5 Tips For Better Health

Many of you might already be doing some or all of these things (or more), and this is certainly not a comprehensive list, but if you follow these guidelines you'll have a good start on a healthier, more functional and fit lifetime.

#1....STOP drinking soda and cut out added sugar in your diet. Not only does soda have no nutritional value, it has serious and severe negative affects on your health. And more specifically, cut out all fructose unless it comes in its natural wrapper (this means only whole fruit, no fruit juice and certainly no HFCS).
#2....Go for a walk every day for at least 20 minutes, but preferably for 30-45 minutes (treadmill or elliptical will do or you can go on a bike ride inside or out). And walk like you mean it....like you have some place to be and you're late. If it's easy, your body has no reason to change. This isn't a stroll, this is a power walk! Remember, "no challenge, no change".
#3....Start cooking. This doesn't mean heating pre-made meals or using mixes, canned and frozen foods, this means cook from scratch with REAL, unprocessed (or minimally processed) food as much as possible. And just forget about fast food....there's nothing there that's good for you....NOTHING!!
#4....Get outside and experience the healing and rejuvenating affects of nature (aka biophilia). Spend some time in the open air and in the most natural setting that's practical for you for as much time as you can every day. This can be combined with #2....wow, 2 birds with 1 stone....how easy is that!
#5....Relax. Find time to relax during the day. At least 10 minutes would be good, but more is better. This could be a relaxing style of yoga, some time in a quiet room reflecting on your thoughts, stretching, practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques, or it could be combined with #4 and you could go on a relaxing walk in the woods or hang out in your hammock.

For more fitness tips, visit www.topfitonline.com.  (new look coming soon, so visit often and let me know what you think)

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Jacksonville Forest Park Run
Today I made time for a much needed run on the J-Ville Forest Park trails.
I had intended on doing some heavy lifting afterward, but life had a different plan for the rest of the day.  I should be able to make up for it tomorrow.
There's much to be said for flexibility.  Sometimes you have to find ways of fitting your workouts in around what life deals you.

~Feelin' Alive!~