Not knowing exactly where to start with my Fit Tip, I looked up the word health in the my Merriam-Webster pocket dictionary and found:
- Sound physical and mental condition.
- Well-Being.
Well-Being , now that’s a good starting point. Well-being is key to enjoyment, to balance and to fulfillment. Where can I sign up? As we are both body and mind, our well being is necessarily affected by what we think, what we eat and what we do. This is inescapable! A sedentary lifestyle, lacking in adequate nutrition (vitamins, minerals, EFA’s etc.), filled with negative thoughts will age you in no time flat!… robbing you of your health, your enjoyment of life and your quality time. The good news is that there exists a simple, easy to use, age-old solution to turn things around.
- Eat well.
- Exercise regularly.
- Be positive.
Now, why is it that such a simple and accessible remedy be so difficult to apply? Well, it’s not really, and you must convince yourself of this in order to have success.
Yes I can! Yes, I want to make the effort! (Positive attitude) Why? (Good question) For the simple reason that the benefits you will reap will have such a profound and measurable impact on your well being, that your quality of life will improve; your sense of pleasure, your vitality and your mobility “ I Feel Good ! ” as our friend James Brown would say, “ Na, na, na, na, na, na .”
Now that I have convinced you to at least make a stab at it. I would also like to give you some practical, down to earth advice to follow:
Eat Well : 50% fresh fruit and vegetables. Eat raw or lightly steamed to preserve vitamin content, 25% low fat proteins such as fish, white meats (a minimum of red meat!), soya, nuts, eggs, dairy, 25% fibre; variety of grains, cereals and dried beans. Eat small portions and have healthy snacks. Books abound on the subject of healthy eating and its impact on cells, disease etc. Get curious. The subject is fascinating. If you need help consult a nutritionist. Yes I can!
Exercise Regularly : Take a walk everyday. Stretch and keep your joints flexible by gently moving, flexing and rotating them. Use your muscles to push, to pull, to lift and to carry (with a reasonable weight); cleaning, gardening, groceries, stair climbing, sports, playing with grandchildren etc. If you are not sure how to go about it, take a fitness class or get a personal trainer. Make sure they are OAS (older adult specialist) certified.
Be Positive: Eliminate stress and stressful conditions in your life. Learn to breathe and relax. If efficiency is what you require go for the two birds with one stone solution and try Yoga or Tai Chi. Relaxation and exercise! Control your negative thoughts. Yes!
Be moderate and progressive, every little bit counts with consistency being your biggest asset. Health is a matter of self-responsibility. It’s all up to you, so take action for your health! I know you can do it!
In the near futur, I will address the issue of pain. Until then don’t give up on yourself or your well being… life is too precious.
Lisa
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