Health and Happiness--One Step At A Time

Taking vitamins is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle because it is hard to get all the nutrients we need through what we eat.

But the problem that most people run into is not knowing exactly what they should take to get the optimum nutrition. One way around this roadblock is by getting customized vitamins through Code Nutrition. All you have to do is send in a cheek swab and they will analyze your DNA. They will find what vitamins and nutrients work best with your DNA. You will then get your vitamins monthly--so that you will never run out of what your body needs.

When Code Nutrition sends your monthly vitamins, they come packaged for daily use. They make is so easy to put it in your pocket or your purse and take it with you. This way, you'll never have to worry about leaving the house without taking your vitamins.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes about healthy living (this is a work in progress).

"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" --Benjamin Franklin

"A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul: a sick body is a prison" --Francis Bacon, Sr

"I know a lot of men who are healthier at age fifty than they have ever been before, because a lot of their fear is gone" --Robert Bly

"Health is the vital principle of bliss, and exercise, of health" --James Thomson

"True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united" --Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt

Sometimes it can be intimidating to try a new class at the gym--especially if you are planning to go solo. But you don't know what you are missing! Most gyms across the country offer fantastic, new classes for all fitness types. All you have to do is find the right class for you. So this means that you are going to have to test out each class. Don't worry; it will be fun! Here are just a few classes that have gained in popularity:

Winsor Pilates:
This has had a huge following for quite a few years now. Pilates strengthens the core extensively while toning and leaning out your muscles and your body as a whole. If you want a dancer's body, this is one of the best types of exercises for you. A lot of other fitness programs bulk up the muscles; Winsor Pilates will keep you slim, trim, and lean.

Turbo Jam:
This is one of those workout programs that you will never get bored with because there are so many options. DVD after DVD full of fantastic exercises comes out--more things for the instructors to use in their classes. It is high-energy (but good for people who can't go "all out". There is always someone on the DVDs doing a "softer" version of the exercise. This class will get you sweating in no time. It will completely tone your body and give you the confidence you want and need.

Zumba:
This new high-energy Latin-based dance class is sweeping the nation. Fitness lovers everywhere are getting to the gym to have some fun while they dance. This fitness class includes salsa, rumba, cha-cha, and many other Latin dances.

Snacking is not necessarily a bad thing; it all depends on what you put in your mouth. So, if you are in a snacky mood, try these alternatives to the normal high-fat favorites:

Fruits and Vegetables: Ok. This is an obvious one, but is so good for you. If you are craving something sweet, reach for the fruits.

Chicken Broth: This is perfect for those late-night cravings. With hardly any calories, you can get a delicious treat.

Light Popcorn: Replace this for your heavily buttered and salted popcorn. Kettlecorn is always a good bet.

Nuts: Healthy and nutritious is the way to go with your snacks, and nuts are the perfect snack to get you there. And with so many different types to choose from, you'll never get bored with this snack.

One fantastic way to increase motivation for a healthy lifestyle and intense fitness regime is to watch some of those weight loss shows.

The Biggest Loser: This is one of my personal favorites and it is starting up again soon (September 16th *shriek*). Not only are their transformations inspiring, but the trainers teach them how to eat, what to eat, how to workout, and how to live. Because of this show the contestants begin to enjoy and appreciate life even more. I also love that the show offers great fitness and eating tips in each episode, i.e. when you have a sweet tooth craving, eat some "Extra" gum. It is only five calories and it can help keep your mind off of the food. Now the only thing they need to add to the show is Code Nutrition's vitamins. The contestants would be even more healthy.

Stress is a natural part of life. But just like with everything else in life, it should be in moderation. An excess of stress, or just the presence of extreme stress can wreck havoc on your body over a period of time and can cause you to gain weight.

Nowadays, the biggest cause of extreme stress is finances and the overwhelming feeling of debt. Remember that not all stress is bad. We all need stress to keep us motivated and moving along through life. But the stress of debt is not one that is necessary.

So here are some ways to help eliminate the stress of debt and keep you working towards your fitness goals.

Cut down on all the non-essentials. I know this seems difficult, but it is worth it to get out of debt.

Downgrade all your services to the bare minimum. This may not seem like it will do a lot, but it will definitely add up. Put this extra money towards paying off your debt.

One of the biggest amounts of debt for people comes in the form of a mortgage. Consider a money merge account that can get your 30 year loan paid off in about 7-14 years.