Being healthy this summer!!!

I like to take a holistic approach to health and this summer with all the partying and overindulgence you can still be healthy...

Mind & Spirit: There is a continuous communication between our brain and every cell in the body. Every thought and emotion registers in the body and affects our health. So look within yourself, using prayer or meditation and develop a spiritual view of life. Yes its a "dog eat dog" world out there but we are all God or Nature's creation and we are all beautiful and we all have a purpose here on earth. This is the truth and dont let man made negative stereotypes effect you in a negative way. Negativity manifests itself in the body and leads to illnesses and compromised health. Life is inherently stressful, but stressing does not take the worry out of tomorrow but it does take the strength out of today. So stay positive and dont ever let other peoples negativity get to you. You can become impenetrable to negativity while you yourself becoming a positivity generating machine.

Water: The human body is 60% water by weight and there is water in every cell in the body. Especially during summer months it is important to drink lots of fresh purified water. Dehydration is linked to allergies, aches, pains and illness so drink more water and not carbonated fizzy drinks!

Nutrition: You are what you eat. A healthy diet is essential, and eating healthily should become a lifestyle rather than a diet. Do you want to look and feel younger for longer? Want to be a 50 year old in the body of a 30 year old?

Then follow these tips:

No white flour products (no white bread, pastries, pasta)

Limited amounts of whole grains (brown rice and quinoa are best)

No sugar(sugar is a poison), use raw honey, xylitol or stevia

Unlimited amounts of legumes (beans, lentils, sprouts)

No hydrogenated fats (margarine and cookies)

No fried foods (stir fry is ok but use olive, avo or nut oils)

Unlimited vegetables (especially if fresh and lightly cooked)

Foods rich in Omega 3 (nuts, seeds and Salmon)

Limited low fat lean protein sources(fish, poultry, eggs, lean red meat)

Fruit(but not too much) and nuts(almonds, brazil and walnuts are best, avoid peanuts)

General Rules:

Whole foods are better than processed foods, if you have to eat bread or pasta, make it wholewheat with seeds etc.

Living things such as vegetables and sprouts are far far better than "dead things" such as canned foods. Try always eat organic as this soil has more life and thus the produce will be more alive!

Avoid colourants, flavourants, preservatives and artificial sweeteners.

Avoid sugar. We are in the midst of an epidemic of sugar addiction which is due in part to the high concentration of sugar in soft drinks(8 teaspoons in a can) and in packaged cookies and sweets. Sugar causes high levels of insulin which over time leads to diabetes, but it also increases cortisol production. Insulin and cortisol are 2 hormones that can dramatically speed up the ageing process. Sugar has a depressant effect on the immune system and causes oxidative stress by creating advanced glycosylated end products which accumulate in the skin(causing age spots) kidneys, arteries and brain. In other words sugar makes you old!

Exercise: Is a key factor in prevention of chronic illnesses and helps with brain function. A sedentary lifestyle leads to decrease quality of life and countless premature deaths each year, in other words fitness cuts your risk of dying. Heart disease, strokes,cancer and diabetes all fall dramatically in people who exercise regularly. Exercise also oxygenates body and brain promoting mental function and a feeling of well being, which reduces stress, depression and anxiety.

Detoxification: Chemicals are constantly being pumped into our environment every second. So its not a question of who needs it, as we all need it! The liver, kidneys and skin are there for detox but they cant keep up wth the massive load of toxins being pumped into our bodies. Follow the eating tips mentioned earlier and avoid smoking(also 2nd hand smoke) and air polluted areas. Every month for a period of 2-3 days just eat fresh vegetable juices and raw sprout salads. Just like a car needs an oil change, so the human body also needs to be cleaned out.

Sunshine: Vitamin D is vital to good health and good mood, so try and get at least 10 mins of sunshine everyday. No more than 30 min though(unless you are using sunscreen), as then the UV rays become detrimental to health.

Sleep: Quality sleep is essential as the body recharges and repairs while we sleep. The body's functions are governed by a 24hr circadian rythym. Not getting sufficient quality sleep puts these rythyms out of whack, leading to hormonal imbalances and health problems. I know in summer its nice to party everyday till late but this will accelerate the ageing process. So here is to "day" pool parties!

And here is to good health!

More to follow...;)