the body can take over and heal itself.

Finding the right acupuncturist is a key factor. You need to feel comfortable with your medical professional so that you are aligned with their energy. I have been to two different acupuncturists and they each had a different style. Only one of them seemed to always work for me.

Unlike Western medicine, eastern medicine may not give you results instantly. Instead you may see a gradual shift into your healing. Often an acupuncture session is followed by a dosage of chinese herbs.

If you have tried traditional doctors and have had no luck, then give acupuncture a try.

How to really make changes in your body

2010-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Losing weight, toning up, building muscles, increasing flexibility, increasing stamina and energy, expanding your horizons - there is one method of accomplishing all these things and that is to challenge your body.

If you feel you are exercising regularly but you are not seeing any results then it may be time to challenge your body with something new. The dictionary defines challenge as "to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties." If you are doing the same routine all the time your body not only adapts to the exercise by using less effort to do them but you are also using the same exact muscles over and over.

To see changes in your fitness level you need to mix it up with a variety of exercises. If you mainly do the machines in the gym, then start doing functional exercises like lifting free weights or doing exercises with the bosu. At first a new exercise routine should seem difficult. (This is why most people probably stick to their old comfortable routines). Stick with it until it feels comfortable and then move on to something else.

Like the body, the mind also grows with challenge and stimulation. People who travel, join in on social activities and constantly learn new skills stay healthier as they age.

Eating for Comfort

2010-04-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone gets in a bad mood once in awhile either from stress, frustration, anger or feeling helpless. Food is an easy, quick way to feel better temporarily. But is it worth it to add on unwanted weight and unhealthy cells to your body?

The next time you feel you are eating unhealthy because of something bothering you, stop and acknowledge that you are aware of it. Then, allow yourself to have a little with the knowing that you won't abuse it after that.

One remedy to overeating or snacking for comfort is to distract yourself with another activity. Go take a walk, go to a bookstore or a place where there is no food. Sometimes just being involved in an activity that does not allow you time to eat will help. I used to tell myself that I didn't like eating because it took up so much time in my day!

Another remedy is to always have healthy, good tasting snacks that you could replace for comfort food. Instead of ice cream, take some Greek yogurt and put in fresh fruit of your choice....and maybe a few chocolate chips.

What are you having for breakfast?

2010-03-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how many people don't take time to have breakfast. Others don't bother to eat healthy food. Many people think they don't have time to make a healthy breakfast.

Here's an easy breakfast. Place a half-cup of old-fashioned oatmeal in a bowl. Pour in one cup of water. Put in microwave for 3 minutes. Take out of microwave and sprinkle on nuts and/or fruit. Voila - breakfast!

Oatmeal is nutritious and fills you up. It's inexpensive and to me it tastes good naturally without any added sugar.

Have you had your breakfast today?

The Secret to Losing Weight

2010-03-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

You don't need to count calories, monitor your carbs or eat low fat foods. The secret to losing weight is to just eat healthy. That means vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, packaged foods, and foods with ingredients that you can't pronounce.

Shop mainly the produce section of your grocery store. Buy meat and poultry that is raised without antibiotics and hormones. Drink mostly water, limiting your intake of fruit juice and eliminating soda or artificial drinks.

Look for healthy substitutes for your sweet tooth. When you eat this way you should be able to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy, proportionate weight for your body type. It's all about being conscious of what you put into your body. The next time you shop for food or plan a meal, think about these things. See if you can adopt one substitute or change in your diet. Remember, every journey starts with one small step.

Weight Loss Tips for Teen Girls

2010-03-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Teen obesity is an epidemic. Teens who are overweight may be a result of copying lifestyle habits of their parents. In any case, a teen with a weight problem may be resistant to advice. The last thing they need is an adult criticizing them on what they eat, making them feel guilty about how much they eat, etc. Ultimately, as in any behavioral modification, it is up to the person to decide that they want to change and to take action accordingly.

There is a great website called www.fitsmi.com that is a social website for teen girls who support each other in learning how to live a healthy lifestyle. This is a great idea because teens would rather take advice from their peers and role models than their parents.

Maybe with more information and sites like these we will have a new generation of mostly healthy adults living healthy lives.

Number One Dieting Mistake

2010-03-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

I was watching Dr. Oz on TV today and he was talking about something that many people may not be aware of. Many people think they will lose weight by depriving themselves of food. They think that if they don't eat much they will lose weight. But actually it could have the opposite effect. In my personal training experiences I had coached many clients who were only eating one meal a day, yet they were obese.

When you deprive the body of food it goes into survival mode. This means it starts to store fat because it isn't sure when the next meal is going to come. This also means your metabolism, which is supposed to burn calories for you, shuts down.

The solution is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. The only deprivation diet you should be on is one that deprives you of fast food, soda and processed foods!

It Starts with Health

2010-03-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

They say that you don't have anything if you don't have your health. Eat right, exercise and do things that make you happy. It's that simple.

With the amount of information and education available to the public it is now possible for anyone to be an expert in losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. There is no reason why our country should have widespread problems in obesity, chronic disease, stress and depression.

Make an effort to make the right choices in your life. It may take an extra trip to the grocery store or an extra 30 minutes in your day to take a walk. It may mean getting up 15 minutes early to meditate. It may mean reading books about eating healthy or exercising. Take one step today to start your journey to living a healthy lifestyle.