Sunday, July 3, 2011

Day 23: Nurture Marriage

JPM and I just celebrated 17 years of marital bliss yesterday! I had no idea on that momentous summer morning in Logan, of the blessings which would result from this one commitment.

In this article asserting the health benefits of a strong marriage, researcher John Gottman states "working briefly on your marriage every day will do more for your health and longevity than working out at a health club."

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Day 22: Practice Good Dental Hygiene

I have actually been thinking about this one for a few weeks and when I read more about it I thought this was a great habit to add to our list. I am a good flosser, but don't do it everyday. I am hoping I can get better at this habit.


Article from WebMD below:


Flossing your teeth every day could add 6.4 years to your life, according to Michael Roizen, MD, author of RealAge. In his book, Roizen lists flossing as one of the most important daily activities -- along with exercise and quitting smoking -- that could extend life span.
Roizen's calculation may raise some eyebrows, but the idea that oral health is connected to overall health isn't far-fetched.
The mouth, after all, is an integral part of the body. "Teeth have a blood supply, and that blood supply comes from the heart," says Richard Price, DMD, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA).
Researchers suspect that the bacteria that produce dental plaque enter the bloodstream. They say these bacteria are somehow associated with the inflammation that occurs with plaque that blocks blood vessels and causes heart disease.
Other researchers have found links between oral bacteria and stroke, diabetes, and the birth of preterm babies and those that have low birth weight.
In addition to preventing disease, flossing and brushing can help keep your pearly whites intact for more than just cosmetic reasons. Teeth help you chew food, speak properly, and smile -- which, according to Price, can help you keep your dignity.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Day 21: Omega-3

This habit may smell a little fishy at first, but the more I have read about omega -3 fatty acids, the more convinced I am that this is a habit worth working at. So....hope ya like fish! There are other ways to incorporate the habit of eating a diet with sufficient omega 3 fatty acids, but it will be more difficult. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids considered essential for optimum health. Research has shown people with diets rich in omega 3 fatty acids have a reduced amount of fat in their blood and lower triglycerides, which helps lower their risk for heart disease. It has also been found to be necessary for proper brain, eye, and nerve development. Our bodies gets omega- 3 primarily from cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut but it is also available in foods such as flax seed and nut oils. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of two servings of fish per week. Good luck everyone and Go Fish!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Day 20: Daily Scripture and Meditation


"Daily scripture readings and meditations offer inspiration as well as powerful physical and mental benefits. Meditating on scriptural readings will remove fear, anxiety and worry from your life."

The above quotation was taken from this article, Daily Scripture Readings and Meditation from the Love to Know Stress Management website.

I always have thought of my scripture study time as a time for me to grow closer to God and receive personal revelation. I never have really thought of it as a time that will benefit my health. Since I have moved a few months ago my scripture study has not been as great as it used to be and moving is always so stressful to me so I am so excited to add this challenge today!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Day 19: Menu Planning


Fail to plan= Plan to fail! This is one habit that is healthy for more than one reason. Having a menu plan in place is physically healthy, ensuring you and your family are eating well rounded, nutrient packed meals. It is mentally healthy decreasing the stress felt during the "witching hour" (the hour before dinner when you are frantically trying to decide what is on hand to feed the family.) It is financially healthy as it can save you multiple trips to the grocery store and it allows you to plan your meals around what is on sale. It is emotionally/spiritually healthy as it increases the likelihood of family meals where you can "sit and savor."

Most of us have dabbled in menu planning. Some of us are better than others. If you have burned out on planning menus, here is a good post from the blog mama hall:

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Day 18: A Food Journal


It's day 18! How is everyone doing? This morning I was checking off my healthy habits for yesterday on my tracking sheet and realized that I had a perfect day yesterday. I hope everyone else if finding these changes to be enjoyable!

Today's challenge is a great one! It is to keep a food journal.

This great article goes into more depth on how to keep a journal:

HOW TO KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL

It talks about writing the time you ate the food, where you were at, and why did you eat it. This is proven to be a great weight loss tool and a great way to see what foods you are using to fuel your body.

I am really excited to start this!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Day 17: Body Appreciation

For our next challenge, we are going to work on cultivating the habit of being thankful for the gift of our body. An attitude of gratitude is important in all aspects of our lives including our perception of our own body. Those with unhealthy body images have an increased risk of depression, eating disorders, an obsession with comparing your body to others, low self esteem, and anxiety. Take a moment every day to acknowledge some of the many things your body is doing for you. Every second of every day, your heart is pumping blood for you, your body is facilitating the movement it takes for you to do the things you enjoy every day and it is keeping you safe. Here is a fantastic handout from the National Eating Disorder Association which gives ideas on how you can foster a better body image: