Re-evaluate Your Nutrition & Health Habits!

 Nutrition and exercise is something we hear a lot about and yet the information keeps changing. This is why it’s good to re-evaluate your habits and continue to incorporate new information.

While instant messaging with a friend earlier today, I learned of some amazing health information on the way hormones effect weight loss that I’d like to share from Dr Oz.  I found it fascinating and so will you. Check out the link below for the full episode and more information.

http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/melt-fat-fast-how-reset-your-secret-fat-loss-hormones

 

Need an exercise plan that doesn’t require a gym membership, any equipment, or even going out of the house? I found out about a 10 minute workout that’s simple, fun and manages to work out your entire body in the privacy of your own home. I also tried it myself and found that it can easily be extended to 20, 30, 45 or even 60 minutes for an even longer workout! Put your sneakers on and click below for a feel-good boost you can do anywhere.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/tony-hortons-10-minute-workout

So my fellow readers, I invite you to continually incorporate new information into your daily health habits. What do you have to loose; boredom and excess weight?

 

 

Psyche Yourself Out

Do you suffer from low energy or depression? In metropolitan, Phoenix Arizona, summertime can trigger inside “blues” as the  hot, desert, climate averages 110 degrees. Arizona’s scorching summer is equivalent to cold winters in the rest of the country, so “cabin fever” is quite common.We have to be inside air conditioning  much of the time to avoid the harsh sun. As a result, depression can easily set in and some medications can also become less effective. Heat stroke is also common, endangering children and the elderly alike. So what is a gal or guy to do? Psych yourself out by trying 10 strategies that are sure to help you beat the heat.

(1) get out of the house as much as possible.

(2) Utilize public air conditioned spaces such as the library, mall, or your local YMCA gym facilities.

(3) See a movie with friends or join a book club.

(4) Get physically active by walking inside the mall, rollerskating, or taking dance classes. Swimming is another great activity that can be enjoyed year round inside. When outdoors, use sunscreen however, and limit to an hour or less. Yes, adults need/deserve fun activities like the kids; this also helps immensely to boost endorphins, the body’s “feel good” chemicals.

(5) Do some kind of arts and crafts such as scrapbooking every day.  There’s something about this that is calming to the mind and body.

(6) Get into a healthy routine with varied activities that stimulate the mine and body. Manage your time wisely; clean out the closets or cabinets. Sitting and watching tv all day or sleeping a lot will only add to the blues and diminish energy.

(7) Think positively! Thoughts eventually become reality and really effect attitude as well as mood. Reciting affirmations daily, meditating, as well as focusing on gratitude, goes a long way to combat depression and put things in perspective.

(8) Turn on the lights. Spend time in well lit areas, such as by windows, under skylights, or near bright lights at work or home. For me, I’ve found that fluorescent only aggravates the eyes and can give the opposite effect.  Overall, light boosts serotonin; a neurotransmitter found in the brain that also tends to elevate mood.

(9) Eat smart! Enjoy plenty fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding or limiting sugar and processed food. Salads and lean meats can really boost your mood and actually feed your brain tons of great nutrients. I’ve noticed immediate effects just from eating a salad for lunch!

(10) Pick up the telephone. Isolating won’t solve anything and will actually make matters worse. Ensure you have have a healthy support system of people who can listen and uplift you when the doldrums appear. Never underestimate the power of caring friends and family who love you unconditionally and can cheer you up with humor.

I know depression is tough..ok, miserable; but you can’t let it ruin your life. You must fight it every day, with positivity and planning. Remember you’re not alone and will be ok… just don’t give into it and give these tips a try. Have hope. Seek help. Notice what works for you and create some other strategies of your own. Share them with other bloggers/friends and psych yourself out today!

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Do you like to dance? Our bodies need to move. For every day we eat, we need exercise. The traditional gym workout won’t always keep us motivated, but dancing is fun and gets the heart pumping!

“Dizzy Feet Foundation was founded in 2009 by producer Nigel Lythgoe, director Adam Shankman, “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba and actress Katie Holmes to help underprivileged young people realize their dream of becoming professional dancers and to support, improve, and increase access to dance education in the United States.” http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org/

This first ever National Dance Day was created to not only celebrate dancing, but to encourage health and fitness through dancing. So, put on your favorite music and lets boogie! The Dizzy Feet Foundation has even posted a professionally choreographed routine by Nappytaps, to learn and practice just for this special day. I tried it today and went through it twice, which took about 25 minutes and was a great workout that made me sweat! Try it for yourself and see how much fun dancing can be, whatever your age or fitness level. Then showcase your polished routine on July 31st.

Get your friends and family into it and have fun dancing together. Create a party or event and post on Dizzy Feet Foundation website to possibly win a prize. I’m working on a dance at my church. Maybe you want to have your own party.Whatever you do; Dance, Dance, Dance!

http://dance.blogs.fox.com/tag/national-dance-day/

Love your Inner-Child!

This is me at Disneyland in California Adventure with Mickey Mouse (one of my childhood favorites). We’re never too old to get our picture taken with an old friend!

Remember the time when we didn’t care about what others thought and we just played all day? Well, I’m here to tell you that we still can. It’s all mind-set.  Even though Mickey is over 50 years old, he still hasn’t aged a bit 🙂

Seeing life through the eyes of a child are some of the clearest and joyous moments of our lives because they aren’t encumbered by years of baggage or social conditioning. Back then, we said what we felt, looked for adventure everywhere, and enjoyed the present moment in awe and wonderment.  As we love our children, so must we love our inner-child from long ago that has never grown up and doesn’t want to. That playful part of us has so many gifts to give us; if only we would let her/him out!

Loving your inner-child is similar to the way a parent loves their children; with 100% unconditional love and appreciation. Allowing ourselves to tap into that youthful energy, joy, and wonder is vital to leading a happy & satisfying life. Giving yourself permission to be silly, fly a kite, dance in the living room, or draw with crayons, can actually add more years to your life by reducing stress levels. Going out to play every day after work with your kids or the family pet, will actually improve energy and ensure a good night’s sleep. Speaking softly and gently to yourself and allowing afternoon naps on days off from work are other great ways to honor this part of ourselves and thus our bodies. Eating PB and J cut into triangles with celery and milk are just some of the simple pleasures we may have forgotten.  Children are so much more connected to themselves (and their bodies) than adults; we should take heed from the lessons they have to share.

So, what will you do today to love YOUR inner-child. Invite him or her to come out and play.