Mens Health Questions

As because changing our eating habits for the long term is the only way to successful weight loss it is important to spend a bit of time thinking about our aims. There are many good reasons for losing weight but we may have a priority. It may be our health, our self esteem, or to look more attractive. Having a clear idea of what we want, a focus will help keep us on track. It is important to spend a bit of time preparing our self mentally for the changes that we are going to make because to be successful we have to think of the long term.

If it's one thing men care about when it comes to grooming it's their hair--the kind on their head anyway. Whether it's flaking, gray, greasy, poorly cut, thinning or just plain falling out by the minute, it can be an instant indictment of a guy's appearance. All is not lost though. These problems can be dealt.

One of the main reasons why people decide not to give up smoking, and sadly, the reason why some people take it up is the effect smoking supposedly has on weight gain or loss. It is true that smoking has been associated with an increase in metabolism it is a drug!!

We can live three weeks without food, However we can only live for three days without fluid, just think 3 days and its all over, one could suggest that water is fairly important! Our body is anywhere between 60 and 70 percent fluid. The fluid in our body is responsible for helping to keep every system of our body in good working order, including all of our metabolic processes. De-hydrate and everything slows down.

For protection from the majority of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer we need a variety of foods that deliver that mix of nutrients and minerals. Aim to eat different colored fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a different food each month. Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and our reactions to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, Breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils breathing deeply into our abdomen. Flossing our teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect our heart. Gum disease, which is left untreated, can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body that can trigger heart disease and stroke.

Try drinking more tea instead of coffee to help protect our body from damaging effects of free radicals. Tea is a rich source of antioxidants that play a big role in protecting against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Aerobic activity not only burns calories but also increases our metabolism and can keep it elevated for several hours after a workout. We don't need to spend hours each day on the treadmill or bike to reap the benefits. Exercising aerobically for as little as 20 minutes, three to five days a week will make a big difference. Extra movement throughout the day is also essential, take the stairs instead of the lift, lose the remote and move at every opportunity we can.

Lack of sleep changes our hormone levels and capacity to metabolize carbohydrates so less sleep means slower metabolism. Studies have revealed that deep sleep causes cell repair and cell growth, which will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. So aim to get at least eight hours sleep a night.

Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert, try chicken or tuna salads for lunch. Go for complex carbohydrates rather than white flour and sugar, as they will provide a sustained energy source as opposed to a quick hit. Another reason to leave simple carbohydrate out of the diet is that they have a negative effect on our skin and how it ages.

• Juliana Breckinridge
• 03/04/2009, 2:59 AM
• 0 Comments