AFP Health Reviews

The progress of medical knowledge over the last century has been
astonishing. The most important realization undeniably has been the need
for healthy living. This involves having a nourishing diet and a
regular exercise routine all through your life that will help you
prevent many diseases and problems. Although the discipline is best when
started at an early age, it is never too late to change your lifestyle
for the better.

Healthy diet for happy living: A nutritious diet
is the first step to healthy living. The diet you consume today will
show its effects in many of the later years to come. Excessive
consumption of a diet rich in fat, carbohydrates, alcohol, etc. does
irreparable damage to your body and many cause problems like obesity as
well as serious ailments such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol going forward. A healthy diet
consisting of all essential nutrients namely complex carbohydrates,
essential fatty acids, fiber, protein and mineral goes a long way to
keep you healthy. This of course does not mean that you cannot cheat or
indulge once in a while. You can consult your physician or dietitian to
draw a diet chart for you that meets all the nutritional requirements of
your body.

Exercise for healthy living: A regular exercise
routine goes hand in hand with a balanced diet to help you have a fit
body and enjoy a healthy living. Physical exercise helps you control
weight, maintain muscle strength, bone density and strengthen your
immune system. Your exercise routine should ideally consist of
cardiovascular exercises and weight training. There are many alternate
forms of exercise like Yoga, Tai Chi and martial arts that have become
very popular with people living across the world. You can also consider
many sport hobbies like swimming and cycling instead of the regular
forms of workouts. It is recommended that you consult a certified
personal trainer to design your workout routine after due consideration
to your lifestyle and any physical problems that you may have.

ARE YOU GETTING OLDER OR BETTER?

Have you had that birthday
yet which made you suddenly realize that you really are getting older? I
don’t mean older in a decrepit, breaking down way. I mean older in a
wiser, stronger, and more mature way.

I discovered that I had
reached that phase during my recent 6oth birthday “initiation by storm.”
I was unexpectedly caught in a Class 3 hurricane, followed by a
week-long power outage in our home in the Bahamas. As a result of a
life-long practice of maintaining a healthy mind and body balance, I was
able to remain calm, peaceful, and resourceful throughout this entirely
new experience.

What it takes to be balanced:

Be Present –
learn and practice living in the here and now, don’t worry about the
past or future. No matter what life is offering, take time to do a
morning quieting practice. Good options are yoga, Tai Chi, meditation,
or anything that includes a level of mindfulness.

Be Healthy –
have regular medial check-ups, and use a preventative approach to
health. A good place to start is by eliminating the four poisons from
your diet: hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, processed foods,
and sugar. Develop and maintain a routine of ample rest, and follow a
Mediterranean diet (high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and
cereals, nuts and seeds, oily fish, and olive or avocado oil, keeping
red meat and diary to a minimum.) Try some new grains like farro and
quinoa. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and, of course enjoy a daily
treat of dark chocolate.

Simplify – let go of what you don’t
need. Clear that which creates clutter and/or complicates your life.
This includes identifying and spending less time with ‘maintenance
friends’ who rely upon you, but don’t offer reciprocity in your
friendship. Decrease or eliminate activities that drain your energy, as
opposed to replenishing your reserves. Remember balance.

Get
Moving – of course there’s the physical benefits of exercise (increased
bone density, muscular strength, endurance, energy, and better posture),
but exercise also provides stress relief and improves mood. I have
learned as I age -if I want to move, I’ve got to keep moving! It’s fun
to mix up your routine and keep learning. Try Zumba, Nia, Barre, go to a
dance class, or water aerobics. Keep exercise fun and playful, and do
it every day.

Have a Massage - many enjoy getting one. But you don't
need to pay someone to enable your body to relax, detox and stimulate
the lymphatic system. You can do reflexology for yourself on your hands
or feet (it's as good as a whole body massage.) Or try "dry brushing"
before your shower, which natural detoxifies and is very stimulating.

Embrace
Change - and recognize that change is good. It keeps your mind active,
challenges flexibility, and opens up new ways of being in the world.
Remember to soften into life, rather than contract in fear whenever
you're not familiar with a situation or are uncomfortable in life. Let
go of the need to be right, to be heard, or be acknowledged. As you
mature, you can learn to be comfortable with who you are without the
need for outside validation.

Fill Your Soul and Spirit - learn to
have fun. Think about what fills your reserves, what feels cohesive to
your sense of self. For me, it is being with my grandchildren, or doing
anything in nature. For you, it may be travel, volunteering service
work, or just being home with a good book. You will be able to tell
you're being true to yourself because you will feel happy, rejuvenated
and renewed.

If you want to continue to improve and grow as part
of your aging process, it is necessary to continue working on balance
and integration as part of your daily healthy lifestyle practice. Then,
no matter what life challenges you face - you'll be ready for them.

For more information and techniques on healthy living, refer to my book Healthy Lifestyle Path of Wellness: http://www.pamelaholtzman.com/pamelas-book/