Knowing the do’s and don’ts of wellness is not enough because there is so much more we need to learn and apply.
Here are answers to some of your questions in anticipation of the holiday celebration.
Q : How can I guard my health, more than my waistline, during the holidays?
The key is simply to take a little bit of everything and not too much. It may sound easy but it’s not, especially when you are surrounded by people in a party mood. Learn to step on the brakes even if others urge you to hit the gas pedal. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
A few tips to neutralize excesses in sugar, alcohol and fat.
Sweet temptations—Just before you swallow that luscious slice of sweetness, make sure that you are armed with an alpha lipoic acid capsule and a tea bag of bitter melon (ampalaya). Take the antioxidant while eating and the tea immediately after finishing your dessert.
These two natural regimens help metabolize sugar and prevent spikes in your blood sugar levels.
Fatty and oily food—Drink two glasses of lukewarm water one hour before meals. Eat a high-fiber dish like salads and fruits. Take a moderate helping of psyllium husks or chia seeds mixed in water before attacking that roast beef or pork. Go easy on the gravy. It may look innocent but its fat content is hard on your liver.
Consider the supplement called red yeast rice and a good helping of extra virgin olive oil and fish oil. By increasing omega 3, you decrease omega 6. Omega 3-rich foods are moringa oil, fish and fish oils, flaxseed, soy bean, canola, hemp. Omega 6—oil from seeds, nuts.
Note: Only omega 3 can lower triglycerides.
Salty foods—When you consider high-sodium food have a glass of water on hand. Drink two glasses of water before you eat salty food.
Starchy foods—High-carbohydrate foods like pasta, breads, crackers, rice can raise your blood sugar levels.
Tips: Eat salads, vegetables, protein before consuming your carbohydrate. This will slow down the sugar from rising too fast in your blood stream. If you wish to burn the calories from carbs, exercise.
Q : What is the best anti-stressing regimen during the stressful holidays?
The best nerve-soother is vitamin B complex. Add the mineral magnesium to relax tense muscles. But the best of all is to find time to relax. Your quiet time is important to your well-being. Just 10 minutes of solitude in between the hustle and bustle of the season is beneficial to your health.
Whenever possible, remember to take long deep breaths. Believe it or not, it helps. Inhale five counts, hold two counts, exhale five counts. Do this seven times. It is enough to temporarily control your blood pressure.
Q : What is your best skin regimen to achieve that holiday sparkle?
The best advice I can give you is a simple lifestyle:
Eat healthy
Exercise daily
Sleep six to eight hours nightly; be in bed by 10 p.m., if possible
Drink lots of water (8-15 glasses daily)
Spend time to meditate and pray
Load up on vitamins and minerals
Sugar scrub—Bring out youthful skin by using my favorite scrub.
Recipe: ¼ c coco sugar or muscovado
2 tbsp virgin coco oil
Mix together then scrub your body including the face. Rinse well. This gives your skin the instant smoothness you are looking for.
Today’s affirmation: “I am radiant with life.”
Love and light!