So many people are obsessed with losing weight, but not all are interested in getting healthier. When we're healthier we feel lighter, younger, we do better at our jobs and in our relationships...and yes, if need be, as a by-product of being healthier - we lose weight. Most importantly, however, the quality of our life is enhanced.
Here are a few tips with a few twists...
Walking
At this point, everyone should know that this is the easiest and safest way to feel better, look better and get healthier. A 20-minute walk once a day is often recommended. Twist: However, if this cardio isn't working for you and you are trying to lose weight, try sprinting midway through your walk for as long as you can as a boost in your metabolism. This will push the body to drop a few pounds especially if you're weight has plateaued.
Yoga
The great thing about yoga is...just about everything. Yoga increases flexibility, detoxifies the body, helps release stress, focuses the mind, lowers blood pressure, improves blood circulation in the body, and depending on the type of yoga class - yoga strengthens muscles and helps you lose weight. For a twist on the usual yoga class, try power yoga for a more intense cardio and strength training experience. If you're in the Los Angeles area and looking for a great power yoga class to explore, check out this teacher... Rudy Mettia is very knowledgeable about the human body and will guide you through a strong, informative and fun class. Be aware, you might even laugh out loud while in plank position...and that's a good thing.
Food
Obviously eating less fried, fatty, and sugary foods is best because they're high in calories. However, if you do this already and still feel weighed down after eating, you may want to check if you're eating too many carbohydrates, too much dairy or intolerant to Gluten. Of course, follow the conventional rules of not lying down after eating and consume no more than your own fist-size amount of food for each meal. A twist to this tip: Try to avoid eating carbs for dinner. Have your protein for dinner and your carbs for lunch. This can help drop a couple of stubborn pounds.
Sleep
Get at least 7.5 hours of sleep a night. Consistent lack of sleep can cause fatigue, which affects our energy levels, also we're grumpier and the brain is not as sharp. Also, when we skimp on our sleep we're more apt to add pounds because we lower our metabolism.
Meditation
Get quiet. For at least 15 minutes each day, try meditation. You don't have to do it as a religious practice, the purpose is to quiet the mind. So whatever you're religion or choice of spirituality, just get quiet for at least 15 minutes each day. If you have a beautiful picture window of flowers, look out while taking slow deep breaths. If you like walking on the beach, sit on the sand for a few minutes and take slow deep breaths. When we feel rested in the mind, we're better for the world, we're more pleasant, relaxed and our quality of life is enhanced.
Joy
Life can be challenging. We all know this. Sometimes we don't have the love we want, just had a car accident, just broke a nail - whatever the challenge, large or small, we should always venture to find the joy in life. Studies have shown that people who are in touch with their joy live longer and look younger. So connect to your favorite people this weekend, play with your children, volunteer your time to an ailing person, engage in a moment that feels good and brings joy to yourself and others. And if you tend to be a 'glass half empty' person, maybe being with the one you love is enough to keep you smiling.
Take care of yourselves and each other...
Daydree is a Reiki practitioner who lives and works in Los Angeles. She is a registered member of International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP). To book an appt call: (310) 581-9238 www.myoshun.com
