Let's Do It Healthy

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Your body is 60% water -- and not drinking enough can wreak havoc from head to toe. Up to half of all Americans suffer chronic mild dehydration that can cause fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth. As we age, thirst becomes a less sensitive indicator of dehydration, so don't wait until you're thirsty to grab a glass. If you work out, drink more during intense physical activity, when dehydration is a real threat -- your body rapidly loses water through sweat and vapor in exhaled air. A rapid water loss of 5% of body weight can reduce muscular work by 20 - 30%.

 

Eat any filling, low-calorie food as an appetizer or first course, and you'll be less likely to overload on calories at that meal. For example, eat an apple on the way to lunch, or order melon as a first course. More tips: Start with a salad with just a little low-cal dressing; when you go to the salad bar, fill up your plate with "big" foods like greens and colorful vegetables before you consider any calorically dense choices. It's a kind of preemptive eating strategy. Find the filling, low-calorie foods you like, ones that you'll turn to easily.

 

Daily walks relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, and increase feelings of enthusiasm and optimism. And that's not all. Daily walks also can help you boost your energy level, enhance your self-image, release tension, manage stress, and improve your ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well. Four to six five minute walks are good for you too if you can't walk an extended thirty minutes.