Saturday, November 12, 2011

7 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE


It has been 6 months since I lasted posted - I was in California the last time and I am back there now. I haven't cooked much lately worth blogging about, but I want to share some things. I have read studies on nutrition, exercise and other aspects of healthy living and the findings have been surprising, but many of them are common sense; floss your teeth, get adequate sleep, eat sensibly, etc. Here are a few simple strategies that are good for your health:

EXERCISE DAILY
Aim for at least half and hour, but five minutes of walking, running, dancing is infinitely better than doing nothing.

SLASH SALT
I grew up on it, sprinkling it at every meal. But excess sodium is responsible for all kinds of health problems and it's added to nearly every process item on the supermarket shelves. Try adding flavour with herbs like oregano, rosemary, parsley and basil.

ENJOY NATURE
Turn off the cell phone and listen to the sound of the breeze while enjoying a gorgeous view.

EAT FISH
Every cell in the body needs omega-3 fatty acids, and fish is a great source.

AVOID HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
It is a prime ingredient in soda, salad dressings, ketchup, candy, cookies and lots of other items. It may be the biggest reason we have an obesity epidemic.

LEARN NEW THINGS
A Norwegian study found that men who participate in the most activities-attending a
concerts, playing an instrument, visiting a museum- have better health and overall satisfaction with their lives.

CHOOSE WHOLE FOODS
Lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Try for fiber-rich, protein packed, plant based dishes. Baked beans anyone?

Dump three or four cans of beans (any variety) into an oven -proof pot. (rinse them first, as they are usually packed in salty water) Add a half cup of broth to keep them from sticking. Stir in whatever herbs and spices you like, add some grated carrots or chopped onions (brown first). Mustard or maple syrup are nice additions. Bake covered at 350 for an hour. Serve over brown rice.

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