How to Live Healthier

We are nearing the end of 2010. There is no better time than now to sit down with family or friends and discuss the improved maintenance of day-to-day lives and bodies.

I'd like to share our family's tips:

* Find the will power to stop smoking once and for all '" your very health depends on it. We have two relentless smokers in our extended family who, until now, have not been able quit '" but they have promised to give smoke cessation a try in 2010. Of course, everyone applauds their efforts thus far; we sincerely hope they'll succeed! To be continued . . .

* Consume from four to five servings of vegetables and/or fruit daily. We'll include brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach and lots of healthy servings of veggies. Fruit servings are easy for most of us since we all love fruit, especially berries.

* Exercise and keep the body in motion. There are some of us, including me, that are way too sedentary. Actually, I think you might even call us couch potatoes. Beginning a 30 minute-a-day exercise routine is our agreed-upon "contract" with each other to get the blood pumpin' and the energy revitalized. It's ironic, too, since we have a fully-outfitted exercise room available with many exercise machines from treadmill to rowing machine and weightlifting equipment. Now to get the fortitude to use it. No excuses!

* Eliminate excess cholesterol, sodium, sweeteners, soft drinks, candy -- We all know the drill. We have promised to stay away from vending machines and snacks.

* Eat calcium enhanced low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, nutrient-rich beans, nuts and fiber and plenty of "rabbit food."

* Develop a deep breathing routine and indulge daily in relaxation practices. Take 15 minutes to "meditate" and clear the mind of stress and worries.

* Park at the end of parking lot aisles and walk the distance. Whenever possible, our method of getting to other floors will be the stairs '" elevators and escalators are out.

* Get together monthly for a peaceful, leisurely walk in the great outdoors, locations to be decided. We've even worked out a fair method of location selection.

We all want to lose some weight; we know we'll look and feel better '" we've been at our family-resolved 2010 resolutions since the beginning of the New Year. So far, so good! Collectively, we believe we will have better scores for blood pressure readings, cholesterol checks and from the scales. At the end of the month, we will each give our progress reports.

To put it simply, we are all driven to look and feel better. Each of us has our succinct reason for participating in our resolutions. One thing is for certain though '" we are competitive and no one is going to slack off. We want to feel great and live a healthier life.

Have you resolved to live your life to the fullest and to do it healthier yet?

This article and many others are written by The Old Gray Mare of www.DressYourHorse.com, www.TShirtsbyLily.com, www.FantasyKritters.com and www.Amway.com/HealthandHomebyHeidi