THE BEGINNINGS OF A USEFUL ARTICLE

‘Ageing is a build up of faults in the body’

I’ve just been reading an interesting book which expounds this theory and, on the basis there’s nothing to lose and all to gain, have decided to try some (all possibly!) of the suggestions.

Apparently if the body is healthy it mops up unstable free radicals (baddies).  If not, these can accumulate, followed by weakening of the body and even disease.

Therefore here are some important things I’m going to try and stick to.  Many I do already - but it’s always useful to have a reminder:

1. Eat non-refined carbohydrates and sugars
2. Four cups of tea, preferably green, every day
3. Drink at least 5 cups of water every day
4. Grown own food if possible
5. Eat between 5 and 8 portions of fruit and veg every day
6. Eat fruit and veg of every colour – and the darker the better
7. Supplements – Vit C, Vit E, Vitamin Bs, multivitamins, multiminerals
8. Q10 (30 – 90mg/day)
9. Fish oils, olive oil (avoid oils/fats which are solid at room temperature)
10. Small amount of lean meat (about 35g per day is more than enough)
11. Ditch junk food.
12. Avoid processed foods, especially preserved and chargrilled meats
13. Be the right weight, if you need to lose be specific about why you want to lose
14. Eat less than 2000 calories, even 1400!
15. Stop eating when 80% full
16. Fast, say 600 cal/day one day every one to two weeks
17. Eat sensibly 80% of the time
18. Eat dark chocolate – 70% or more (!)
19. Drink a little red wine
20. Cut down on sugars as they are ageing
21. Exercise – brisk walking, swimming, gardening, use the stairs
22. Yoga
23. Lift weights
24. Get enough sleep
25. Have sex
26. Laugh
27. Keep learning
28. Feel in control of working life
29. Have a faith
30. Give up smoking (already done that!)
31. Floss the teeth
32. Reduce stress, as too much affects adrenaline and digestion
33. Meditating, letting go, forgiving
34. Massage, reduces stress and increases levels of infection-fighting cells.
35. Don’t sunbathe, use sunscreen
36. Get plenty of fresh air
37. Remember to breathe properly
38. Avoid fumes, smokes, pollutants where possible
39. Have regular health checks
40. Cut back on salt, but do eat some
41. Brain gym: crossword, puzzles, quizzes, keep up with current affairs, learn a language, change daily routine.
42. Look after the bones: the right foods and exercise
43. Check that the home is safe: smoke alarm, no loose mats etc
44. Safety in the garden
45. Wear a seat belt
46. Keep up to date with fashions and new products

Some of the many foods to enjoy:

Broccoli, spinach, carrots, kale cress, rocket, spring greens, cabbage, onions, sweet potatoes,fish, soy, low fat, low sugar,  nuts, wholegrains, yoghurt, sardines, herrings, salmon, mackerel, tomatoes (esp cooked) beans, dried fruit, pnb, berries, pineapple, soba noodles*, tofu, some meat, quinoa, bulgar wheat, eggs, yoghurt, cheese, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, grains, brown rice, turkey, chicken, olive oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, linseeds, hemp, flax, soy oil, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, soy (milk, tofu, miso, beans, yoghurt, ice cream, mince etc), edamame**, porridge,

 

Here is a sample of a good day:

• Remember to eat breakfast
• Drink water
• Brush/floss teeth
• Walk
• Drink tea
• Contact with friends
• Yoga
• Rainbow salad
• Use the stairs
• Massage
• Meditate
• Drink some red wine
• Eat fish
• Laugh
• Have sex
• Have a good sleep

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba

** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edamame

(Reduced from book by infiniteideas.com)