Lauren's Corner

Learn how to look and feel better than ever by following these simple steps.

Have you heard the new catch phrase, "Fifty is the new forty."

People today are looking younger longer. Due to scientific research and cutting edge anti-aging technology we can arm ourselves with the knowledge to stave off the inevitable aging process.

With a nation of Baby Boomers (age group 50-55) getting ready to retire and looking forward to the best years of their lives. "Life Expectancy" and "Quality of Life" has brought about a new generation eager to improve their nutrition and exercise habits. The Anti-Aging Revolution has taken us by storm.

Achieving longterm health, beauty and vitality is so much more than making an appointment for a nip and a tuck. After all true beauty is skin deep and be assured, you will only look as good as you feel!

Below is a simple Anti-Aging Guide that can be easily incorporated into any one lifestyle regardless of age.

*Note: The sooner you start the better you will feel.

1. Keep Yourself Lean. Next to not smoking, watching your weight is extremely important. Fat cells produce hormones that increase your risk of heart disease, Type II Diabetes and contribute to certain kinds of cancer.
The leaner you stay, the more energy you will have and your heart and muscles won't have to work as hard to support your body functions.

2. Daily Aerobic Exercise. Take a brisk walk daily, make sure to raise your heart rate for at least 30 minutes, 5 times per week. (Check a heart rate chart to give you your optimum heart rate between 60-80 percent of your heart's working capacity based on your current weight and age.)

3. Weight Training. Cardio Exercise is not enough! After your mid-40's muscle mass is lost by 1/4 pound per year, gaining fat in it's place. By incorporating weight training into your exercise routine just 2-3 times per week, as least 30 minutes per session you will begin to see a stronger, firmer looking physique. Not only will you enhance your sleep but you will feel a wonderful strength and vitality.

4. Take A Dynamic Duo of Supplements. Scientists agree that mitochondrial decay is a contributing factor in aging. It has been linked to such diseases as Alzheimer's and diabetes. A recommended dose of 800 mg of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and 2,000 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine daily in these amounts will provide the boost of energy needed to power our cells.

5. Diet and Nutrition. You are what you eat. Pay attention to what you eat...it's that simple. A daily diet full of fruits and vegetables is the best way to look younger and boost your cancer prevention abilities. Aim for nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. For those of you that think that it is impossible to achieve, try this amazing Natural Green Supplement - Perfect Food by Garden of Life. Remember to eliminate all white sugar, flour and empty calories from saturated fats from your diet.

I personally keep mostly to a vegetarian diet. It is easy to get plenty of protein from fat free dairy products as well as a variety of beans. A daily smoothie including a scoop of whey protein is also a surefire way to 24 grams (or more) of pure protein in just one serving daily. For those of you that prefer to eat meat, just make sure you keep your portion size to a minimum of 4 - 6 oz. per meal. (that should be the size of the palm of your hand) Make sure you choose only the leanest cuts to eliminate as much fat as possible.

Including fish in your diet as least 3 times per week is a good source of protein. Certain types of fish such as Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel or Lake Trout contain Omega- 3 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA. These "good" fats are Anti-Aging miracles when it comes to heart health, Alzheimer's, Macular Degeneration, Depression and a host of other age related medical conditions.

6.Watch Your waistline. The best way to stay young is measuring your waistline, not watching your bathroom scale. Visceral Fat, otherwise known as belly fat, is the culprit behind a thick waste line. Visceral Fat can wrap itself around your organs in extreme cases of obesity. If your waist measures more than 35 inches for a woman or 40 inches for a man, you are probably carrying too much fat around your mid-section. The best defense for Visceral Fat is to have a moderate Aerobic session 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes. Same goes for your weight training routine.

7. Stop and Smell the Roses. Stress is a silent killer and the number one factor to accelerated aging. Take the time to enjoy yourself. Spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Take a vacation without even leaving home. By that statement, I mean do something uplifting and peaceful for yourself. Have a massage. Take a Yoga or pottery class, learn to paint. Go for a long walk with your pet. Grab a cup of tea mid-afternoon with your favorite book or magazine. Do some window shopping, walk on the beach...get the idea!?
You will be amazed at how different you will feel!

Keep this list close as hand...

7 Quick Steps to Stay Young.

1. Get enough sleep.

2. Watch your stress level

3. Eat a healthy, well rounded diet

4. Keep a weekly exercise routine of aerobics & weight training

5. Keep a positive attitude

6. Visit your doctor annually

7. Take your vitamins & natural supplements

Most of all...Enjoy your life and keep smiling!

Have a Healthy Day!!