9, make that 10, 11 ways to start living healthy, right now, today

It's so easy to get overwhelmed with all the healthy living ideas these days. For starters, there are diets, supplements, natural cleaners, recycling, phthalates, BPA's, indoor air pollution, nitrate, pesticides, parabens, phosphates, exercise, toxic relationships, the economy and stress.

Just writing that gave me an eye twitch. Please hold.

OK. I'm back. Whew! But living healthy shouldn't stress us out!

So here are 9 simple ways to start living healthier right now. Included is what you can do right now, today, as well as tomorrow. Enjoy!

1. Paper. Try to use less of it. Right now, today, start using more machine washable cleaning cloths and less paper towels. Tomorrow, try to recycle the papers that circulate in your house: mail, to do lists, newspapers, and magazines. Also, don't even THINK of printing this list. Just kidding, print it, but use the back of something else.

2. Natural Cleaners. Try to incorporate more into your home. Right now, today, start using vinegar and water (50/50 mix) for cleaning windows. Tomorrow, try to look up nontoxic cleaning recipes.

D Sharon Pruitt

3. Diet. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. Right now, today, eat 5-10 servings (servings are small) of fruits and veggies. Tomorrow, put your favorite fruits and vegetables on your shopping list.

4. Indoor Air Pollution. This one requires research, purchase and maintenance. But let's break it down: today, right now, open all the windows in your house for 5-10 minutes. You will have done a good job of flushing out the old, musty, winter air. Tomorrow, research which plants make good air filters. Some to try: spider plant, aloe vera, golden pothos and peace lily. The maintenance on these plants varies, so read up and keep those little plastic stakes for reference.

5. Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite. Enough questions have been raised about the safety of giving young children food which contain nitrates (hot dogs, lunch meat, pork products) that I believe it's wise for everyone to cut back. Right now, today, read the labels of the hot dogs, lunch meat and pork products in your fridge. The lunch meat in my fridge contains sodium nitrites. How did that sneak through? Tomorrow, put nitrate free on your shopping list. You may need to check in the organic section of your store for a good selection.

6. Toxic Relationships. This could fill an entire blog in and of itself. But let's keep it simple, for today. : ) Right now, today, take stock of the people you come in contact with. Does anyone strike you as potentially toxic? Try to identify anyone who fits that description. Tomorrow, decide which people you should (or have to) keep in your life. Make a plan for dealing with them.

borman818

7. The Economy. OMG, I know this is a biggie, but let's try to take one little piece. Right now, today, instead of trying to figure out how to make more money, think in terms of saving more of the money you have. This could take the form of: bulk cooking and freezing, and thrift stores/garage sales. You could also turn your heating or a/c down, unplug appliances at night, or browse online before you shop.

HaPe_Gera

8. Stress. Ah, one of my favorite topics. The above tips can actually help ease stress a bit in and of themselves, but truly stress will always exist in our lives. Right now, today, close your eyes and listen to your in and out breath for 2-3 minutes (or longer if you can). Done? You've just meditated! That's really all there is to it. Tomorrow, research some ways to reduce stress and consider adding one to your life. Some of my favs: yoga, meditation, running/walking, and taking three deep breaths on the hour.

9. Exercise. OK, everyone know they should be doing it or more if it. But how to begin? Right now, today (if your doctor approves) park farther away in the parking lot on your travels. Not only will this give you a few minutes of great exercise, it may save your car from getting dinged. Tomorrow, add taking the stairs or walking/biking to the closest destination from your house to which you usually drive. Think drug store, library, or convenience store.

10. High Fructose Corn Syrup. Thank you to Kristi for reminding me about this crap. It's a nasty little additive that has no nutritional value whatsoever, but plenty of calories and carbs. Right now, today, inventory a few random items from your pantry. Tomorrow, start being aware of where this insidious stuff lurks.

11. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Thank you to Beachcomber for bringing up THESE ingredients. Much has been written about how bad they are for our bodies and the environment. Right now, just for today, look at the ingredients on your shampoo and conditioner bottles. Plan a change if you see them.

There you have it. 9, make it 10 , no 11 ways to start living healthier, right now, today.

But I like even numbers (read: I have a little of the OCD) and really need one more tip. First reader to give me the twelfth way to start living healthy, right now, today, will get a free link!

Thanks for helping me even this out. Here's to living healthy!