Healthy Living, it’s what many of us strive for. In my over 30 years of healthcare practice I’ve noticed that I am often asked the same question over and over. “Hey doc, now that I’m feeling better, how do I keep feeling better?”
Well, this question has both a simple answer and many complex answers. For now, we’re going to focus on some simple strategies that will help to achieve and then maintain good health.
Realize the condition of your body.
It is critical to understand that you can control your health, no one else has the same power over it as you. Take stock of where you are physically. Are you overweight? Do you have diagnosed health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma or allergies? Most of these health conditions are affected by lifestyle.
As part of this step, write down your health goals. Even if you think it isn’t possible to achieve, write it down anyway.
Look at your lifestyle. What are you doing that you know are not really in your best health interest? Is it activities that are sedentary in nature? Do you use tobacco and alcohol, and in what quantities? Are you using over the counter, prescription or recreational drugs? Do you eat foods that are packaged and processed? Do you avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables? What are you sleep patterns? Do you exercise regularly?
Again, I recommend writing it all down. This is a great way to monitor your progress and reflect on where you’ve been as you make changes for the better.
Make a list of healthy foods you really like.
Make it a priority to include these daily. As we say, eat from the rainbow. Eating a variety of produce that is very colorful means you will get a great array of micronutrients into your body which will support many physiological functions. Eating lean protein such as beef, chicken, turkey, and fish will supply you with what’s needed to keep your lean muscle mass intact. It’s best to get the least processed, so organic is best.
Find some “me” time.
It isn’t selfish to take time for yourself. It is necessary to decompress and refresh. This will allow you to be a better you for others as well as for yourself.
Drink plenty of fresh, plain water each day.
Make sure your body is well hydrated.
Replace table salt with pink Himalayan salt.
This salt carries variety of minerals that are health supporting for your body.
Use healthy fats and remove unhealthy fats.
Cook with avocado oil or coconut oil and reserve your olive oil for dressings and marinades.
Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up the same time each morning.
This routine is best for your body’s internal clock. You will generally feel much brighter when rest and rejuvenation is taking place at regular intervals.
Take a walk!
The benefits of walking are numerous and include increased cardiovascular and lung fitness, decreased risk of stroke and heart disease. It improves the management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol and reduces joint pain and stiffness. It also helps in the maintenance of the skeletal system. In addition, walking is a mood elevator. A 20 minute walk daily is essential for good health!!