While winning the lottery, means to be free from debt, money worries and (hopefully) stress. It also entails abundance. This is why the first time I heard the term "Health Lottery" I became confused as to why people associate this with money also. I wondered why shouldn't the phrase "health lottery" imply being free from illness (debt), lack of worry and stress as well as to imply abundance (joy and a sense of overwhelming happiness)?
A Healthy Body is a Well Rested Body
Make sure you get 8 - 10 hours of deep sleep every day. Proper rest actually helps to improve memory. This happens during deep sleep, our brain actually goes over what we have learnt that day, and "studies" it.
Quality of life is also a factor deep rooted in sleep: in a 2010 study, of women from 50 to 79, more deaths occurred in women who got less than 5 hours of sleep. With proper sleep, a better quality of life is nearly guaranteed.
Eat Healthy by Avoiding Healthy Foods
We live in a society of fads and diets. It's hard to ignore promises of instant weight loss, and getting rock hard abs in 3 weeks. Glutten free, and low in fat labels obscure the facts and make it near impossible to know what is truly good for us.
Take health drinks for example: with thousands of options at any super market at any given time, many claim to be healthy, energizing and chock full of vitamins. If you follow any health advice worth the paper its written on, you're already getting the vitamins you need (in the proper form I may add) and needn't worry about drinking them. Some good advice for drinks: if they have 3 or more ingredients, it's best to skip it. Plain as that.
Another double edged sword is premade healthy salads/drinks. Anything premade is likely a number of days old, meaning the freshness and optimum health factor is already greatly diminished by the time it makes it your kitchen. Your best bet, save a few dollars and make it yourself. It'll taste better because you made it how you want it, and it will be at its' freshest.
The single most important factor in food is to keep away from any thing processed, the more natural foods you consume, the less bogged down your system becomes, and the healthier you will be. When it comes to food, just remember: you get what you give.
Hydration is Key
With all the information about health and staying fit, it's easy to forget the basics. We have to remember however, that our bodies are composed of 60-80% water. It's absolutely essential to remember to drink plenty of water. Most problems such as inability to lose weight, loss of energy and cramps and headaches can easily be averted if we drink a minimum of 2-3 litres a day.
The easiest way is to check urine colour and frequency. If your urine is a light colour and your are using the bathroom every 2-4 hours, then your probably OK.
Stay Active
If staying active is good for your health, then what would happen if you did just the opposite? You would run the risk of being severely overweight, developing a series of chronic illnesses, even a lower sex drive and a lower self esteem. Studies have shown that people who are more inclined to spend most free time watching television (along with other inactive hobbies) are more inclined to suffer from diabetes, weight gain, and a greater chance of dying earlier than people who are more active.
It doesn't take much energy to get out there and be active. By reminding yourself of the benefits of a more active lifestyle, all you have to lose is that chance of being overweight and exposure to illness and disease.
That's not the end of it folks! Head over to The Healthy Wellness Club and finish reading the full details of the Health Lottery at: http://www.thehealthywellnessclub.com
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