Eat less. Studies show that people who eat less (roughly 10-30 percent less calories ) throughout their lives tend to live longer. Although the exact reasons are still elusive, the evidence is compelling. To read more about a restrictive diet visit www.newscientist.com.
Follow a basic system for eating. The Mediterranean Food Pyramid is a good guide to the correct amounts and variety of foods we should be eating.
Drink water!!! Without sufficient amounts of water (about 8 8oz. cups for the average person) in the body,our organs can't flush out toxins properly and our blood can't transport oxygen as efficiently. For more go to www.mayoclinic.com.
De-stress daily. Yoga, hanging with good friends, or playing with your pet are all beneficial in reducing stress. And since it's been proven that stress blocks the healing process both physically and mentally why not take a time out and enjoy some relaxation. To read about the impact of stress on the body go to www.stress-management-for-health.com.
Get enough sleep. Research has shown that adults who continually get less than seven hours of sleep a night have a greater risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. Although every persons sleep needs are different, on average 7 1/2 hours to 9 hours of sleep has been found to be optimal for adults. For more go to www.washingtonpost.com.
Let go. When we let go of old grudges and other forms of negativity, we tend to be happier and current research shows that happy people live longer healthier lives. See www.sciencedaily.com for more on health and happiness.
And now for some simple detoxifying recipes that will help you to get started on the road to a healthier you. 1.Hot lemon water.
Drink this first thing in the morning before doing anything else. Lemon water helps finish the detoxing that's been occurring over night. Pour 8 oz. or hot water over the juice of 1/2 lemon and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Switch from white processed grains to brown whole grains.
This isn't really a recipe, but the additional fiber will help keep the process of digestion and elimination,ummm, moving along.
3.Substitute soda or store bought juices with homemade watermelon water. The recipe: 6-8 lbs. of watermelon cut into 2" pieces (seedless works best) 2 Cups of Coconut water ( you can substitute regular drinking water) 1 Tablespoon of Agave Nectar or Honey Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!
4. Try a light veggie soup instead of a heavier pasta or meat dish. You can make a batch and eat for lunch during the week and they're good both hot and cold. This Summer soup is super easy. 2tbsp Olive oil 2 leeks, cut into 1/2 in. slices 2 stalks of cerlery cut into 1/2 in. slices 12 asparagus tips coarsely chopped 6 Red potatoes, chopped into bite size pieces 5 cups veggie stock 1 1/4 cup fresh peas (frozen is fine) 3 tbsp. chopped mint 3oz. baby spinach Salt and Pepper to taste Heat oil in a large saucepan, add the leeks and celery and cook gently for 10 mins. (Don't let the leeks brown). Add asparagus and potatoes along with the stock. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 mins. Add peas and simmer for 5 more mins. Stir in the mint and spinach, season to taste and voila!
5. Replace desert with fresh mint tea. Mint soothes the digestive tract and it also contains a phytonutrient called perillyl alcohol that has been show to prevent the formation of certain cancers. For more on mint go to health.learninginfo.org. To make the tea, pour hot water over 6-8 mint leaves and allow to steep for 2-3 mins.
6. Consider drinking your lunch. Carrot juice, often called the "miracle juice," contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals all beneficial in the healing and detoxifying process. There are many carrot juice recipes available at www.carrotjuice.com.
