If your typical day includes three square meals coupled with lots of snacks, in between meals, and no movement i.e. exercise, then you really need to get moving! Sedentary lifestyle is one of the causes of obesity, cardiovascular problems, depression and ultimately low self-esteem. Eat less and move more to achieve better circulation and improve muscle strength.
Ladies recall the recent BET Comedy Awards.
Remember when the 36-year-old rapper and actor LL Cool J approached the stage to receive his award. He had the whole package: youthful appearance, chiseled body, and a sexy smile. He was so fine he had most of us feeling “head strung.� The men appeared to inwardly dismiss his appearance as “fake.� LL Cool J felt the vibe. In response, he flashed his sexy smile to the ladies and for the men, he told them his look was real and urged they take the “twinkies out of� their mouths “and go exercise.� LL cool J’s message applies to everyone.
Photo Credit: Amaka Nwigwe |
Our health is one of the greatest assets bestowed on us by our creator. Without it, we simply cannot function. Yet, it’s amazing our total disregard for the principles of health; thereby making our bodies breeding grounds for diseases, illnesses and unhappiness. Numerous studies, including studies from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, show that the average American diet is high in protein, fat, cholesterol, sugar and salt, while low in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Also, it is a fact that diseases such as diabetes and heart disease plague our communities at higher rates than others. Our very technologically-driven society does little to help. The impact of technology has meant convenience, fancier cars, computers, video games, sophistication, drive thrus, high stress, prescription drugs BUT less movement. Therefore, it seems apparent that before we quickly switch diets to the latest low carb craze, Atkins, or some other weird fruit diet, real change must begin with a complete renovation of our bodies’ systems.
Moderate Eating: Overeating places great burden on your digestive system and harms the body. Continued experience with constipation, muscle spasms in the stomach and other bowel problems is a clear indication for a food time out. Skip a meal or two to permit your body’s digestive system to relax. Instead, drink lots of water to flush out your system. If you find you overeat because of loneliness, boredom, or sadness, seek professional help ASAP to address these issues.
Rest: The value of rest cannot be overemphasized. If you physically overwork yourself so that you become sick, then you must rest. Your body is forcing you to listen! Lots of rest and a break from everything; really helps you emerge refreshed to more efficiently handle your obligations.
Relax your mind: Extreme anxiety, nervousness and mental blocks are often associated with a wearied brain. If your profession lends itself towards intellectualizing, it’s highly important to escape to real solitude. To heal an overworked brain, relax your mind through yoga, nature walks and visits to quiet resorts, to name a few.
Recognize and cure inactivity: If your typical day includes three square meals coupled with lots of snacks, in between meals, and no movement i.e. exercise, then you really need to get moving! Sedentary lifestyle is one of the causes of obesity, cardiovascular problems, depression and ultimately low self-esteem. Eat less and move more to achieve better circulation and improve muscle strength.
Getting drugged up is not an option: A drugged up mind and body cannot function correctly. In addition, as a result of progressive tolerance for drugs, your body becomes physically, psychologically and emotionally dependent on these substances which harm it. The cigarettes, alcohol, addictive and recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and so forth have to go! Also, while for medical reasons you might need over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs to control or cope with illnesses, these illnesses, in most instances, are a direct result of your lifestyle. So, before you rush to your doctor for costly fix up prescription drugs, have a genuine assessment of your lifestyle. It might just be the side effects from the drugged up mind and body that are causing your illnesses.
The bottom line is that if you want a body like LL Cool J or Beyonce, then you’ve got to work for it. The real deal is you have to make a decision whether you want to live healthy or live burdened by numerous health problems and discomfort. The decision is made by an acknowledgement of nature’s health principles and a complete renovation of your body. It is simply all about going back to basics.
Ms. Oduok is The Black Star News’s Health Editor
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