101 Ways to Get in Better Shape and Stay That Way!

31.    Give your Eyes a Rest

Most jobs in today’s society require the use of a computer.  If you sit in front of a computer all day or work any job or hobby that requires your eyes to work hard, be sure to take breaks throughout your day.  For soothing relief, you can use eye drops, close your eyes for a few minutes to allow them to rest, and look away to something other than what you are working on.  Also, ensure that you are working with appropriate lighting, which is an oversight many people make.  These are ways in which to give your eyes a much-needed break.  Eyestrain can cause eye problems as well as headaches.

32.    Watch the Sugar

Often people think by drinking fruit juices or eating low-fat fruit roll-ups and such, they are cutting out or eliminating sugar.  The fact is that some fruit juices have more sugar than a soda.  Reduction of sugar is important to good health; therefore always check out the sugar content of anything you put in your mouth, even if it appears to be healthy.

33.    Throw out the Scales

If you have bathroom scales, you should either get rid of them or put them away for a while.  Weight does not accurately reflect the level of your fitness.  If you should be measuring anything, it should be body fat, not the weight.

34.    Sunscreen

Most people know that sunscreen is important for shoulders, backs, legs, and arms when out in the sun but there are other parts of the body that are often overlooked.  When enjoying the beautiful sun, be sure to use sunscreen on your ears, slips, and even the tops of your feet as well!

35.    Aspirin versus Ibuprofen

Both of these products can help in certain situations.  For example, aspirin is an analgesic, used for pain while ibuprofen is both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.  Therefore, the next time you have to deal with sore muscles after a good workout, remember that you can get some needed relief from these over the counter remedies.

36.    Berries, Berries, Berries

Ah, the sweet taste of fresh berries!  Berries are actually good for you and contain plant nutrients called anthocyanidins.  These are incredible antioxidants and some have high levels of resveratrol, which helps fight heart disease and cancer.  The next time you want something sweet, juicy, and good for you, reach for blueberries, grapes, or strawberries, and do not feel guilty!  

37.    Some like it Hot

Hot, spicy foods that contain curry, chilies, or other hot peppers such as cayenne, help to trigger endorphins.  These hormones are what make people feel good and well balanced.  In fact, endorphins are like a natural morphine that helps ease pain and provide a sense of well being.  The next time you are feeling a little down or have some minor pain, try eating something spicy.

38.    Beware of Allergies/Reactions

Pay attention to what you eat.  With so many wonderful restaurants, trying new dishes is exciting and fun.  However, several foods are responsible for up to 90% of all allergy problems.  If you notice after eating certain foods you suffer from headaches, upset stomach, or other problems, make note, you could be having an allergic reaction.  The foods most likely the problem include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, and fish.  For children, the common foods include cow’s milk, soy, eggs, and wheat.

39.    Breast Exams

Make sure you conduct regular breast examines.  This can quickly and painlessly be done during your shower or lying down when going to bed.  Contact your primary physician or gynecologist for a free pamphlet showing the proper way this is done.  Taking proactive steps could save your life.

40.    Asthmatics and Sports

If you suffer from asthma, you already know that some sports should be avoided, depending on the severity.  If you have trouble on a daily basis and love sports, be encouraged to know that some sports are asthma-friendly and in fact, can be helpful in that they help make the lungs stronger.  These sports include swimming, cycling, and fishing, walking, and canoeing.  Again, check with your physician before getting involved with any sport if you have a health condition.

41.    Fragrance and Aging

If you want to do everything you can to age gracefully, you should avoid anything that has the perfumes or lotions of coconut oil and orange.  The reason is that these fragrances contain a substance called psoralen, which is known to speed up the aging process.

42.    Circulation and Lymph Glands

When you finish with your bath or shower, you can actually help your body’s circulation and improvement in which lymph glands drain, all by the way that you towel off your body.  Very simply, when drying your arms and legs as well as torso, always towel away toward the groin for your legs and toward your armpits for the arms and torso.  This might sound funny, but studies have shown this works.

43.    Make Time for Intimacy

If you are married, be sure to make time for intimacy in your relationship.  Sex is a great stress reducer and keeps a marriage happy.  Sex is healthy act that should be enjoyed.

44.    No More Caffeine

Caffeine can dehydrate your body so try to remove it from your daily intake.  This may require some weaning, but when done, you will feel better.  If you feel that you need something, instead of grabbing a cub of caffeinated coffee or soda, try drinking herbal tea.

45.    Stick with Whole Wheat

Whole wheat is actually better for you.  It offers more fiber, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diverticulosis, diabetes to name a few.  When possible, set aside the white flour and bread and reach for products that are made from oats, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, rye, brown rice, millet, and wheat.

46.    What are Flavonoids?

These are oestrogen-like compounds found in plants that act as hormone blockers any place in the body where there are excess hormones that could cause such cancers such as breast cancer.  Flavonoids are also strong antioxidants, which can be found in foods such as beans, onions, broccoli, apples, and soy products.

47.    Green Tea
 
Studies have shown that adding green tea to your daily diet provides several health benefits to include the metabolizing of fat, ease of digestion, and is a good source of flavonoids.  Another benefit is that tea is a form of natural diuretic, which is very mild and not harmful.

48.    Sodium

As a way of reducing blood pressure, which is bad on the heart, reduce the amount of sodium (salt) you intake.  You may be thinking of table salt but you should know that many canned vegetables, soups, even soda, are very high in sodium.  Look at your labels and try to cut back on processed foods.  If you have a craving for salt, switch to natural seasoning and just a little salt.

49.    Family History

If you are not sure what your family history is in relation to health, now is a good time to find out.  This can be especially true if you are adopted or disconnected from immediately family members.  There might be certain types of cancer, diabetes, asthma, or other illnesses that you could get a jump on if you knew they were prevalent in your family.  Once you discover any risks, talk with your physician for recommendations.

50.    Puffy Eyes

If you battle with puffy eyes or dark circles that make you look worn out, do not feel alone.  This is actually a very common complaint that can be treated easily.  By using a mixture of Vitamin C ester and alpha-lipoic acid eye therapy, you will find that this antibiotic helps reduce this puffiness.  

Part 4

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