Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Healthy Good Skin

Drink a lot of water. Your body is composed mainly of water and it is a necessary component of all the natural processes that occur there.When you drink water it not only hydrates your insides but it hydrates your skin as well. Drinking enough water is also one of the best "diets" for weight loss. You should drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses per day.

Stay out of the sun. The ultraviolet rays of the sun are VERY damaging to your skin. Use sunscreen when you are out in it. Be careful of the reflected rays even if you are in the shade. A moisturizer or foundation containing sunscreen is highly recommended for everyday use. I mean EVERY day.

Get plenty of rest. Think that beauty sleep is just a myth? Think again. Proper rest is very important to your overall health and the health of your skin.

Eat Healthy Foods Simple foods are good for you in a lot of ways. They provide essential nutrients; vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are often lower in calories than processed foods. You know the kinds of foods I mean. Beans, rice, vegetables, yogurt, lean meats-there are many more. Cook with olive oil. Use onions, garlic and other high-mineral foods. Many herbs and spices, besides seasoning your supper, also contain beneficial substances. See my Natural Foods page for more information.

Do some type of exercise regularly. Exercise stimulates your entire system to rid itself of built-up toxins. You don't have to buy a treadmill or join a gym (unless you like that kind of thing). Gardening, playing golf, hiking in the woods, whatever you choose to do to get your blood moving is a step in the right direction. Try parking your car a few blocks away from work. There is no doubt that regular activity will begin to make you feel and look better. Once you are accustomed to the walk you may even begin to look forward to it!

You could take up a sport. Even playing frisbee can provide a good cardiovascular workout. It can also improve your strength and hand/eye coordination. Stretching exercises of all kinds are good for working and flexing your joints and muscles. You can do these anywhere; in the middle of your walk, in your living room or kitchen with a chair, even in bed. So get moving! Once you are hooked on activity you may even have to break out that treadmill for rainy days!

Reduce stress. Easier said than done right? Research has shown that stress is a contributing factor in many health problems. If you are not healthy your skin is not going to look healthy. Take some time out just for you. A luxurious bath is a great stress reliever (Perhaps with some nicely scented oil or salt!). So is relaxing with a good book, a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, watching the sun set, taking a walk, or just sitting and watching birds at a feeder outside your window. Most importantly you must be comfortable with yourself. You have to find happiness in what you are doing RIGHT NOW.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Daily Steps to Health

Don’t Smoke. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Your doctor or nurse can help you.
And, you can also help yourself. For tips on how to quit, go to: You Can Quit Smoking Now.
To talk to someone about how to quit, call the National Quitline: 1- 800-QUITNOW. For more quit-smoking resources, go to: healthyfinder, and search for “smoking.”
Be Physically Active. Walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are just a
few examples of moderate physical activity. If you are not already physically active, start small and
work up to 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Eat a Healthy Diet. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. Stay at a Healthy Weight. Balance calories from foods and beverages with calories you burn off by your activities. To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.
Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation. If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks a day. (A
standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5
ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)