There are simple reminders we should remember, tidbits of advice we can nibble on to help us soothe the senses and turbo-charge the body.

Here are a few guidelines and must-do’s:

Gaining and losing

While many seem to be struggling with weight problems, others have the opposite concern—how to actually gain.

Fiber-rich foods can only add to your slimming joys. The more fiber your load up on, the better. But what kind should one eat? A practical way to choose when you are out of the house, and you have no other choice but to eat of what is presented to you, is to look for anything fresh and colorful. Anything green is good. Therefore, any vegetable will help you fill up your stomach with the good stuff. Don’t doubt that.

Next, look for the reds, yellows, and oranges like fruits in season. Why must it be the fruit of the month? Because fruit-bearing trees, as God intended them to be, draw their maximum nutrients at the time they are meant to bloom. Therefore, ordering a plate of Baguio-grown strawberries picked fresh from the farm would contain more nutritive value than strawberries from France.

Locally harvested fruit is put on your plate close to the time it was picked. Fruits and vegetables lose their nutritive value, the longer the waiting time from harvest to dining. Choose fresh and local over preserved and imported—that is, if your intention is to eat healthy and be sexy. (Unless, of course, it is specially flown in by express delivery to your plate!)

Naturally thin people have a faster metabolism. The key is to sit down, or keep at pace with it. How? Simply eat more, and as often as you like. Clue: load up on good carbohydrates such as regular and sweet potatoes, and combine carbohydrates with protein.

If you eat vegetables with carbo-rich foods, you will not gain weight. The same goes for protein and vegetables.  Instead, if you follow this regimen, you will lose weight. Now, here’s the trick: to gain weight, pair carbohydrates with protein. It’s as simple as that! Of course, watch the portions—bigger quantities of food on your plate could lead to weight gain.

Keeping the peace

Guard your heart. Studies have shown that emotional stress can lead to heart problems. You can start by never again saying, “My heart is breaking.” Somehow, the very declaration of this statement gives your heart permission to actually be broken.

Kidding aside, it’s true. Once you declare a negative situation for yourself, you are automatically programming your mind and heart for disaster. Value peace in your life by banning the unpleasant from taking up residence in your inner body. Physical antioxidants can’t help you be well, if deep inside you all is not well.

Peaceful practices include quiet time for yourself, letting go of aches and pains that have worn out your patience and dashed your dreams, forgiving those who have wronged you, controlling your temper, and taking a long vacation.

Comfort food

Yes, it’s exactly what you think. Comfort food, no matter what it is, can act on the brain even before it hits your stomach. That’s because the very thought of feasting on your favorite foods can revive feel-good memories, which stimulate your brain to release feel-good hormones!

So, whether it’s bulalo, crispy pata, Peking duck, or foie gras, just remember to be careful with the amounts you are consuming. Easy does it. Small portions will not lead to weight gain. Big ones will. Think comfort but in small doses.

Letting go today

There’s a popular adage which I will paraphrase. Live your life today, try to take chances, be crazy now. Don’t wait until tomorrow because this moment is the oldest you’ve been and the youngest you’ll ever be again. And with that, let us affirm:

“I live my best life now and always.”

Love and Light!