Highly Successful and Healthy Life?

Success in Life and Health

Success in Life and Health HJ: By studying the habits and mindset of the world’s top athletic performers — Olympic athlete’s — we can discover some foundational pieces of wisdom for achieving higher levels of success and abundance in our own lives.  This insightful article looks at the core distinctions that set world class athlete’s apart from the rest.  Remember, it is the mastery of the fundamentals which produces high levels of success — not knowing some secret strategy or shortcut. - Truth 5 Olympic Lessons for Success in Life and Health By Susan Biali, M.D Have you been watching the Olympics? I’m enjoying the amazing privilege of being in my hometown of Vancouver during these games. Wow! I have never seen my fellow Canadians (including myself) so wildly patriotic. If you’re not Canadian, please excuse our behavior – we’ve only just discovered how much fun it is to wave flags and wear outlandishly patriotic hats. We’re milking these two weeks for all they’re worth, while we can. In addition to the other things that I do (flamenco dancing, speaking, writing) I’m still a licensed physician, and have been working in a clinic that’s right in the middle of the Olympic action. In addition to Vancouverites I’ve been attending tourists from around the world, and Olympic volunteers and staff who come in needing medical care, an experience which has made me really feel part of it all. As the days pass, I’ve been reflecting on this phenomenon of the Olympics and the art of elite achievement in sports and in life. Here are 5 things that I’ve concluded that we all stand to learn from the Olympians, things that can help you achieve outstanding, sustained success in whatever it is that you want to do in life: 1) Rest When we look at elite athletes, we think first of the incredible training that’s required to achieve their level of fitness. What we often don’t realize is that rest is absolutely essential to their success. Top athletes know that they need to get enough sleep to repair and regenerate and attain max performance. They also know that they can’t continually push their bodies excessively if they want to sustain ongoing success. Most of us “normal” people don’t take nearly enough time to rest, and we continually push our bodies harder than we should (long working hours, over-caffeinating to keep going, etc.). We’d enjoy much better results in health and life if we heeded the Olympian example and gave ourselves more opportunities to rest and recover. 2) Choose the right fuel Would you put cheap leaded gas in a Ferrari? I think not. An athlete knows their body is a high performance machine, and gives it the best fuel in the form of high quality protein, optimal carbohydrates and anti-oxidant packed fruits and vegetables, in just the right amounts to build muscle and endurance and maximize performance. Imagine if you lived this way: getting up in the morning and eating a high-powered breakfast that would guarantee mental clarity and optimal energy levels, followed by top-quality meals and snacks rich in nutritional powerhouse foods that fuel your mind and body all day. Seriously, can you imagine how you’d feel and perform? 3) Do it I once heard of a gold medalist who was asked how often he practices. “I only practice on two occasions, actually,” he said. “When I want to – and when I don’t want to”. This was revolutionary to me, and it’s a major key to success. I love flamenco dancing and am studying with a great teacher right now, but on cold rainy nights when I have to go to class, I often don’t want to go – despite the fact that I love dancing. When I get past the “don’t want to” and just get up and go, the rewards are immense. How many goals and rewards in life are you missing out on right now because you can’t get past the “I don’t want to” steps that are required to live your way into the experience you dream of (think losing weight, getting into shape, tidying up your finances, etc.). Doing what you don’t want to do, because it takes you where you want to go, moves you into the realm of champions. 4) Positive Thinking Have you seen a figure skater skid across the ice after a terrible fall, and then get up and keep skating like it never even happened? Sports psychologists teach athletes not to let their past mistakes or errors (even errors just seconds or minutes in the past) interfere with what they have to do in the present. They view mistakes as learning opportunities, rather than opportunities to cry and indulge in self-pity. When things don’t go your way, celebrate the fact that you now know more than you did before you made the mistake, as this will multiply your chances of eventual success! 5) Focus on the big goal, and make your choices from that perspective The athletes competing today set a goal, four years ago or even much longer ago than that, to compete in the 2010 Olympics. You can bet that the majority of daily choices they made since making that goal were based on achieving that goal. The foods they ate, how they spent their free time, even who they spent that time with, were probably evaluated in the context of whether or not that element would help or hinder them in going for the gold. Have you thought to do that? Set an audacious goal for yourself – whether it’s finally losing those twenty pounds or achieving financial freedom. For every new choice that you come to, whether it’s the food you put in your mouth, or what you choose to buy in the store, or how you spend your weekend, evaluate it in the context of your dream. You will be amazed by how the “must have” needs of the day fall away when considered in light of what’s most important in the long run. For the last few years I have considered my choices in light of my audacious goal of having a book published. It’s finally come true – with the release of my new book, Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You (www.LiveALifeYouLoveBook.com). And thank you to the Olympians, for being such an amazing example of what humans can do when we honor and go for our dreams. http://www.thehealersjournal.com/2014/11/20/5-secrets-of-success-and-achievement-we-can-learn-from-olympians/#sthash.YJKlb2gY.dpuf

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11 Super Health Benefits in Just One Celery Stalk

• Shubhra Krishan

Apples walk away with most health accolades, and spinach leads the healthy veggie brigade. Compared to them, celery is somewhat unsung, but once you read its incredible–and nearly endless–list of health benefits, you will quickly join its growing list of lovers.

• Celery is a great choice if you are watching your weight. One large stalk contains only 10 calories! So, add celery to your shopping list and enjoy it in your salads, soups and stir-fries.
• Celery reduces inflammation. If you are suffering from joint pains, lung infections, asthma, or acne, eating more celery will bring much-needed relief.
• It helps you calm down: Celery for stress-relief? Oh yes! The minerals in celery, especially magnesium, and the essential oil in it, soothe the nervous system. If you enjoy a celery-based snack in the evening, you will sleep better.
• It regulates the body’s alkaline balance, thus protecting you from problems such as acidity.
• Celery aids digestion: some say celery tastes like “crunchy water,” and that is the reason it is so good for your digestive system.  The high water content of celery, combined with the insoluble fiber in it, makes it a great tool for easy passage of stool. Note: because celery has diuretic and cleansing properties, those with diarrhea should avoid eating it.
• It contains “good” salts. Yes, celery does contain sodium, but it is not the same thing as table salt. The salt in celery is organic, natural and essential for your health.

• It cares for your eyes. One large stalk of celery can deliver up to 10 percent of your daily need for Vitamin A, a group of nutrients that protects the eyes and prevents age-related degeneration of vision.
• Celery reduces “bad” cholesterol: There is a component in celery called butylphthalide. It gives the vegetable its flavor and scent. Guess what: this component also reduces bad cholesterol! A Chicago University research shows that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points!
• It lowers blood pressure: An active compound called phthalides in celery has been proven to boost circulatory health. Raw, whole celery reduces high blood pressure.
• It can amp up your sex life: and this is not just hearsay. Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, Director of the Smeel and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, says two pheromones in celery–androstenone and androstenol–boost your arousal levels. They are released when you chew on a celery stalk.
• Celery can combat cancer: Two studies at the University of Illinois show that a powerful flavonoid in celery, called luteolin, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, especially in the pancreas. Another study suggests that the regular intake of celery could significantly delay the formation of breast cancer cells.

Useful Tips:

Choose celery with upright stalks that snap when bent. The leaves should be fresh and crisp.  When selecting celery, remember this rule of thumb:  The darker the color, the stronger the flavor.

Freshly chopped celery retains its nutrients much better than if you chop and store it even for a few hours.

Steamed celery not only retains its flavor, but also most of its nutrients–up to 99 percent of them, in fact!

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/11-super-health-benefits-in-just-1-celery-stalk.html

10 hot tips for Your Best Ever Bikini Body

10 Hot Tips: Nutritionist Ian Marber Reveals His Top 10 Tips For Your Best Ever Bikini Body

Jessica Alba, Beyonce Knowles and Rachel Bilson (Getty)

It’s almost June, ladies, which can only mean one thing- bikini season is upon us. Yikes! But if, like us, you think your bod could do with a little toning before slipping into that bikini, or if you’re a procrastinator and keep telling yourself that your diet will start tomorrow then it’s time to up your game. After all, now is the time to get fit, healthy and fabulous- a lifestyle which will see you right through the summer.

So, with bikini season on the horizon, and with fasts and fad diets become increasingly tempting (don’t fall victim!), we caught up with nutritionist supreme Ian Marber to hear his top tips for our ultimate bikini bodies. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Marber certainly isn’t one for food fads or crash diets, so read on to discover his top nutrition tips that will result in a flat tummy, improved cellulite and your best ever tan. Read on and learn girls, read on and learn…

Doutzen Kroes, Halle Berry and Gisele Bundchen (Getty)

1. Keep an eye out for beneficial bacteria: Foods such as live yoghurt, miso soup and sauerkraut are all full of good bacteria that will help to beat the bloat.

2. Avoid all-carb meals: Big bowls of risotto and pasta as a main course should be avoided unless they have a little protein with them, which will help to digest the energy in the carbohydrates more efficiently, and will reduce bloating.

3. Be wary of raw vegetables: Although not the same for everyone, raw food can be hard to digest and can cause bloating and discomfort in the stomach. If this is the case for you, then lightly steam your vegetables- which will still give you a nutritional hit with less of a chance of bloating.

4. Fight the cellulite: Eating plenty of anti-oxidant rich vegetables and omega 3 fats can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. A cup of good quality coffee will also act as a mild diuretic, which can also temporarily reduce the appearance of unsightly orange peel.

5. Swap your regular tea for Matcha tea: This is a rarified version of green tea but far richer in polyphenols and might even help improve brain function.

6. Start your day right: Breakfast is so important as it really will help you manage your appetite for most of the day. Plain yogurt, berries and almonds – antioxidants, fibre, protein and probiotics, are a winning combination.

7. Ditch the sugar: It might sound clichéd, but ridding your diet of sugar will help you control blood sugar levels and make better food choices all day long.  

(Instagram)

8. Stick to crunchy fruit: The crunchier fruits have more fibre, so go for them over other, softer fruits– apples are great, as are low-sugar blueberries.

9. Avoid the temptation to crash-diet: It’s great to have a health goal but don't overdo it and leave plenty of time to get in shape, don't resort to crash-diets or you might come back from an indulgent holiday in worse shape than you started.

10. Don’t be afraid to build muscle: To build muscle you need weight bearing exercise (like yoga, pilates, running, tennis- anything that forces you to work against gravity), and in turn the increased muscles use more glucose and hence can reduce fat. Many women worry about getting bulky so focus on the leg muscles as they are the largest and can burn the most.

http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/beauty/health/nutritionist-ian-marber-reveals-his-top-10-tips-for-your-best-ever-bikini-body

Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

By DNA | May 12, 2014

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

http://topinfopost.com/top-5-regrets-people-make-on-their-deathbed