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Twelve steps to the new you

29/ 1/2007

Stay fit and keep healthy with Zahida Abbas

Asalamu alaykum readers. Hope you are well. Now that the festivities are over and done with, maybe it's time to reflect on your New Year's resolution.

What is it this year? Maybe it's the start of a new way of life, a turning point, another year to reflect and make those changes that you always said you would?

Life is full of uncertainties but one thing is for sure though, we are not getting any younger. If you really want to know the secret to a stress free and youthful life, simply follow the guidelines below.

Try it for three weeks then drop me a line and let me know how it was for you.

THE SIMPLEST SET OF RULES FOR A SIMPLER LIFE

1. Cut down on smoking - even if it is one a week less than you normally smoke. Gradually build this up.

2. Take regular exercise - even if this is 30 minutes walk in the garden. It has to be quite vigorous and you should feel your heart rate elevated.

3. Maintain healthy weight - your GP should be able to give you a weight/height ratio check. target your ideal weight and work towards reducing this little by little. Ideally two pounds a week is recommended, but every little helps.

4. Cut down on processed and fast foods - replace a home cooked dish to a convenient dish, Be adventurous and try different vegetables. Experimenting with food is a wonderful way of involving family and bonding.

5. Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables - especially with winter vegetables in abundance, freshness is the keyword. Try making home made soup for taste, freshness and those essential vitamins.

6. Eat all the right fats - aim for two portions of oily fish a week - i.e. mackerel, sardines, salmon, pilchards and tuna.

7. Eat low fat protein - reduce red meat and cheese. Replace with low fat milk and cheese and chicken.

8. Talk - call up a few friends, book that weekend together, or form a walking group together or catch up once in a while. Don't get stuck in a rut.

9. Try something different - a new colour blouse/shirt that you have not tried before. Or book a study break that you haven't got around to or start a course that you always wanted to do.

10. Sleep well - a good 6-7- hours sleep is sufficient for the average adult. It's the time to repair the body within. Try drinking a warm glass of low fat milk before you got to bed or curl up with a book that you always wanted to read.

11. Stress less - learn to delegate tasks at home and at work. Accept that you will not always get it right and close enough is good enough.

12. Keep hydrated - our body is between 60-70 per cent water so drink enough of it (at least seven glasses a day).

Follow these simple guidelines and feel the benefits. Life is too short to worry. Take time out and get in touch with your inner self. Some quiet time to reflect and think or even meditate will do you good.