Simple Health Cures

   What would you consider is your most valuable tool for staying in shape? Is it your treadmill? What about your weight set? Is it your arsenal of low-fat cookbooks, and low-carb diet snacks? What about your collection of workout videos?

  Would your consider it a revelation that your most lethal weapon in the battle of your health issues is your Attitude?

   Think about it. What good is your treadmill if you don’t have the energy to get on it, or can’t get up the motivation to crank up the speed, or the elevation? How useful are your dumbbells if you can’t push yourself to use them in the most effective manner? How good is a nutrition program that you can’t stick to? How much fat loss will you get out of your workout videos if you just can’t seem to get as motivated as that bouncy cheerleader who is urging you to jump higher, or that buff macho man who keeps saying, “C’mon, just one more rep!”?

     No, none of those tools is going to get you very far unless your HEAD is in the right place. As you read this article, you have probably already been exposed to more nutrition and exercise information than you could possibly ever need to actually stay in shape. You’ve probably read, listened to, or watched the answers to your fitness issues enough times to win the next Mr. or Mrs> Neighbored fitness competition a dozen times over! Yet, you are still not where you want to be. Why?

   Attitude….

   Seeing Your Goal:

   Do you have a clear vision in your head of where you want to be, or what you want to accomplish when you are at a peak level of fitness? I don’t mean just some vague idea- I’m talking about an actual burning mental image of a six-pack sets of abs, or a nice set of curves, or a clear picture of you just being healthy. If you don’t have that, you are already just spinning your wheels. How can you expect to get somewhere if you don’t know where that “somewhere” is?

   Many people start out very motivated to get in shape, or to complete for that prize, but their motivation lacks focus-laser-targeted precision that will guide them down the right path. The term ” as the crow flies” come to mind. If you could leave your house and drive in an exact straight line to your destination, don’t you think that you would get there a lot faster? What if you could just fly through stop lights and intersections, disregard all posted speed limits, and go exactly in a straight line to every destination? You sure would get there a lot faster!

   Exercise, physical fitness, and nutrition are no different. If you don’t have a clearly mapped out and measurable road map to your success, then you will stray, and that will cost you time at the very least WHERE you want to be, HOW you are going to get there, and most importantly, WHY you want to be there. Take the time to do that, and I think you’ll see that your previous path may have been road blocked by a few too many trips to Starbucks for a Caramel Frappuccino. Not that anyone writing a fitness article such as this would know anything about that…

   Believing In Your Ability:

   Okay, so you’re got yourself a good mental picture. You have your road map in front of you, your path is straight and true, and you are ready to get started. What comes next? Belief…

   Do you believe it is possible to wave a magic wand and have all of your excess body fat gone, and all of your fitness goals realized in the blink of an eye? Of course not. If you do, and you know the secret, please contact me. I’m sure we could make some money on that secret! For everyone else, I’ll ask a different question. Do you believe that you could sit on your coach, suck down some ice cream, and put on some more body fat? The answer is, unfortunately, yes.

   What is the difference between those two question? Very simple, one is possible and one is not. What does that have to do with your fitness goals? Your Health Goals! Well, it may come as a surprise, but you have been dealing in the IMPOSSIBLE for quite sometime now. You have been striving for a goal, yet not really believing that it was within your power to reach it.

   Oh sure, you may have just join a gym, or brought a new treadmill, but did you really believe that you were going to do it this time? If you are reading this and you are in perfect physical condition, then congratulation! You did It! For the rest of you, are you seeing the point? You didn’t truly believe it, because otherwise it would have happened.

   Each of us shelters hidden either very deeply or sometimes NOT so deeply a seed of doubt that we will really succeed. When that seed is there whether it is planted deeply or not, your subconscious waters it and feeds it. The next thing you know, it is has grown into entire field of self-limiting beliefs, and you have neither the time or the desire to get out there in the field and destroy that evil crop!

   What are you to do, then? BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Why? The answer to that is simple because you are the only one who truly can. Others may support you, and they may even show you the path, but it is YOU who has to walk it.

   Taking Action:

   We have cover the need for you to clearly see your goal, and for you to use the power of belief to start walking down that path, but what’s next?

    The next step is the same as it is for an aspiring business owner, or a college freshman, or a artist staring at a blank canvas, you have to TAKE ACTION. You can read the top 2 sections of this article all day long, but doing so won’t burn off any body fat, or pack any muscle tissues onto your body. Only appropriately carried out action can do that.

    Think of all the self-help books that you have read, or programs that you have watched on TV, or listened to on the radio. Did any of them do you any good whatsoever if you didn’t take action on what you had learned? What about what you have read so far in this article? Has it been helpful? Most likely. Will it do you any good if you don’t take action? Nope, Negative, No Way, Nada. You get the picture.

    Why are you still here? Get out there and Take Action! Now… Your Life Depends On It! Doesn’t It?

    If you feel that you are running out of motivations on how to keep healthy, then stop for a while and take a deep breath. It is true that keeping a balanced diet, engaging regularly in physical activities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is hard work, so it is just but natural to feel burnt out with the routine. But this is not an excuse for you to stop keeping a healthy life and resorting to your old, non-healthy habits. the trick here is to be realistic with your health goals.

   Knowing how to keep healthy also involves knowing and understanding your problem areas. What makes you drink and smoke alot? Is it because of depression or disappointment? Or do you this when you succeed in something and want to celebrate? Whatever it is, you have to find out your reasons for doing so. This way, you become aware and conscious of your health, and you will be able to keep these in check the next time it happens.

   Also, having an encouraging support system can help you in your quest of how to keep healthy. In almost any endeavor, you need people to back you up and cheer you as needed. Stay away from people who live unhealthy lifestyle because they will only lead you away from your goals. Instead, find friends whom you can talk to whatever you are facing problems regarding how to keep healthy.

   It is also very important to remember that change does not happen overnight. It even does not happen in a fortnight. Take your time in applying the needed lifestyle changes toward a healthier life, and do it one step at a time. For example, you do not have to abruptly stop eating junk foods. You can start by lessening your intake day by day until you have completely eliminated it from your diet. You will find that this is a lot easier than doing a big change in an instant.

   Remember that the way you think is a big factor in order to achieve your goal of how to keep healthy. It may be a long and hard road which takes a lot of time to traverse, but take one small step each time and slowly but surely you’ll get there.

   Summer is here, so here is our top ten list for making this summer your fitness and healthiest yet!!!

   1. Set a goal. It could be to run a 10k or to lose a stone. Then break your goal down into smaller chunks, such as a weekly training plan or a weekly weight loss target. Write your goals downs and targets down and put them somewhere you can see it everyday as a reminder to keep going.

   2. Share your goal with family and friends, you could even go one step further and post your goal on face book. This will make you accountable for your actions and you are more likely to not to give up.

   3. Join a club or fitness center. There are loads of free or community based fitness clubs or classes in your town, where like minded people to you are hanging out and getting fit. If you mingle with people that are trying to achieve the same goals as you then you instantly have a new support network and also make new friends and potential business acquaintances.

    4. Plan your meals. You wouldn’t go on holiday without working out where you were going to stay, how to were going to get to your destination and what sort of currency you would need to take. Good nutrition planning is no different. Plan what you will eat for breakfast, lunch,, then work out what snacks you will have and bag them all up and take them to work with you. We love snacking on nuts which are easy to stick in a food bag and put in your top drawer of your desk. It will help you stay away from the vending machine when you get a sudden food craving.

    5. Drink water, then some more, then some more! Your body is made up of 75% water so if you dehydrate the body it will not function correctly and you will begin to feel lethargic and run down. Take a 1 liter bottle of water to work with you and sip continuously throughout the day.

   6. Get some fresh air. How many of you suffer from the 3 pm energy slump? During your lunch break get outside for 20 minutes of fresh air and oxygen. Vitamin D from sunlight will help you alleviate the afternoon energy dip. Encourage someone from work to join you than you can catch up on the work gossip!!!

   7. Ditch the energy vampires!  If you are surrounded by negative people then they will eventually drain you of your energy and make you feel down, tired and negative yourself. Research has shown that you tend to take on the behaviours of the 5 people in your life that you spend most time with, therefore make sure those individuals are positive, ambitious, confident and happy people.

    8. Try a new activity. Whether its hiking, biking, or Zumba. Do something once a week that takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges your mind and your body. If you feel self conscious about trying new things alone then take a friend with you.

   9. Take time to relax. In our busy lives there is very little time to actually relax and chili out, and watching TV does not COUNT! Join a yoga or Pilate’s group, lie on your bed and listen to motivational music or read a book. Do something that you enjoy and is purely just about you.

   10. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy body, without it the body cannot function correctly and you begin to feel run down. Don’t go to bed directly after watching TV, try to leaves 30 minutes before switching the television off and going to bed as your brain is still processing the images and information it has just seen. Make sure your bedroom is dark and not too hot so that the body can completely relax.

   Don’t try and do all of our tips at once, implement them over a number of weeks and see a fresher, healthier and happier you!!!!

   Diabetes is a physical disease which effects the immune system. that is why it is also called an auto immune disease. However the effects of diabetes are not limited to the human body alone. There are far reaching implications on the human mind as well. These are classified as psychological characteristics of people suffering from type 1 diabetes.

   The three main problems are eating disorders, depression and dementia. There is also a possibility that the person suffering from diabetes never gets these psychological troubles if he has a good support system and healthy attitude. However many people when first diagnosed with diabetes will show some effects of depression. Here is what they go through.

   Denial is a natural jump. If you told you are diabetic you will say that you are not sick. You don’t have any problem. Once you get over the denial you begin to feel angry. Anger is directed at your own human feelings. You feel mad at your body for giving up on you. Without realising that you have been ill treating it yourself.

   Depression comes next with some people needing professional counseling to get over it as well. Eventually the person understands what is happening and tries to deal with it. Acceptance of his condition is what leads to management of diabetes.

   Holistic approach which include body, mind and soul is an alternative medicine approach used to treat diabetes. It requires healing body, mind and soul and getting the body rid of diabetes and other diseases which are primarily caused due to lifestyle patterns.

   Due to unhealthy diets and food habits and lifestyle we have polluted our body and that is the root cause for most diseases including diabetes. The good news for diabetics is that taking control through holistic approach is still possible.

   The first step towards this is to cleanse the body of all the accumulated toxins. There are various methods of detoxification to choose from. The next step towards this natural cure is to find out the damage caused by diabetes and repair it. There are a variety of natural foods, herbs and medicines which can help a diabetic achieve that.

   To heal the spiritual and conscious mind, meditation and other relaxation techniques can be applied to achieve a stress free mind and body. Positive thoughts are known to increase the energy level in the body and can help a diabetic to control and conquer diabetes.

   Diabetes patients who have type two diabetes generally tend to be obese and have high blood pressure with a tendency for cardio vascular diseases. This means that the diabetic person is already at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In fact some studies have proved that a diabetic is at a 65% higher chance of developing the disease.

   Alzheimer’s disease effects the brain and there is a loss memory and brain functioning over a period of time. The excessive level of blood insulin thanks to incorrect medication doses for a diabetic person can also damage the brain by stimulating inflammation. This increases the levels of a toxic protein which is known as beta amyloid which is a critical symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

   Some insulin sensitizing drugs can help improve the memory and brain functioning of a person with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The drug help by boosting the capacity of the brain cells to produce energy. Other than drugs, mild exercise and eating the right food can help retard brain damage in diabetic patients.

   Carbohydrates with a low Glycemic Index or GI are good for memory boosting. So eat more whole grains and pasta which have a low GI rather than foods which have high sugar content. Also eat fish with omega-3 fat as this also helps retard Alzheimer’s Disease.

   Today you hear everyone saying oh your getting older. That why your having health problems. Age has nothing too do with it. It’s want you done or didn’t do that predict your health. Why not use your thoughts to optimize your health.

Key 1- Change your vocabulary. Our medical system promotes the use of labels. If you have Diabetes, then you are a diabetic. Such labels encourage us to see ourselves as always being sick. Try this focus on the healthy parts of your health.

Key 2- Remember what’s important. We are in a world filled with negative stereotypes about aging. Get involved so that you care about things. if something has meaning to you. Care about your health.

Key 3- Live mindfully. This is being engaged in your life and health, cultivating a sense of personal responsibility and control over your health.

Key 4- Expect good health. Start changing the way you think about your health. Change your health habit. Do not talk negative about your health. Wake up everyday say, Today I feel Awesome. Or say May Health is Great, I am Healthy Today. And you will start feeling Awesome!

   This would be the most popular form of Yoga as practiced in the western world. Yoga Swatmarama introduced this system of yoga in India in the 15th century. The main purpose of Hatha Yoga is to condition the body which makes it easier to condition the mind on it’s way to the spiritual path. However in the west we use it aminly for all the magnificent physical benefits practicing this form of Yoga can bring you. The main feature of Hatha Yoga is the combination of two extremes.

   In fact the word “Hatha” comes from the “Ha” or the sun and the “tha” of the moon. The sun denotes the positive current and the moon the negative one bringing together two extreme in one. “Ha” tends to work on the prana or the physical body while “Tha” works on the chitta or mental energies. Again this involves bringing together the power of both extremes to bring about harmony in our lives. it is akin to the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang.

   The practice of Hatha Yoga involves doing “Yogasana” or yoga postures. Then the “Six Shatkarmas” which may be seen as physical and mental detoxification techniques. Next come “Mudras and Bandhas” which are energy releasing techniques and last but not the least, “Pranayam” which involves breathing exercises to awaken your prana. Since this is the most commonly followed system of Yoga in the west it is easy to access and learn this yoga system at a place close to you.

   The Yogasanas that you will do as part of the Hatha Yoga system will help you to regulate your bodily functioning better. The meditation that you you do will bring you serenity and as you progress you will be able to experience the state of super consciousness, which is the closest you can come to nirvana while being alive. The more you do your asanas the better control you will have over your prana or vital life force.

   Do take care while you do the asanas to follow the routine with grace and full control over your limbs. Remember your mind needs to focus inwards when your body is performing the asanas. Do not push yourself too hard physically. Remember not to complete with others in your class for doing the maximum number of asanas. The true benefit comes from doing a few asanas well rather than by doing a lot of them with no inward awareness or focus.

   You have heard that doing Yoga is good for you. That it helps with specific illnesses and is great tool for relaxation. Although you may still wonder what exactly Yoga is and how do you practice it? There is a misconception that “Hatha Yoga” and it’s postures or asanas is all that Yoga is about. This is not true. Yoga is much more than a few stretching exercises. It has been best described as a “Hindu system of conemplation for effecting union of the human soul with the Supreme Being.” A person who practices Yoga is called a Yogi if male and a Yogini if female.

   Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means “to unite”. The Yoga philosophy seeks to unite the body, mind and soul. it is a highly spiritual discipline which seeks to balance out the emotions and actions of a man who practices it. Yoga seeks to bring you from the individual to the universal consciousness of everything being one. it seeks to demolish the duality that you conceive in the world around you. This is done through a series of steps.

   The end result of the whole effect of doing Yoga is to stay healthy, live morally and attain salvation. However there are many schools of thought when pursuing Yoga. The Bhakti Yoga school follows the teaching of Patanjali to some extent and has nine forms that you can follow. This is the most popular form of Yoga practiced in India. Almost every family has at least one member who follows the Bhakti Yoga system.

   When Yoga was brought to the west, the people were not interested as much in the spiritual aspect as the physical benefits. That is why Hatha Yoga which was compiled by Yoga Swatmarama and recorded in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika in the 15th century became more popular in the west. This system focuses on the purification of the body and the mind. It is also the reason why people see images of yogis contorting their body into  impossible positions when they think about Yoga.

   Power Yoga is a new derivative of the ancient art and philosophy which involves both mind and body. While  Yoga is aimed at self-development and self-realization. Power Yoga focuses purely on the body. Unlike the more sedate pace of traditional Yoga. power Yoga gives an intense body work out in a short period of time. There are many other traditional forms of  Yoga as well. We will consider these in more detail.

   When the goal is rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit, the methrod should be smaller, more frequent snacks and meals. This will help keep energu levels on an even keel, and regulate your blood sugar levels to avoid spikes and dips. When you choose the right combination of foods, your body gets the much needed boost it needs to sustain itself properly, even though those slumps later in the day. So dump those high sugar junk foods and reach for the following foods and get that boost you need.

   Dried Apricots and Almonds combination provides  high amount of Vitamin A, iron, protein and dietary fiber. Both foods are low in cholesterol and sodium, and apricots are a great source of potassium, which is important in regulating your body’s fluid balance. The Vitamin A in apricots contributes to healthy vision, bone growth, and reproduction, and help fight infection.

   Raisins are a healthy, low-fat, low cholesterol, and low soduim snack with significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, copper, and iron, and when mixed with low fat yogurt, you also get riboflavon (vitamin B2) and (Vitamin B12) as well as a high amount of calium, which is needed not only for strong bones and teeth but also plays a key role in the normal functioning of the heart and other muscle.

   Baby carrots and seasame sticks are a tasty treat that will provide significant amounts of beta carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin B6, iron, potassium, copper and fiber. Beta carotene helps protect against disease like heart disease and some cancers. Vitamin A is important for healthy skin, for better night vision, and to fight infection and respiratory ailments. Folate, or Vitamin B9, is essential to human life, helping to form red blood cells and break down proteins, and playing a key role in cell growth and division.

   Peanut butter on some whole grain crackers is an excellent source of protein, iron, niacin, and fiber. Peanuts butter on celery is a classic snack, has great staying power, and the celery is stuffed with numerous Vitamins, minerals and is high in fiber. Low-fat string cheese is a good quick source of protein and calcium. They come in easy-to-carry individual serving and you can add a piece of fresh fruit for extra fiber.