Excerpt from Random Ramblings of a Raving Redhead
Improve Your Health Naturally
Dana Rongione
Published by Dana Rongione
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2011 Dana Rongione
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Disclaimer: The purpose of this book is to educate. The review of personal experience is presented for informational purposes only. This book should not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis or treatment without first consulting a physician. This book does not supply medical advice. Any application of the information herein is at the reader's own discretion and risk.
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Introduction
Allow me to begin by saying that this is not a diet book. I am not a nutritionist or a health expert. I am, however, living proof that the methods I'm going to tell you about are safe and effective. My friends and family consider me the “go to” person for information on supplements, dieting and exercise. Why? Because they know I've studied it out. Allow me to briefly share my story.
All of my life I've faced one illness or injury after another. The older I became, the worse I felt. I was tired all the time. I suffered pain from severe arthritis and bursitis, in addition to other ailments. I knew what I wanted to do and be in life, but I didn't have the energy to follow through with my dreams.
During my third year of college, I came down with a severe case of mono. This led to stomach ulcers, an increase in my migraines and less energy than I had before. I became depressed, but more than that, I became desperate. I didn't want to have to depend on surgeries and prescription drugs. I wanted to find a better way to live life to its fullest. And so, the search began.
In this book, I'd like to share with you some of the secrets I discovered in dealing with health problems naturally. Despite my medical history, I live free of all prescriptions (except birth control), and with this knowledge, you can too.
As with all medical advice, please consult your doctor before going off any medication or adding any supplements to your diet.
Let's get started.
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Diet
Do you realize that many health problems can be traced back to a poor diet? Take a look at the average American diet. Is it any wonder so many of us are struggling with our weight and suffering from heart disease, diabetes and countless other illnesses?
We live in a “hurry up” world, which means our meals consist mostly of cheap, processed foods. I'm not going to presume to tell you what you should and should not eat. I know that isn't my place. Besides, I'm pretty sure you already know which foods are good for you and which ones aren't. So how you decide to use that knowledge is up to you.
I've actually tried several different eating plans throughout the years. Some were too strict. Some weren't strict enough. Some left me starving, while others cost a fortune to implement. Finally, though, I've found an eating plan that I'm comfortable with. It is effective, cost-efficient and works well with my daily schedule. In addition, it is quick and easy.
I fast from the time I get up in the morning until between eleven o'clock and noon. Some days I feel the need to eat sooner, while other days, I'm content to wait until noon. When I do eat, I try to eat a healthy, balanced meal consisting of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. In the middle of the afternoon, I have a light, healthy snack like fruits, vegetables, cheese, nuts, or pretzels with hummus. Then, in the evening, I eat a moderate dinner, complete with a small piece of chocolate for dessert. That's it! It seems like I'm not eating enough to keep from being hungry, but by eating foods that are nutrient-dense, my body feels fuller longer. See, I told you it was easy. I don't have the time or money to provide elaborate meals or specially formulated snacks. It's more of a grab-it-and-go at my house.
Now, please understand that I'm not telling you that you have to follow my eating plan. That's completely up to you. What I do suggest, however, is that you find an eating plan that works for you and stick to it. And while you're considering your options, take into account the following items:
Water
Your body is made up of 60-70% water. That's a lot of water, but the body needs it to function properly. When our bodies become dehydrated, they send out signals or cries for help. Some common signs of dehydration are thirst (yes, if you're thirsty, your body is already partially dehydrated), headaches, nausea, muscle fatigue and cramps, dry skin, reoccurring colds or illness. If you're suffering from any of these symptoms, the first thing you may want to do is to check up and see if you're getting enough water.
How much is enough? Most doctors, dieticians and health specialists will tell you that you should drink half of your body weight in ounces of water. In other words, if you weigh 150 lbs,, your body needs at least 75 ounces of water to function properly. That's nearly four 20 oz. bottles of water every day! Yes, it sounds like a lot, but when you consider the many functions of water in the body, you'll realize why it's necessary. And if you really pay attention, you may be surprised by how little water you’re actually drinking.
Water is essential in maintaining a healthy weight because it acts as a natural appetite suppressant. (Usually when your body feels hungry, it's actually thirsty. Weird, huh? But it's true.) Water helps cleanse the body of waste and toxins, keeping the body clean and healthy. Water increases the smoothness and elasticity of the skin, giving it a healthier feel and appearance. Water increases our energy and lessens our risk for disease. In a nutshell, water is VERY important.
Yes, you can get water from other drinks and even from foods (especially fruits). But remember that coffee, sodas, and sugary fruit drinks have as much “other stuff” in them as they do water. Some of this “other stuff”, in sodas in particular, actually cause the body to need more water, so in essence, it really didn't offer much. It's fine to mix in some other drinks for variety, but you should still try to get half your body weight in ounces of clean, fresh water (nothing added).