So many questions, too little time and not enough space to answer them all. Here are your much-awaited replies to health, beauty and wellness concerns.
Q: I am on a fish and vegetable diet. Which in particular have the strongest health benefits?
It’s good you know that food can be your medicine—or your poison. Going on a fish and vegetable diet is the best thing you can do to save your heart and improve your complexion. That’s because your regimen is rich in omega 3, vitamin C and vitamin E, among others.
Carotenes, found in the pigments of the foods you eat, such as lycopene (the red in tomatoes) and lutein (found in dark, leafy greens), offer high levels of nutrients helpful in the fight against cancer, as well as eye and skin problems.
Xanthrophylls contained in chili peppers, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, kale and green beans, boost the immune system.
Found in fish, Astaxanthin is more potent than vitamin E in supplement form.
Good for the heart, rich in omega 3 fatty acids and a good source of DMAE (which improves muscle tone and fine lines on the face), Alaskan salmon is considered King of Superfoods. Others that belong to this quantity food range are crabs, trout, shrimp and lobster. Note their color, which gives us a clue to their antioxidant protection. However, with all this talk about bottom-dwelling, junk-scavenging habits of crustaceans, some health advocates reject them altogether. That is, if you are militant about your health choices.
Q: Is there a better way to lose weight without compromising my enjoyment of life?
Yes there is. But it requires a re-programming of your needs and desires. List down your pleasures, as in comfort foods and habits.
Example: You find exercising a bore and you’re a chocoholic. Or, you skip breakfast because you sleep late and wake up before noon.
A close examination of your lifestyle is crucial to the fulfillment of your wellness goals. Do you have enthusiasm? Channel this energy toward your ultimate objective—to look and feel better than ever before. Be honest with yourself. There are a few concessions you must make if you want results.
I don’t believe in the adage “no pain, no gain.” If at all, no discipline, no delight. And definitely, you will be delighted with yourself.
In my book, a little treat now and then is good. Rewarding yourself with chocolate or longer sleeping hours will not derail you from your purpose. On the contrary, it should inspire you all the more. Just don’t finish the entire box of chocolates in one sitting!
Know that losing weight isn’t just for vanity—it’s for your health.
By making yourself lighter, you will prevent heart disease and diabetes, improve bone health and endurance, and strengthen the immune system.
Exercise makes you happy. The neuropeptide beta-endorphin was found to significantly reduce pain and promote feelings of euphoria. In short, exercise fights depression and anxiety attacks.
Combine weight resistance with cardiovascular activities as well as flexibility routines.
1. Join a club—dancing, running, biking, swimming—anything that makes you move. If you don’t exercise, you will do your heart a great injustice.
2. Sign up for yoga or Pilates.
3. Be a gym member.
What to eat from now on: fish, vegetables, chicken without the skin, lean meat. If you must, spices of all kind, especially turmeric, found in curry, has anti-aging benefits.
4. Drink plenty of water, a minimum of eight glasses daily.
Health smoothie
1. Mix 2 tbsp of kefir with 7 tbsp of yoghurt. Add your favorite fruits, but go easy on bananas.
2. Add 1 tbsp toasted old-fashioned oatmeal.
3. Add a big squeeze of one whole orange. Drink up.
Remember to exercise daily. By doing so, you can eat almost anything you want in moderation.
I don’t believe in the efficacy of fat burners as diet supplements if you do not exercise. So if you intend to eat and eat without exercising, these slimming supplements will not work at all.
Cooking tip: Include the herb rosemary in your recipes. Apart from being aromatic, it also has antispasmodic benefits (especially dysmenorrhea) and relieves respiratory disorders.
Rosemary is also hailed as a memory enhancer. In the Middle Ages, it was dubbed the herb of remembrance. Its piney aroma lends itself well as a seasoning for meats. Add rosemary to chicken and omelettes. Or simply place it in a pot of boiling water to make a relaxing tea.
If you allow it to chill, add a few sprinkles on your face as spritzer.
Affirm today: “Miracles are coming my way.”
Love and light!
