Getting Down to Basics

While many of you have likely heard some, if not all, of this before, I think it’s important to cover this info with you here. Here are 5 things you should do right now to get healthier.

1. Drink More Water
Soda, which is loaded with chemicals and sugar if it’s not diet, is just plain bad for you. Additionally, if it’s in a can, you’re exposed to aluminum, which has been linked to dementia. If it’s in a can or plastic, you’re exposed to BPA, which is linked to developmental problems in children and cancer and hormone imbalances, among other things, in adults. So in summary, soda = chemicals, chemicals, and more chemicals.

Instead, drink water and add in natural flavor, if necessary. Try lemon or fresh fruit in it – raspberries, strawberries, and oranges make water taste great. Mint leaves and cucumbers are refreshing. If you find yourself reaching for yet another caffeinated drink, it’s possible you’re dehydrated and a glass of water will make you feel a whole lot better.

2. Sit Less, Move More.
Since you’re now drinking more water, take frequent breaks to get it – fill up a mug or glass instead of a large bottle, which requires fewer breaks. And when that water brings on a bathroom break, do 20 squats in the bathroom (or bathroom stall). When you wash your hands, suck in your stomach, stand up tall, and go on one leg like a flamingo. Stand on the opposite leg on your next bathroom break.

3. Eat More Organic
It’s great to buy only organic if you can afford it. But if you can’t, it’s important to know which foods really should be organic. Find the list of the Dirty Dozen (most pesticide residue) and the Clean 15 (least pesticide residue) here. Follow these lists as much as you can. Also, choose organic meats and dairy, as well as wild-caught fish whenever possible. Pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones in our food cause a whole host of problems and we don’t want them in our bodies. We will get into the details of that in another post. That’s a promise!

4. Cut Down on Processed Foods.
Who wants all those chemicals in their body gunking up the pipes? A clean machine works better. And you wouldn’t drink from dirty pipes, so don’t dirty up your own set. If you see an ingredient and you don’t know what it is or how to pronounce it, it’s probably not real food. And if it’s not real food, you shouldn’t be eating it. Furthermore, thousands of chemicals aren’t even regulated or approved by the FDA. Instead of a pre-packaged snack, have some nuts, baby carrots, or a homemade baked good instead.

5. Eat More Vegetables.
If you haven’t had a vegetable in awhile, go grab one. Right now! Any vegetable will do. People don’t seem to have a problem eating fluorescent colors when it comes to candy. Why not eat a bright orange carrot or a deep green leaf of swiss chard? Add one more serving of veggies to your day and see how you do.

Question of the Day:
What was the last thing you did for your health? Write your responses below. I’d love to hear!