Living Life in Moderation; 10 Bad Foods, Activities, And Choices That Are Actually Good For You
Wine, Chocolate and.....We'll Leave the Rest Up to You
Life is full of tough choices and sacrifices. It seems that every food and every exercise comes with some sort of pitfall. It is more stressful than ever to try and fit the perfect nutrition into your diet, avoid certain foods, and ensure you are keeping on the right track, mentally and physically. With all the depressing news out there, such as possible causes for cancer, side effects of certain products, and the thousands of calories that come with your favorite foods, wouldn’t it be nice to read something positive for a change? Find ways to benefit your health without having to tie chains around the refrigerator or give up all of your favorite foods? Get out from under the negative and see some things in a positive light? Well that is exactly what we are going to do. Lets spice things up a bit, pump up the positive vibes, and look at some foods, choices, and activities that you might be surprised to find out are actually good for you. Read along, relax, and enjoy 10 bad things that are actually good for you.
1- Dark Chocolate
Sure your taste buds may jump at the sight of milk chocolate, but you know that the scale will jump too. The good news is that you can still enjoy chocolate as long as you stick to small portions and dark varieties. The higher the cocoa content is, the more likely it is that the chocolate is full of antioxidants. Better yet, a few pieces of high quality dark chocolate can curb your cravings when it comes to other fattening foods, and even act as an antidepressant. So next time you feel tempted to break from the confines of your diet, reach for a few pieces of this tempting, little treat. Savor it and enjoy it without that feeling of guilt you get after eating a number of other foods.
2- Exposure to the Sun
Skin cancer, wrinkles, global warming, and everything in between have forced us to fear the sun. To be fair, who wouldn’t want to stay inside after reading all the facts, figures, and statistics stating that exposure to the sun can cause melanoma, saggy skin, and pigmentation problems? However we shouldn’t forget the positives that can come from a little bit of time outside. The sun helps your body produce vitamin D, a much needed vitamin, and can cheer you up even in the worst of moods. The key here is to enjoy the sun in proper doses. We definitely aren’t saying you need to head to the tanning bed everyday or that you can leave your sunscreen at home. Just know that through all the bad stuff, the sun can still be your friend.
3- Jolt from Java
As mentioned in an earlier article, which can be seen HERE, studies are coming out all the time in relation to the positive effects of drinking coffee. Regular consumption of coffee can prevent kidney stones, lower your risk for diabetes, and help with memory loss. If you are feeling down, coffee has an ability to elevate serotonin levels in your body as well and give you a quick cheer up in the middle of the day. So stop feeling guilty because you need that kick of caffeine in the morning, just avoid consuming more than 3 cups a day. None only will it leave you shaking like a leaf, but excessive amounts of coffee can wreak havoc on the lining in your stomach.
4- Day Dream Like a Kindergartener
Just because your pre-school teachers screamed at you, gave you detention, and called your parents because you were daydreaming doesn’t mean it is all that bad. The general thought is that if you have time to be dreaming of something else, you are being unproductive and are not focused on the task at hand. It is time to cast this type of thought aside. It is more important than ever to take the time out of your hectic day, dream, and get away, even if it is just for a moment. Need another plus? Many people find that their best ideas come when they least expect it, and when they aren’t really trying to come up with something. So next time you are stuck with a business proposal, get hit with writer’s block, or can’t solve a problem, sit back, breathe and let your mind go somewhere else. There is a good chance that your mind is just craving a break, and the picture of you sitting on the beach doing nothing can give you the rejuvenation you need.
5- Multi-Tasking
Comparable to thoughts about daydreaming, our parents and teachers have hammered it into our heads that multitasking dilutes focus, and is blamed for ADD in many children, and adults. (Admit it, you are watching TV or checking Facebook as we speak) However there are a number of positives that we should come to recognize. Not only can doing two things at once increase overall productivity, but it can also stimulate the brain and energize the mind. So the next time you are working on a project and you get stuck, put it to the side and move onto something else. You don’t always have complete one thing fully before you switch it up. Multitask, give your brain a workout, and feel free to listen to music while crunching numbers.
6- Sipping Wine Like You Are in Paris
We all already know what happens when we mix wine and email. However, before you cast wine aside as a social plague listen to the health benefits it can provide. The nutrients found in red wine actually contain more antioxidants than antioxidant vitamins. Certain types of wine can even keep the heart healthy and contribute to a longer, healthier life. The next time you are picking out wine for a special get together search for one made from the tannat grape. Such wine contains the most procyanidins, which is responsible for preventing heart disease. Just make sure you turn off your phone and put a lock on your email before you get bottle deep.
7- Letting Out Your Inner Geek
Video games have been blamed as being solely responsible for the weight issues in children and teenagers these days. Other games are said to put your brain into snooze mode and even suck out your energy. Truth be told, this is no longer the case. With the creation of remote controlled sensors, motion detectors, and the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, it is getting harder to sit still and play your favorite game. Now not only are video games more fun than watching TV, but they are a lot more active and stimulating. Even the games that require no physical exercise still provide brain stimulation that you can’t get from the boob tube. So pick up your sticks, bond with your children, and get off the couch with an interactive game of baseball, bowling or even boxing.
8- Chomping on Chewing Gum
Are you sitting down for this? Recent studies and surveys filled out by dentists are stating that chewing gum actually prevents cavities. This article is singlehandedly dispelling a number of things your mother probably screamed at you while growing up. Xylitol, a sugar substitute that is found in certain gums, can reduce bad bacteria in your mouth and the chewing motion actually stimulates production of saliva in your mouth. More saliva and less bad bacteria mean fewer cavities. Stay away from Bubblelicious and Bubble Tape though and, for the sake of the rest of us, stop blowing bubbles and cracking your gum.
9- Having Competitive Enemies
This may be something on this list that those with a competitive streak will really enjoy. Expert therapists and psychologists are stating that having enemies and coworkers that compete with you can be beneficial for your health and mind. You no longer have to impress everybody around you or bend over backwards to be everyone’s friend. Speaking your mind, pissing people off, and even getting in small arguments can energize the mind and stimulate your brain. On top of that, a little healthy competition between you and that evil witch you are battling for a promotion with can keep you in tip top shape. If you are competing and trying to one up someone, chances are better you will pound the pavement for an early morning jog or leave the mayonnaise off your salad at lunch.
10- Stressing Out
From self help books to the intrusive opinions of therapists all around the world, we are constantly told to get rid of stress, relax, and let everything go. However, as long as you do not let stress build up and consume your entire being, a little bit can actually give you a boost. Stress can be a very powerful motivator and spring you into action. A little bit of stress has led some athletes to gold medal performances and probably helped you to meet a few tight deadlines. If you find yourself getting too worked up, take the time to relax and breathe it out. However, be willing to take advantage of the energy boost that you can get during a particularly stressful time.
The main thing to remember about all of these 10 bad things that are actually good for you is moderation. Dark chocolate, wine, stress, and everything else mentioned can provide benefits, as long as you do not go overboard. If there is one thing in life that remains true and consistent, it is that too much of anything can be bad. With that said, it is ok to enjoy the things that you love, without all of the guilt. While these are just 10 ideas, the point is that you should be able to get out there and enjoy your life. If you love ice cream, have a scoopful now and then. If your favorite TV show is on Monday nights, lay back, kick your feet up, and enjoy it. Many people get stuck and overwork and over think the process of getting and staying healthy. While a healthy lifestyle is beneficial and does not take a lot of time and effort, it doesn’t have to consume your entire life. We all know at least one life long smoker that has lived past the age of 90, or someone else that has beaten all the odds, even though they didn’t follow a particularly positive lifestyle.
Take care of yourself, eat healthy, exercise, but enjoy the little things in moderation. Savor that glass of red wine, take a bite out of a chocolate bar, and most importantly, give yourself a little “me” time.
That isn’t too much to ask, is it?
Tags: antioxidants, benefits of coffee, coffee, dark chocolate, dieting in moderation, healthy liifestyle, red wine, skin cancer, stress, sun exposure, vitamin D