With America’s health-crazed culture of fad diets, exercising until your drop, and eating raw, organic, green, whatever, you’d think that the average American’s waistline – along with his or her psyche – would at least compete with their Eastern European or Canadian Mountie counterpart. So why is America so far behind? Because we are stuck in our ways. Now, if we adjusted our everyday lifestyle, we could add 8-to-10 years to the end of our term on this wonderful planet. So this means you can be 50, fit and fun and still have another 50 years ahead of you! Sounds good to me because I have so many things I want to see and do before my time is up! So embrace these six steps to lengthen your life, breathe a little deeper, and keep that necessary smile wide across your face to free your mind from the day-to-day monotony:
1. Be a smart eater. Not every day should be treated like a Vegas buffet. We eat uncontrollably because our brains don’t shout at us to “STOP” until we’re 20 minutes into our meal. Especially if we are eating our favorite pizza or sitting down at the Olive Garden staring at a 2 ½ pound plate of Chicken Parmesan. Here are a few tips:
• Eat until you feel you are 75% full
• Drink lots and lots of water – and try and stay away from sugary drinks!
• Take your time, it’s not a race. Do you remember the last time you noticed the texture of multiple croissant layers and stringy cheese melt in your mouth? We’re salivating just thinking about it!
• Avoid mindless eating by focusing on your meals, not whether or not Rachel and Finn finally get together on Glee. Eating in front of a television or computer guarantees you’ll eat more than you should
• Using smaller plates can help you stay away from serving up “King Louie’s” super man-size portions
• Salt is your enemy, at least if you find yourself piling it on to everything. It is a condiment, and additive, and should never be the core flavor of any dish!
2. LOL. We don’t mean the text or IM reply when you’re at a loss of words. Laugh out loud, literally. Laughing releases serotonin – the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain – elevating your mood and combating the common blues that can sneak up on all of us. Laughing can also lower your blood pressure, which as we all know, decreases your risk for a heart attack. By adding humor to your life, your perspective will shift, and you’ll find more “glee” in everything you do. No one likes a grump. So, shine those pearly whites, for instant beauty.
3. Know why you get up in the morning. Have a plan, a vision, a goal! Costa Rica calls it “plan de vida,” or, living with intention. Be on the constant search for trying out different activities to spice up your life. Bold enough to try salsa dancing? Sign up. Are you an animal lover? Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Take charge. It will make all the difference in the world.
4. Go nuts! Nibble on nuts five times a week and cut your risk of heart disease by 50%. Packing a small bag of almonds in my purse comes in handy when my stomach’s grumbling at the office. Nuts are high in fiber and crunchy, and a handful of nuts can go a long way. Chase it with a large glass of water and your stomach will feel full, and you’ll be able to fend off those urges to dip into the free candy sitting at the front desk. Afraid of restaurant calories? Eat a handful of nuts and down a bottle of water 30 minutes before you cross the restaurant’s threshold to avoid inhaling the bread basket.
5. XOXO Gossip Girl. Who knew weekly Sex in the City meet ups with your inner circle provides a free youthful glow? So be sure to stay in close contact with your fab four to laugh away, support one another and share those innermost secrets. Go for it. We all have something to share that will get a rise, a chuckle, or at the very least, a heartfelt hug.
6. Exercise, with a purpose. My friend’s grandmother lived to be 103. Her secret? A simple walk everyday to keep the doctor away. Her motivation? Living long enough and healthily enough to enjoy playing with her grandchildren. The reward? Years of fun and loving experiences with generations of family, all active, all enjoying the outdoors and activities together. Now that is purpose.
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