10 Health Resolutions for 2007

By Mary-Ann Shearer

In 10 Health Resolutions for 2007, Mary-Ann Shearer, a well known nutritional counsellor since 1987, tells us how to get off the merry-go-round of constant dieting, how you can achieve a real and permanent change to weight and health and ultimately how to take care of our health the natural way!

 

I will not go on diet.

Diets do not work, even if you lose weight it invariably comes back with a vengeance and any way, skinny people are seldom healthy. Focus on your health instead; this means making healthier choices by choosing the most natural food choices available. Baked potato is better than chips, but chips better than extruded flavoured cheese whirls.

I will try and exercise every day for at least 20 minutes.

Starting slowly from a few minutes a day until you have reached 20 minutes. Exercise regulates at least 18 different hormones, which have a profound effect on energy levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep, reproduction, weight and general health.

I will not be fooled into spending my hard earned money on supplements that will be excreted into the sewerage system.

Rather drink the juice of dark green leafy vegetable, bright orange and red fruit and vegetables if you feel the need for extra nutrition. (I use the dried varieties from Aim – BarleyLife, Just Carrots and Redibeets for convenience sake.)

I will make sure I get at least 20 minutes a day
 of natural light outdoors.

Natural light will help you sleep better and feel happier. This you can do by exercising outdoors with no lenses over the eyes (dark or prescription are designed to block the very rays that help regulate sleep and moods).

I will eat more fruit and vegetables.

As they are virtually the only proven food to help prevent most diseases and they slow down the ageing process.  Do this by eating a side plate (at least) of any raw vegetables before lunch and supper and a plate of fruit before breakfast and snacking on some fruit or veg in between meals if hungry.

 

I will eat some natural fats every day. 

Essential fatty acids control almost every function in your body and help to promote health on every level including your vital hormonal system. Do this by eating at least one of the following every day; 1-3 avocado, ¼ - ½  cup raw nuts or seeds, 2-4 sweet corn on the cob, 5-10 olives, 1-3 Tbsp cold pressed oils such as olive and flax.

 

I will find the balance in my life by making time to play.

Recreation is known to help regulate blood pressure and regulate overall health.

I will set aside time daily to focus on 
spiritual well being.

You can do this by reading a Proverb a day. There is one for each day of the month.

 

I will make a point of getting rid of my excess emotional baggage, starting with forgiving anyone who has wronged me.

Forgiveness is for your benefit and many have seen the benefit to their health in a short space of time when making the choice to forgive.

 

I will learn everything I can
 about my body.

You know more about your body and how it feels as you live in it. Get a good physiology (one with cool pictures) text book and make a point of finding out how every part of it works. That way you can make better choices when being advised by professionals and understand the importance of making healthier choices.