Friday, April 14, 2017

Back to Wellness!

Hello Everyone.  Long time no write!  Well, there was the landscaping project, and then the kitchen and bathroom remodels, but now I'm fired up to write again.  As a matter of fact, I'm ready to dig in and write that Wellness Workbook for Grownups that is swimming around in my brain, (and my heart).

So, here's a few interesting tidbits I uncovered during my recent research. I hope you find at least something to chew on:

*If you love to exercise, don’t forget to put enough protein into your diet. Protein helps give you energy, especially during an endurance activity.  It’s important to have a healthy snack within thirty minutes after a workout, to help with recovery, and building muscle.  An appropriate snack consisting of a combination of protein and carbohydrates will help replace glycogen stores and repair muscle tissues. If you skip the healthy snack, you run the risk of reaching a catabolic state, a condition where the body uses muscle tissue, instead of body fat or carbohydrates, for fuel.  Examples of healthy after-workout snacks are: a banana with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with fruit.  Steer clear of high fat choices, (fast food, bacon) because it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients.


*Do you have trouble with motivation in the mornings? Try prepping at night by getting the coffee pot, water bottle, snacks and/or lunch sack ready; set out your favorite mug; lay out tomorrow’s outfit, and whatever else you know you’ll need.  How about placing a motivational quote on a sticky note on the mirror? Try having a lively song queued to play while you’re getting ready in the morning, too. (Sheesh, aren't I just Perky Polly.)

*Research shows that during a massage, your lymphatic system and its white blood cells (the ones that fight disease causing germs) are becoming stirred and therefore less likely to give in to an attack!  Wouldn’t it be nice if your insurance plan allowed for preventative claims such as having a massage? 

*Sometimes it’s hard for us to skip a workout, but if something isn’t feeling right, isn’t it much better to take a day or two of rest than to risk having the injury turn into something serious?

*It’s allergy time!  Do yourself a favor and try these proactive measures: Take your shoes off before going inside. Wipe your pet’s feet before he/she enters the home. Consider investing in a HEPA filterHEPA stands for High Efficiency Particular Arrestance.  I did some research and ordered one!  So, I’ll let you know what I think, and please let me know if you have one and if you think it helps your household.

*Did you know that there’s a correlation between how much fiber you eat and how healthy your gums are? Whole grains like oats and quinoa can help stave off chronic inflammation, which is a key element in the development of gum disease. And, please don’t forget those dental hygiene appointments. In one study, the group who skipped the dentist had an 86% greater risk for pneumonia than those who had teeth cleaning twice a year.  It reduces the bad bugs in your mouth that can accidentally be inhaled into the lungs. 

On that note I shall simply encourage you to Be Well, by focusing on making your health and happiness a priority.

Mary