Posted under Uncategorized
Happy New Year! It’s that magical time of year when people start to give serious thought to the resolutions they will make to improve their lives in the New Year. Among the more popular ones are: to save more money, to eat healthier and to exercise more.
Here are some simple tips to get 2008 off to a great Spa start.
- Become More Active
Start by picking a simple aerobic activity that you like, such as gardening, walking, fishing, swimming or biking, and do it regularly. Try to do at least 30 minutes of mild to moderate activity per day on most days of the week. Note that you do not have to be active for 30 minutes in a row to benefit. For example, you can be active for three 10-minute blocks.
Whatever activity you choose, do it slowly and gradually. Spend a few minutes warming up and cooling down before and after each activity session to avoid injuring yourself and stressing your heart. Warming up by walking or stretching helps your body and your heart adjust to the increased demands of activity, and stretches tendons and muscles to avoid cramping. Cooling down allows your heart rate, blood pressure and other body functions to return to their usual resting levels and brings down your adrenaline level gradually.
Although regular activity is good for you, remember, moderation is the key. Above all, do not start a new exercise program or engage in a new activity without reviewing this with your physician.
- Change Your Diet
In keeping with a healthy Spa Lifestyle, it’s important to have a healthy diet. Cut back on sodium! This is a tough one because salt is everywhere — in canned soups, canned vegetables, fast food, restaurant meals and processed foods like frozen dinners, boxed noodle and rice dishes. So, even if you do not add salt while cooking or use a salt shaker at the table, you may be eating too much.
What can you do to cut back on the sodium (salt)? Here are four tips from the Heart Failure Society of America:
Instead of salt, flavor your food with black, cayenne and lemon pepper; fresh herbs like garlic, onion powder, dill, parsley and rosemary; lemon juice; and flavored extracts like vanilla, almond, etc.
Adapt preferred foods to low-sodium versions. Instead of buying lunch meats, which typically contain high amounts of sodium, you can cook fresh chicken, turkey, roast beef or pork without adding salt and then cut it up for sandwiches the next day.
If you like soup, instead of buying the canned version which is high in sodium and preservatives, you can cut up fresh vegetables, put them in a slow cooker and use herbs and spices for seasoning.
Pick foods naturally low in sodium, like fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, poultry and fish.
It can be difficult to change your eating habits. It may take weeks before you enjoy the taste of low-sodium foods, but your taste buds will adjust. Eventually you may not even miss the salt. Best of all, your heart - and body will thank you for this healthy lifestyle change!
Soothe your senses with rejuvenating Spa Treatments from http://www.spa-style.comthat ease tension and renew your spirits. It’s like having your own spa therapy in the comfort of your own home!
Posts
