Are you ready for a NEW START in your health journey? Look no further than the 8 health laws known as the NEW START program. According to University of Massachusetts faculty this program has 8 steps: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Rest, Air, and Trust in God. . Let’s delve into each of these principles and discover the wisdom behind them!.
Nutrition, the first of the 8 health laws
In the realm of munching marvels, the choices you make each day hold the power to shape your well-being. For peak performance and body bliss, nourishing yourself with good nutrition is key. Craft your meals to be a treasure trove of nutrients and a masterclass in calorie efficiency.
Kick-start your day with a breakfast that sings with satisfaction. The importance of this morning feast cannot be overstated on the 8 health laws. Opt for unprocessed grains, potatoes wearing their skins proudly, nature’s crunchy gems (nuts), and a burst of fruity goodness. These delightful morsels will fuel your day’s adventures with gusto. Beware of store-bought processed fare, for they often lack the nutrients you crave and carry an excess of calorie baggage. Embrace a colorful array of veggies, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts while giving animal proteins a little vacation.
Tread lightly on the salt, sugar, and fat front. Let breakfast be your crown jewel, lunch a graceful dance, and dinner a swift and snappy affair. The 8 health laws banish the notion of post-midnight feasts. Similarly, avoid the temptation of in-between munching; instead, grant yourself a five-hour grace period. Honor the sanctity of scheduled meal times.
When it comes to meal combos, proceed with caution. Avoid coupling swift-digesting champs like fruits with the slow-movers like veggies. And if you can, steer clear of processed meals altogether, dear friend.
Here’s a secret: The lion’s share of vitamins and minerals often hides in the parts we discard without a second thought. So, seize the opportunity and devour as much of the fruit’s peel as you dare, savoring every zesty bit of it.
Exercise: Energize Your Body and Mind
To preserve and improve health, exercise is paramount. Engaging in physical activity provides clarity of thought, a retentive memory, mental power, and overall vitality.
For beginners looking to embark on an exercise routine, it’s important to start gradually and listen to your body. Here’s a simple and effective exercise routine to kickstart your fitness journey:
- Warm-up: Begin with a 5-10 minute warm-up session to prepare your body for exercise. This can include brisk walking, light jogging, or gentle stretching.
- Cardiovascular Exercise: Engage in 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Choose an activity that you enjoy and that gets your heart rate up. Start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness level improves.
- Strength Training: Incorporate strength training exercises to build muscle and improve overall strength. Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks.Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions for each exercise. With the 8 health laws as you progress, you can add resistance using dumbbells or resistance bands.
- Flexibility Training: Include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent muscle tightness. Perform static stretches, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds. Focus on major muscle groups, including your legs, hips, back, chest, shoulders, and arms.
- Rest and Recovery: Allow your body time to rest and recover. Schedule rest days between workouts to avoid overexertion and prevent injuries. Listen to your body and modify the intensity or duration of exercises if needed.
Remember to stay hydrated during your workouts, wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear, and always practice proper form to prevent injuries. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program. This is the best way to enjoy the second of the 8 health laws.
Water: The Ultimate Elixir
Pure water is nature’s gift, purifying the vital organs, invigorating the blood, and assisting in overcoming bodily imbalances. Many health issues, such as bowel and bladder problems, anxiety attacks, and even certain pains, can be alleviated by ensuring adequate water intake. Water acts as a flushing agent, eliminating toxins and preventing various ailments. Water is the center of the 8 health laws.
Here’s the deal with staying hydrated—it’s not as simple as the old “eight glasses a day” rule. Your water needs are as unique as you are, and a bunch of factors can influence how much H2O you should be chugging.
Let’s break it down, shall we? First off, your weight plays a role. To get a rough idea of your hydration needs, try this nifty equation: take your weight and multiply it by 0.5 ounces. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, that means you should aim for about 75 ounces of water per day. That’s like 9 or 10 cups of the good stuff. Basically, the equation suggests you drink half your weight in ounces. In our example, it’s more than just eight measly glasses—it’s more like nine glasses, my friend!
But wait, there’s more! If you’re getting all active and sweaty, you need even more water. For every 30 minutes of physical activity you do, add an extra two cups of water to your daily intake. That way, you can replenish what you’re losing through all that hard work.
Remember, these guidelines are just a starting point. Everyone’s hydration needs are different, so listen to your body and adjust the 8 health laws accordingly.
Sunshine: Nature’s Healing Agent
Sunshine, often feared due to misconceptions, is actually one of nature’s most potent healing agents. This is the fourth of our 8 health laws. It purifies, prevents mold, and ensures the health of living spaces.
Dr Robert D Ahsley got some fascinating findings from sunny Valencia, Spain, that’ll shed some light on the importance of soaking up that sweet, sweet sunshine. These smart researchers wanted to know just how much sunlight our lighter-skinned friends need to get their vitamin D fix. Picture this: Valencia, at the same latitude as Kansas City, Missouri. They considered factors like clothing and the season of the year, because let’s face it, our outfits change with the weather.
In the glorious spring and summer months, when nature comes alive, about a quarter of the body (think hands, face, neck, and arms) gets exposed to the sun. A mere 8 to 10 minutes of basking in the midday sun during these seasons can give you all the vitamin D you need. But winter is a different story. When the cold weather sets in, only 10 percent of your body gets exposed to those precious rays. And guess what? You’ll need a whopping 2 hours of sun exposure at noon to meet your vitamin D quota.
And here’s a tidbit to put your mind at ease. Our chubby little fat cells can store vitamin D for months, so don’t stress if you miss a day or two of sun exposure. As long as you make up for it on other days, your bones will stay safe and sound. So go on, embrace the great outdoors and enjoy the the 8 health laws
Temperance, the fifth of the 8 health laws
Picture a well-rounded and harmonious way of living for it holds the key to a healthy and vibrant existence. The secret ingredient? Temperance. Finding that sweet spot of moderation in everything that brings us joy and steering clear of those harmful vices.
Whether it be drugs, alcohol, or smoking, let us exercise restraint and indulge in these pleasures in moderation. A little taste can be enjoyable, but too much can lead us down a treacherous path.
Now, onto the realm of consumption. Be it food or any other form of indulgence, let us savor these delights with a balanced approach. Excessive eating or partaking in anything beyond what our bodies truly need can tip the scales and deprive us of the vitality we seek.
Too much work can drain our spirits and rob us of precious moments for relaxation and recreation. On the flip side, excessive play can leave us unfulfilled and yearning for purpose. Balance, my friends, is the key to a life well-lived.
Remember, in the grand tapestry of life, all elements must find their rightful place. Too little or too much of anything can upset the delicate equilibrium.
Fresh Air
Fresh air is important for several reasons, no wonder is one of the 8 health laws. Here are some key reasons why fresh air is essential:
- Oxygen supply: Fresh air contains a higher level of oxygen, which is vital for the functioning of our body’s cells. Oxygen is needed for the process of cellular respiration, where energy is produced to support various bodily functions. Breathing in fresh air ensures an adequate oxygen supply to our lungs and bloodstream.
- Improved respiratory health: Fresh air helps to keep our respiratory system healthy. When we inhale fresh air, it cleanses our respiratory tract by removing airborne pollutants, allergens, and irritants. This can reduce the risk of respiratory problems such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Fresh air can have a positive impact on our brain function. The 8 health laws are all about positively impacting our life. It increases the flow of oxygen to the brain, improving alertness, concentration, and mental clarity. Spending time outdoors in fresh air has been linked to better cognitive performance, improved mood, and reduced stress levels.
Rest: the seventh of the 8 health laws
Rest is important for several reasons. Here are some key reasons why rest is essential:
- Physical recovery: Rest allows our bodies to recover and heal. During periods of rest, our muscles have a chance to repair and rebuild, which is crucial for athletic performance and overall physical well-being. Resting also helps to prevent overuse injuries and allows the body to recover from illnesses or infections.
- Mental and emotional rejuvenation: Rest is vital for mental and emotional well-being. It provides an opportunity to relax, recharge, and reduce stress. Rest helps to alleviate mental fatigue, improve concentration, and enhance overall cognitive function. It can also promote emotional balance, allowing us to better manage our emotions and reduce the risk of burnout or mental health issues.
It’s important to find a balance between activity and rest, ensuring that you allocate sufficient time for restorative rest in your daily routine. Remember that rest does not necessarily mean doing nothing but rather engaging in activities that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and recovery
Trust
Trusting in God can instill strength and resilience in individuals. Believers draw upon their faith during times of adversity, finding the courage to persevere and overcome challenges. Trusting in a higher power can provide a sense of inner strength, enabling believers to face difficulties with hope and determination. Now wonder it is the final goal of the 8 health laws.
Trust in God often fosters a sense of connection and community. Believers may find support and solidarity with others who share their faith, participating in religious communities or gatherings. Trusting in God can create bonds and a sense of belonging, allowing individuals to share their experiences, provide mutual support, and find a sense of belonging.
It’s important to note that trust in God is a deeply personal matter, and individuals may have different interpretations and experiences related to their faith. The significance and importance of trust in God can vary among different religious and spiritual traditions.