Get Outside

What kind of energy do you have?

When you get home from work what do you do?

What do you feel like when you get up in the morning?

Would you like to have more energy?

What would that feel like?

If your answers were negative; no energy, tired all the time, not looking forward to the day...anything along these lines...I say try getting outside. Even if you have to lounge in a chair and take a 10 minute nap. The sun, wind and weather will refresh you. It is spring and it is time to spring into action. Take a 10 minute walk, pick weeds for 10 minutes the actions will revive you. 10 minutes could lead to 20 minutes, you will have more energy and feel better.

Give yourself 10 minutes outside in the beautiful weather and get better answers!

9 Tips for Longevity

These tips are based on the habits of blue zone populations, as published in the IDEA Fitness Journal in February 2011.

1. Make regular activity intrinsic to your daily routines
2. Have a "Plan de Vida" i.e. a mission or purpose that give meaning to your life.
3. Take your life out of the fast lane: work less, slow down, rest, take vacations.
4. Eat less by following the "80% rule" (stop eating when you're 80% full).
5. Shift your diet to more vegetables and fruits, less protein and fewer processed foods.
6. Drink red wine in moderation.
7. Create a healthy social network.
8. Cultivate spiritual and religious beliefs and participation.
9. Make family a priority.

The researcher Buettner said in the article "We see from the blue zones and aging research in general that these behaviors are associated with longer life - and the same things that can help you to a healthy 90 or 100 can get you there better. They don't just add years; they're vital, enriching years.

The Perception of Ourselves

I was talking to a friend recently and she had an epiphany. She realized her beautiful slim 15 year old daughter was the same weight she was when she got married and several times in the past. Okay, not so much yet but... she always viewed herself as fat at that weight! Can you imagine what that says about her perception of herself?

I talk to women all the time that view themselves as "fat". I am guilty of it myself, I view my fat parts and feel unhappy with them as well. But, I have come to realize I am the only one viewing those parts as fat. This is true of the women that tell me they are fat or flabby too. It is our own distorted perception of our bodies.

My message here is let's try to ease up on our criticisms about ourselves. We are definitely more beautiful and slimmer than we see with our own eyes!

Cool Healthy Smoothie

I can't resist sharing this wonderful recipe with you for the warm weather coming up. There are so many variations you can add to make it to your liking. The best part though is the added healthy greens that you don't taste but benefit in so many ways. I prefer to use organic ingredients being the crazy health nut that I am, but you certainly don't have too, the benefit is still there.

Cool Health Smoothie:

• 1 bunch of Purple Swiss Chard
• 1 frozen Banana (peel before freezing)
  
• 3/4 cup Apple Juice
• 1 cup frozen blackberries
• 1 TBS vanilla (soy or regular) protein powder
• 1 TBS Barlean's Greens Powder
• 1TBS ground flax seed

Start with the Swiss Chard in food processor until pasty. Add the rest of the ingredients and enjoy. If too thick add a little water or more juice.

For variety add yogurt, soy milk, different fruits or liquids.

Happy Spring.