general well being
How to look, feel and stay young!
Let’s face it, we all want to look, feel and stay young. That is why the rate of plastic surgery has risen to 1 in 3 Australian woman who undergo a procedure. What if I told you there is a natural way to maintain your youthfulness? Even after going under the knife (or needle) you must look after yourself to maintain your youth.
Everyday cells in our body die and are replaced, as we age the new cells are not as good as their predecessors. The process is known as cell degradation. But by ensuring we eat well, exercise and think positively, we can ensure a higher quality of cell is produced, keeping us younger and healthier. This will shine though your skin, general health and energy levels; ensuring a more youthful you.
Nutrients
There are a few key elements to eating well, firstly a low calorie high density diet. A great rule is, if your grandmother wouldn’t recognize it, don’t eat it. This means eating rawer natural foods that are less processed, like brown rice or sugar instead of white. It takes more energy for your body to process these foods, meaning you also have the benefit of burning more body fat while eating them (double bonus points I know). We require good nutritious food high in antioxidants, omega 3 and vitamins. Like ones you would find in Tea, fruit, vegetables, raw nuts, seeds, berries, olive oil, tomato paste and red wine (yes you heard right, something fun that’s good for you. Moderation is vital though). When well nourished we regenerate better quality cells, which means the machine (our bodies) have good quality spare parts.
The Okinawa Tribe of Japan is proof of this. They have the most people aged over 100 per capita, the lowest rate of death from cancer, heart disease and stroke. Keeping calories limited and nutritious is definitely an anti ageing essential.
Activity
Getting active is most important. You know what I’m talking about, yep, that fabulous E-word….Exercise. Increase your heart rate every other day for at least 30 minutes. Find something you enjoy and love. Walk or run and make it an adventure to experience your neighborhood. Partake in a dance class and get some fantastic moves for your next night out. Self-defense, join a gym and partake in different classes that interest you, keeping you entertained so activity isn’t another chore in your to do list for the day. Yes you can even include your bedroom activities, but remember the key was to keep your heart rate up for over 30 minutes. So I guess it may involve some role play of chasing the assistant around the desk.
Weight resistance training is another element of activity that is required to maintain our youth. So lifting heavy objects in our day to day life can help, though some form of a weights routine is required to ensure an all over training effect. Remember to keep it interesting and fun. You can find some parks with equipment & bodyweight routines displayed. Some people enjoy their gym weights work out, others require their personal trainer to motivate and inspire them with interesting new things they can do. I prefer a weights class, such as BODYPUMP. It’s motivational with an instructor, great music, it’s social and best of all requires minimal coordination and thought. Before I know it, the hour is over and I’ve had a good time.
Activity keeps your body working and moving, which is a vital part of holding on to our youth. It releases endorphins and hormones which make you feel good & it ensures your body is ready for a good solid night sleep. If we are active, as we age we can continue doing things we love to do. There is no point retiring and finally having the time to do things, but be unable too.
Mentality
The way we think is of most importance, it will save you from frown lines and sad droopy eyes. Buy wait, there’s more. Positive thought puts you in the best place to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves. Again, this affects us on every level. Positive thoughts release the feel good hormones in our bodies, gives you the “I can” mentality required to get that job, meet that person & complete that workout. Your Mentality will decide when you think you are too old for this or that, and then your body will follow through. We live in a fantastic world full of opportunities, it’s up to you to take advantage of them.
When you eat well and are active you look good. When you look good, you feel good. Get the picture? This keeps you looking and feeling young. So what are you waiting for, grab the next opportunity, get your butt out there moving and as you’re jogging past the store leave the doughnut on shelf and pick yourself something nutritious for dinner...