How to stay healthy in 2011

As I begin this post with warm wishes for a healthy and happy New Year, I am thinking of ways to make 2011 a wonderful one. One of my major goals is to stay healthy – and am sure you are looking at ways to be fitter -  hopefully without too much effort. Yes! And that’s why the following strategies should work – they are easy to fit into our regular routine.

Here we go!

Walk the walk

Include garlic in your food

Garlic has the ability to fight cancer – oh, forget the bad breath (there’s toothpaste and mouth fresheners to counter that!) If you can’t get garlic, think of garlic supplements. Garlic also brings a host of other health benefits as a disease fighter. But don’t overdo it!

Give me some sunshine…

Just get fifteen minutes of sun everyday. The miracle that is our body produces its own Vitamin D with the help of sunshine. No other equipment required. Preferably, catch that early morning sun. Enjoy it. If your sun is hiding behind a cloud, look at vitamin D rich foods such as eggs, milk, dairy products, cod liver oil etc.

Meditate

If only for a few minutes, meditate every day. There are several physical and mental health benefits from meditation.  Did you know cholesterol levels can be reduced with meditation?

Work in at least ONE juice into your daily diet

Replace at least one beverage every day with a natural juice. It cleans your cells while tasting good! Either veg or fruit is fine.

Exercise – four out of seven

Exercise – at least three quarters of an hour every day. Grrrr. At least 5 days a week. Do-able? Of course it is! Motivate yourself – getting fitter and keeping most diseases at bay – is worth it. Side effects are a great sense of well-being, happier attitude, balanced blood pressure and of course, overall fitness!

Drink more water every day

Drink water when you’re thirsty – and also when you are not. Do your body a favor – keep it hydrated. Just plain water, easily available.

Be positive

Probably one of the best no-cost ways to fight illnesses and diseases. Be optimistic. Kick negativity out of your life. Be patient and tolerant. Rose colored spectacles do work.

Talk to your doc about taking a multivitamin

You know we all need vitamins – and most of us probably do not get enough.  Vitamin deficiency can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and so on.  Getting enough vitamins can keep you healthy.

R & R

Rest and relaxation – get at least seven to eight hours sleep per night.  If not, you pay for it by suffering miserable health consequences. Ah, sleep helps lose weight, and prevents diabetes, memory loss and obesity.

Well, it can’t get easier – and better – than this.  Start slow – and stick to the above consistently. You’ve got everything to gain.

Stay healthy!