Here are 9 tips to help get you a healthier and happier life
I CAN'T BELIEVE it. Here we are in our 12th and final week of the Daily News From Flab to Fab Fitness Challenge. It's been an amazing 12-week journey, with many lessons learned.
Hope you've been inspired to follow in the "Fab Five's" energetic footsteps. But just in case you're still hesitating, here are nine essential tips to jump-start you on your way to a fit, healthy and happy life.
1. Persistence.
Our nation's 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, summed it up like this: "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb."
2. Have faith.
Take inspiration from this Arabian proverb: "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."
3. Maintain PMA (Positive Mental Attitude).
No doubt, your thoughts create your reality. Make sure you keep your thoughts positive. We're always manifesting, whether positive or negative. So we might as well make a conscious effort to choose PMA.
As Bobby McFerrin sang, "Don't worry - be happy."
4. Pick your parents well.
OK, it may be a little too late for that. But there is a link between genetics and health. Yet, your parents' poor health does not have to be your destiny.
If genetics predispose you to certain conditions, act wisely, implement prevention strategies and go to the doctor for appropriate tests and screenings.
5. Bounce, rock, skate, roll.
In other words, keep it moving!
Fitness should be a daily priority, but at the minimum, make an effort to move. Give yourself excuses to move, like getting up to change the channel, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking on the far side of the mall and walking to your destination.
If you need a change from your gym routine, throw on some roller blades, take up salsa dancing, or hop on a bike. You can do it, and it feels so good!
6. Cut fat.
I've said it before. I'll say it again: Get the fat out of here!
Avoid the obvious heart-attack-on-a-plate-meals like fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage).
Be careful with dairy products, too, and go for the low-fat varieties. (No-fat dairy usually leaves you wanting more in taste and satiety. Low-fat is more satisfying.)
Nuts and nut butters are good for you, but a little dab'll do ya! One ounce is a serving of most nuts.
It goes without saying that you should limit if not eliminate mayonnaise, butter, margarine, salad dressing and sauces.
7. Slash the sugar.
We love sugar, but sugar doesn't love us. If you're trying to get or regain your health, one of the smartest things you can do is ditch the sugar habit.
In addition to rotting our teeth and contributing to a variety of health problems, excess sugar is stored as guess what? FAT!
8. Reduce stress.
Remember, you can eat right and exercise, but if you are overwhelmed by stress, you could be sabotaging everything you're working for.
Here are a few simple things you can do to take a deep breath and to de-stress:
Get a massage.
Learn to meditate.
Soak in a hot tub.
Walk on the beach or in a park.
Read a good book.
Talk to a friend.
Play with your dog.
Listen to soothing music or watch a funny movie.
Also, don't curse (it raises your blood pressure), do count to 10 (that will lower your pressure), and skip the road rage.
9. Kick the habit, ditch the drinks.
We all know the dangers of smoking and drinking in excess. If you're still burdened with these habits, get the help you need to get on the right track. There's no room in a healthy lifestyle for drinking, drugging, or smoking.
Who's who? You
Please join me tomorrow for a night of celebration at the 2nd annual Who's Who of Philadelphia Awards, presented by Black Elephant and Tony Beaty Productions.
There will be entertainment, food, fun and dancing at Hibachi on Pier 19, N. Columbus Blvd. (Delaware Avenue), 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., $20, 267-971-5038.
A Fab Five finale
Celebrate the conclusion of the Daily News Flab to Fab Fitness Challenge with our Fab Five and me May 17 at North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave. There will be a salsa dance lesson and music by DJ Jose Rodriguez. It all gets started at 6:30 p.m. $5. 215-854-2270.
Next Thursday in the Daily News, see before/after photos of our "Fab Five" and find out who won the fitness challenge. They and their trainers will share what they've learned about diet, fitness and a healthy lifestyle. *