Health Post

I should be doing homework right now, but since i know that's not gonna happen, i might as well blog.

I was a health nut my senior year of high school. i was very careful about what i consumed, and i exercised everyday. as a result i was in really good shape. somewhere between now and then, it's been a downward spiral. i'm talking pizza, french fries, entire batches of cookies, chocolate, and many other things of equally bad nutritional value. and now i'm ready to turn it around and be healthy again. i'm still struggling to get myself exercising. food-wise i've been doing pretty good, but i still have a lot to do. so far i've completely cut out any and all junk food. that means absolutely no chips, cookies, soda, candy, etc. and i've been strictly counting calories.

what i still need to do: refrain from noshing on bread at work, get fiber pills and vitamin D and E pills.

this isn't just about food and losing weight, it's about overall health, including taking care of hair, skin, and immune system. I'm no expert but here are some tips if you're trying to lead a healthier lifestyle:

food:

-peppers boost your metabolism. cayenne pepper is a popular choice, but any kind is good. sprinkle a little bit on your food for a kick

-green tea boosts your metabolism. have a cup a day (or more if you want), preferably after a meal. i add a little milk and splenda

-use a 0 calorie sweetener instead of sugar. i recommend splenda. personally. i think equal and sweet-and-low taste like shit.

-switch from white rice to brown rice, from white bread to whole grain wheat bread (or at least regular wheat bread), and from from regular pasta to whole grain pasta

-look for healthier alternatives in general. low fat spread instead of butter.

WARNING: after some research i discovered that FIBER ONE Honey Clusters, FIBER ONE bars, and Nutri Grain bars are NOT good for you. between the 3 of them, you'll find high fructose corn syrup, trans-fat, and ethanol. some foods advertise themselves as being healthy when they really aren't, so make sure you read the ingredients very carefully. for a snack, have a fruit or a fruit smoothie.


hair:

-use pure vitamin E oil on your hair everyday. it strengthens and protects your hair. don't go to the hair store and get that bottle that says "Vitamin E", and its really only like 20% Vitamin E. Go to the convenient store, and buy vitamin E softgels. bust a pill (as many as needed) and squeeze the oil into your hand. distribute evenly all over your hair. this might seem tedious, i'm sure you can find bottled pure vitamin E oil on eBay. the pills are like $10 a bottle, but you get 100. that lasts you 2-3 months.

-grapeseed oil. there are a number of natural oils, and they all work well. grapeseed is just my personal choice, and a good heat protectant. this is also a great way to replenish and restore your hair, and add shine. Whole Foods, $9. (big bottle, though)

-coconut oil works wonders. use it as a pre-conditioner before washing your hair. Whole Foods, $7. (big jar, though)

-whatever products you choose, stay away from fragrance. Look for plant, fruit, and seed extracts. the more natural the product, the better. in other words, go to the grocery store, not the hair shop.


skin:

-use a good body lotion

-get a really good cleanser and moisturizer for your face. it sounds simple, but most people don't do it. its important to scrub your face during or after you shower, and before bed, and follow up with moisturizer. don't use your body lotion on your face

-don't buy cheap makeup. invest in the quality stuff. it's worth it. and never sleep with makeup

-take 1 or 2 vitamin E pills daily. these are good for your skin as well.

get a good night's sleep every night.