Vibrant health is no accident. Everyday the decisions you make effect your body either in a positive way or in a negative way. You either build up your health or break it down by your daily habits and the choices you make. For example: Did you eat a salad and some whole grain bread for lunch? Or did you just grab a coffee and a candy bar on the go? Did you go to sleep early? Or did you stay up really late because you went out with some friends and had a little too much to drink?

Now, I’m not saying to become a “monk” and avoid all the “joys of living”!!

The point is this: If we want to live a vibrant life and avoid illness and age gracefully, we have to develop healthy habits. We can’t burn the candle at both ends all the time and eat mostly junkfood throughout the day and expect to feel good or even look good, for that matter. Everything in moderation.

Below are some simple but very powerful, health-promoting habits we can develop to really improve our sense of well-being and help fight off disease as well as slow down the aging process.

1) Get some form of regular exercise 3-4 times a week. It was mentioned on the t.v. show “EXTRA” that 75% of AMERICANS do not do any form of regular exercise. Is it any wonder that obesity is on the rise in this country. A good exercise program would include stretching, some form of cardio and strengh-training. Try to include all 3 forms of exercise during the week.

2) Get Plenty Of Restful Sleep. (2 hours before midnight is better than 4 hours after midnight.) Don’t stay up too late.

3) Keep Your Body Properly Hydrated and alkalined. It’s important to drink about 8 glasses of fresh, clean water with a high pH every day.

4) Eat Fresh, Organic Fruit And Vegetables Everyday. They are loaded with “live” enzymes, fiber and vital nutrients your body needs to stay young and vibrant.

5) Keep Your Colon Clean by eating a high fiber diet and taking probiotics. (Almost every disease starts in the colon. That fact alone shows how critical it is to keep your digestive tract clean and functioning properly. If you do not have 2-3 bowel movements a day, then, your colon probably needs some attention.)

6) Get Some Natural Sunshine Everyday For about 15 minutes. (Your body needs sunshine to assimilate vitamin D and help you avoid depression.) Remember, the sun is at it’s hottest during the hours of 10:00am-2:00pm. If you are worried about skin cancer or have a pre-existing condition, don’t sunbathe during these hours and consult a qualified physician first.

7) Develop A Positive Outlook On Life And Avoid Dwelling On Negative Emotions. ( It is well documented and no longer a theory. Just about every “wellness expert” and doctor agrees that negative emotions release chemicals in your body that can effect you adversely. Some of the conditions related to negative emotions are: heart attacks, constipation, acid indigestion, shingles and hairloss. Just to name a few.)

Take Lots Of Anti-Oxidants Everyday To Prevent Free Radicals From Multiplying In Your Body And Compromising Your Health. Free radicals lead to aging and cancer. Some great anti-oxidants are acai berries, fruits high in vitamin C, broccoli, apples, etc.

9) Avoid Excessive Alcohol And Don’t Smoke.

10) Try To Remove As Many Unnecessary Chemicals As You Can From Your Life By Using Natural Cleaners, Laundry Detergents And Avoiding Processed Meats and junk food.

Another hidden danger is the use of many popular shampoos and skincare products sold on the market today. They are loaded with unnecessary, cheap chemicals that make their way into your bloodstream and compromise your health.