- A square of dark chocolate could be the start of 100 ways to be more healthy
- Find out some of the easy ways to improve your life
- The secret of a happy Easter
It’s time to discover the health benefits of chocolate because the Easter break will soon be upon us.
I hope that you are planning a relaxing time, preferably surrounded by family and friends.
For me the main holidays are all about taking a bit of time to reflect on what you have around you. Not the plasma TV, stereo or car – but the people.
When they were younger I loved seeing the kids chomping their way through their Easter eggs and chatting excitedly to Nan & Gramp (possibly as a result of the sugar rush!) It just seemed so right.
Of course, the kids are now grown adults in their own right, but they still demand Easter eggs… and enjoy getting together as a family for a few days.
It is always worth remebering that there are health benefits of chocolate to be enjoyed without guilt!
Mind you the over sweetened milk chocolate of the Easter eggs are not the healthiest of snacks.
Fortunately, I still believe that a few squares of chocolate are good for you in a number of ways, as long as it is the rich dark high cocoa version that is.
Something that I always include in my preferred healthy diet, but don’t fall for the concept that this is all you need.
There is no miracle ingredient that will ensure healthy longevity, staying on top of your game is all about making a 1% improvement in 100 areas rather than a 100% improvement in one.
Some of the 100 ways to a healthier life
So, think about what you can do to help yourself in the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend;
Activity, I’m not talking about getting your plimsolls on and getting into training for next years London Marathon – in fact it needn’t be that energetic. What about a gentle stroll along a local footpath, discover a hidden patch of your local countryside. Offer to take a neighbours dog for a walk if being out in the open seems a little too conspicuous for you, or even better get the kids or grandkids away from their Xbox and out into the air.
If the worst comes to the worst there are bound to be a few weeds in the garden that could do with a wrestling,.
Diet, always an easy target when it comes to talking about health, but rather than attempting to make a food revolution in your life, why not give something new a chance. For instance, there are some really nice zero alcohol beers available for drinking at home. OK so they benefit from being chilled and with a squeeze of fresh lime juice in them, but they do give you a proper beer buzz.
Also, we are beginning to get some of the benefits of seasonal food, local fresh watercress. Get a piece of smoked fish and serve it with this peppery leafed herb and I promise you the world will seem a better place – you might actually hear your heart sing!
Spring Clean, I suppose this is one of the ways to increase your level of activity as well, but it is amazing what health benefits you can get from a quick rub round with the duster. Pollen, dust and microscopic creatures make up the majority of household dust, and all of these can be responsible for airway disorders.
It is also worth giving the mattress an airing and a turn. It would turn your stomach to find out what lives in even the cleanest bed, so just take it from me that a shake and turn of the bed is never a bad thing.
Rather than use chemical cleaners try to make use of natural alternatives, for instance my Lemon Book has some really handy tips for household chores.
Giving yourself a health boost really is just a matter of thinking about things a little differently and trying something new.
For instance…
…Try a magnet
For the last few years I have always worn a copper magnetic bracelet, something that never fails to generate comment.
Noticeably though many of my chums and companions have also started to wear them too.
In one particular case a chap I regularly see in the pub on a Sunday who has always derided my ‘bangle’ was sporting one last weekend.
When I saw it I raised my eyebrows and he sheepishly had to admit that his wife had made him put it on as she was fed up of the moaning about his aching hands…
…and despite his cynicism he had to admit that he did feel better, and his hands were less painful.
“I don’t know how it works, and maybe it’s all in my head – but I won’t be taking it off now.” He announced in response to a few queries from those gathered in the snug.
Another perfect example of trying something different rather than putting up with health niggles.
I have a few standard magnetic bracelets available in two sizes – Unisex 18 Link or for those with bigger wrists a 20 Link version.
But, for those Ladies who are looking for something a little different there is an elegant version which is fully adjustable (just ask a jeweller or watch strap kiosk to remove the links you don’t need.)
Enjoy Easter
I really hope you have a happy and healthy time over this Easter, and remember I’ve given you permission to have a square or two of good dark chocolate, remember that there are health benefits of chocolate to ber enjoyed, just as long as you promise to look for those 100 ways to make a little improvement in your health.
