8 Steps To A Healthier You

Summer is just around the corner and let’s face it, summer fashion is a lot less forgiving then winter layers. Whether you are heading out to a the beach, trying to fit into a new dress or just going out for happy hour everyone wants to look great. Here are a few tips to keep your skin and body in the best condition.

1. Alcohol: Don't Need to Quit it, Just Don't Hit is So Hard

Let’s face it, if you’re out to dinner or at a bar it can be difficult to not have a drink, so don’t go cold turkey, just think smart. Limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks daily, if you think you can limit a bit further try to keep it to 1-2 nights a week. When choosing drinks stick to clear liquids, vodka soda is always a great choice and if you need some flavor there are a number of great choices (Stoli Blueberry, Iced Tea Vodka, Absolut Brooklyn). Be sure to stay away from frozen drinks which are usually filled with sugar.  A glass of red or white wine or a Skinnygirl Margarita are also good options. Be sure not to overdo it.

2. Sleep Well

Pay attention to good sleeping habits. By keeping the same bedtime and wake-up schedule and not drinking alcohol within three hours of bedtime you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go for the day. Drinking alcohol at night will leave you waking up feeling groggy and tired.  

3. Step Away From the Scale

Don’t obsess about the numbers, worry about how your clothing fits. Find a goal item of clothing either something new you want to wear this summer, or something old you want to fit back into. Let the clothing guide how you feel, don’t let the numbers take over your world.

4. Get Outside to Exercise

Its spring and soon it will be summer, get off of the cardio machines and get outside! Pick one outdoor activity – running, cycling, going on a hike, play a game such as soccer in the park with your kids, roller blading, swimming, or join an outdoor boot camp. Being in a new setting is sure to boost your workout and work new muscles.

5. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

To protect your vision, wear protective eyewear. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays. Sunglasses can help prevent cataracts, as well as wrinkles around the eyes; and let’s face it no one wants premature wrinkles.

6. Stay Hydrated

Here are 10 reasons to drink more water: Healthy Skin, Flush Toxins, Reduce Risk of Heart Attack, Cushion and Lube your Joints and Muscles, Get Energized and be Alert, Regular Digestion, Reduce your Risk of Disease and Infection, Regulate Body Temperature, Burn More Fat and Build more Muscle; Get Well and Stay Well.

7. Get Your Fill of the Rainbow

Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet—they are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Fruits and vegetables should be part of every meal and your first choice for a snack—aim for a minimum of five portions each day. The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases.

8. Laugh More

Laughter relaxes the whole body – a good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system – it decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals - endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter protects the heart - improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.