Zzzz- Healthy Sleeping

Tired in the morning? Most people when they wake up don’t want to do the optional things that they should do because they are tired from a bad night of sleep.  Want to make sure you get a good healthy night of sleep?

Here’s a list of three healthy sleeping tips that you can do to make sure you are getting a healthy sleep!

1.       1. Maintain a regular bed and wake up time schedule including weekends.

Now yes we all like to sleep in on the weekends, but keeping the same schedule every day is key. It will make sure you maintain focus every day of the week. This way your Mondays aren’t so horrible!

2.      2. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine!

Keeping a regular routine to relax yourself before going to bed will help make sure you are getting a full, uninterrupted night of sleep. Such tips like reading a book, listening to some soothing and relaxing music or even taking a hot bath to keep yourself  stress free.

3.     3.   Finish eating 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.

Eating or drinking too much may make you less comfortable when getting ready to sleep. Avoid eating a heavy meal close to your bedtime. Also avoid eating spicy foods as they can give you heartburn. This leads to falling asleep more difficult.

Using these tricks you will get a better night sleep as well as make sure you are getting a healthy sleep allowing you to get the best out of your day!

Also reader make sure to check out Steph's post on a healthy chocolate addiction alternative. http://secrets2healthylife.blogspot.ca/2013/03/chocolate-addiction.html

Brandon

Chocolate Addiction

You're probably wondering what this nasty looking stuff is.... It's Chocolate-Avocado pudding!and it's actually amazingly good!

Flipping through a magazine I came across this healthy alternative to actual chocolate pudding. At first it sounded gross, but I figured why not. I woke up early and made it and behold! It was good.

The ingredients to this healthy snack are of course one avocado, one banana, a few chopped dates, a dash cinnamon,a dash of honey, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of almond butter. It's all natural and has many health benefits to you.

A few health benefits of this snack are:

• Avocados are packed with disease fighting antioxidants and fibre which can help you lose weight.


• Almond butter has the types of fat that help lower your level of cholesterol. It helps control your level of blood sugar and is rich in antioxidants.
• Dates are rich in dietary fibre and are a good source of iron and potassium.

If you attempt to make this snack, it's not as chunky as my picture, my blender just wouldn't blend properly so blend until it's smooth! ENJOY

 Also check out our post on Healthy at home! 

http://secrets2healthylife.blogspot.ca/2013/03/health-home.html

Steph

Health @ Home

Here is a quick list of exercise to do consecutively. For added results, repeat these 3-5 times.

30 jumping jacks
5 push-ups
25 high knees
7 burpees
10 crunches
7 squats
5 push-ups
7 squats
30 jumping jacks
1 minute wall sit
5 push ups
25 high knees.

Sodium

Sodium is something your body needs to control blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also needed for your muscles and nerves to work properly. but how much is too much sodium? and what are the negative effects of binging on your favorite chips, fries, and other salty foods.

Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and retention of fluids leaving you bloated and not letting your body break down or metabolize your foods as quickly or efficiently. I'm going to go ahead and suggest that you keep your sodium level down especially if your goal is to lose or maintain a certain weight. 

The best and easiest way to stay away from high levels of sodium is to stay away from processed and prepared foods which are known to be extremely high in sodium levels. Stick to a more natural diet, it will help you feel and look better.

An Egg a day, keeps the Spots away!

Don’t have the financial resources for a spa treatment? Well funny enough, all you need is an egg!

For all those people out there with dry skin that needs moisturizing.. separate and beat the yolk, apply to skin, relax, wait 30 minutes then rinse. 

For all the other with oily Skin separate and beat the egg white, apply to skin, relax, wait 30 minutes then rinse. 

Now for those of you who have Combination Skin, beat the whole egg, apply to skin, relax, wait 30 minutes then rinse.

Once this is done your skin will look and feel amazing!

The Meal Pyramid

The meal pyramid is really more so a guideline on how to portion your meals throughout the day.

The bottom or the base of the pyramid is breakfast. Breakfast should always be the biggest meal of your day. If you’re going to eat carbs, fats, etc. now’s your chance- guilt free. Why? Because you have all day to burn them off.

Your next few meals include lunch dinner and snacks. All of which should become progressively lighter over time. By the time you get to your last meal of the day, you should be at just simply fruits or vegetables because your body can break those down the easiest when you are asleep. It’s a simple concept but easily missed.

Eat often but less and less. This will help you lose and eventually maintain a healthy weight and also help keep you energized throughout your day.

Who needs Botox when you have bananas?

Feeling like your skin is dull? wanting a more youthful appearance? Well no need to think you have to go under the needle to look young again, all you need is a banana. You can actually use a banana as an all-natural face mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer and youthful. 

Mash up the banana until it becomes a smooth consistency (preferably a ripe banana), then gently apply it to your face and neck in circular motions. Leave it to settle into your skin for about 10-20 minutes and then rinse it off with ice water.