1. Dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains hefty amounts of disease-fighting flavonoids, antioxidants also found in red wine and many fruits and vegetables. It's also high in magnesium, which lifts the mood and reduces water retention. Chocolate’s generally not low in calories or sugar so think quality rather than quantity.
2. Eggs. Egg paranoia has been based on the old assumption that eating the yolks will raise blood cholesterol (and increase your risk for artery and heart disease). Along with milk, eggs in fact contain the highest biological value (or gold standard) for protein.
3. Alcohol. If alcohol is something you enjoy and can consume moderately, go for it. Sure, these are empty calories, so don’t go overboard, but the antioxidants are worth their weight in, well, liquid gold. Wine’s a bit better for you than beer, but this is one relaxing vice you can sensibly enjoy – within reason.
4. Meat. Grass-fed, uncured cuts are loaded with valuable fat, pure protein and vital nutrients. Just make smart choices when you go for the more decadent meats and avoid chemically loaded red meat.
5. Take some time out. It’s OK to be a part-time couch potato. While it’s important to exercise at least four times a week, it’s also important to take time to unwind from the hurried, stressful pace of modern life. Don’t feel guilty about idle hands – we all need time to decompress and be a little lazy.
6. Sex. Sex within a committed relationship can be wonderfully healthy. One study suggested that it leaves people looking younger, likely because sex causes the release of a growth hormone, often called the "fountain of youth hormone".
7. Grab a few minutes of sunshine a day. Sunshine’s critical for the production of vitamin D. Numerous studies have shown that a vitamin D deficiency is associated with a marked increase in diabetes, high blood pressure, immune diseases and many other health problems. A vitamin D deficiency is becoming an epidemic because of the misguided advice to avoid sunshine. Avoid sunburn — not sunshine!
8. Eat your starters. Ordering a starter doesn’t mean you’re going to bust the calorie bank. In fact, if you have an appetizer with a high content of water, such as a non-cream-based soup or green salad, you’ll feel fuller and consume fewer total calories.
9. Sleep in occasionally. The more you rely on an alarm to wake you up, the further your circadian rhythm falls out of sync with your actual sleep schedule, which can cause you to eat at irregular times and may also slow down your metabolism. So, on the weekends, ditch the alarm clock and wake up when your body’s ready.
10. Short periods of low-level stress can actually make your mind and body more effective. Stress causes heightened awareness, increased energy and a surge in blood flow, all of which trigger a release of hormones that send protective chemicals into the bloodstream. This helps boost your immunity and reduces your risk for certain types of cancer.
“Whatever your vices, be sure they’re not self-destructive,” cautions Abvajee. “Excessive alcohol consumption, days off and rich foods can quickly derail your health and your life, so choose wisely." |
