The fascinating human body is an incredible state-of-the-art vessel, operating 24/7; it carries us through our entire lives never shutting down! Every person has a great responsibility to protect and maintain their body in order to live an optimal quality of life. When properly cared for, the body is able to move and function with ease and can be free of debilitating pain, or disease — ruling out injuries, of course. A body in this condition allows for a healthier mind that can be used to fully explore and grow the nature of one’s personal spirit. We are better able to contribute to others and enjoy a fulfilling journey through life with our loved-ones and friends.
Here are tips to develop lifelong R.E.S.P.E.C.T for your body:
R = Regulate your consumption of food and drink. Become mindful of, and selective with, all the ingredients you are taking into your body every day. Nutritionists and scientists today have successfully identified about 47 basic nutrients our bodies need to function properly. Do you know what they are? And, what foods to eat that ensure this nutrition is absorbed?
E = Educate yourself about the mechanics of your body and understand what it needs to work properly at the cellular level. This makes it easier to select healthy foods. With learning and understanding, you will automatically begin to filter habits of health in preference over habits of disease.
S = Sleep is critical for your body’s ability to rejuvenate, as well as regenerate new healthy cells. Too little sleep — defined as less than seven hours a night in a 2006 Institute of Medicine report, affects the body in a number of negative ways. Research studies have linked poor sleep habits to anxiety, moodiness, depression, increased inflammation, higher risk of cardiovascular incidence, disrupted appetite regulation, and higher risk of obesity.
P = Protect your body by taking steps to prevent disease. In addition to adequate amounts of exercise, sleep, and proper nutrition, be careful about consuming unregulated synthetic vitamins and supplements. Complete your own research and have a full understanding of the side effects of any/all pharmaceutical drugs prescribed, or purchased over the counter. Consult your physician, ask questions, and complete any other due diligent research you deem necessary to fully understand the entire effect the consumption of these products will have in your body.
E = Eat a whole food diet versus a heavily processed food diet consciously for nutrition as well as for pleasure. Learn and understand the essential nutrients the body requires to avoid malnutrition! The average American diet does not support the biological needs of human cells. According to the Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World 2000 report: In the developed countries, 1.2 billion people, including most Americans are now “starving” and undernourished because they are overfed with too much of the wrong foods.
C = Care for your body in every way possible. It is never selfish to lovingly care for yourself so that you can live with energy and vitality, free of pain and disease.
T = Teach others, your children, parents, and friends, the importance of R.E.S.P.E.C.T for their bodies too. Healthy eating, sleeping, exercise, and practicing disease prevention may require taking initiative, developing some skills, putting new healthier habits into action to crowd out old bad habits, but people are worth it — each and every one of us! Honor your temple — that miracle that is your body.
By Judith Garner, Certified Health Coach
Helping people stay healthy inside & out!
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