Step 2- BALANCE

If your really want to get to tapping into and click-clack dancing on your health, it is important to be balanced.

Also, it keeps your lifestyle plan simple.

I kind of touched on this subject in the last section. The key is to not over indulge. No candy bars everyday, no sugary drinks, fast food everyday..etc. It’s important to do everything in moderation. If you eat, exercise..in some form. You can kick your legs back in forth while eating..fidget, go for a walk, take the steps instead of the elevator. If your activity is stationary your body mimics your activity. Extra pounds are sleeping at your middle, etc. Get up and move, it doesn’t have to be strenuous. 10 mins. of stretching in the morning, and something that moves your body before the day is over.

Pay attention to portion size; a good tip is to eat on smaller size plates..saucers are good. Our minds are powerful tools and the fact that your plate is covered tricks you into thinking that you are eating a large amount. Just change your plate sizes.

A memory technique that I use that helps me keep track of what I am eating, is by color coding my food. If I didn’t have anything green for lunch..I know I have to eat something green for dinner. I make sure that eat from each color food group. I know that I am getting a complete daily nutritional source and that I am not over doing one particular source. Which means I’m not eating too many carbs, sugar, or getting too much iron.

Red fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called “lycopene” or “anthocyanins.” Lycopene in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit, for example, may help reduce risk of several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Lycopene in foods containing cooked tomatoes, such as spaghetti sauce, and a small amount of fat are absorbed better than lycopene from raw tomatoes. Any blood disorder..combat with red.

Anthocyanins in strawberries, raspberries, red grapes and other fruits and vegetables act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Antioxidants are linked with keeping us young, hearts strong, and great for cell regeneration.

These are some examples of the red group:

* Red apples
* Beets
* Red cabbage
* Cherries
* Cranberries
* Pink grapefruit
* Red grapes
* Red peppers
* Pomegranates
* Red potatoes
* Radishes
* Raspberries
* Rhubarb
* Strawberries
* Tomatoes
* Watermelon

Orange/yellow fruits and vegetables are usually colored by natural plant pigments called “carotenoids.” Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Scientists have also reported that carotenoid-rich foods can help reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and can improve immune system function.

One study found that people who ate a diet high in carotenoid-rich vegetables were 43 percent less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder common among the elderly, which can lead to blindness.

Carotenoids also may be good for your heart. One study found that men with high cholesterol who ate plenty of vegetables high in carotenoids had a 36 percent lower chance of heart attack and death than their counterparts who shunned vegetables.

Citrus fruits like oranges are not a good source of vitamin A. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.

Some examples of the orange/yellow group include:

* Yellow apples
* Apricots
* Butternut squash
* Cantaloupe
* Carrots
* Grapefruit
* Lemons
* Mangoes
* Nectarines
* Oranges
* Papayas
* Peaches
* Pears
* Yellow peppers
* Persimmons
* Pineapple
* Pumpkin
* Rutabagas
* Yellow summer or winter squash
* Sweet corn
* Sweet potatoes
* Tangerines
* Yellow tomatoes
* Yellow watermelon

Green fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigment called “chlorophyll.” Some members of the green group, including spinach and other dark leafy greens, green peppers, peas, cucumber and celery, contain lutein. Lutein works with another chemical, zeaxanthin, found in corn, red peppers, oranges, grapes and egg yolks to help keep eyes healthy. Together, these chemicals may help reduce risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

The “indoles” in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against some types of cancer. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are excellent sources of folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.

Some examples of the green group include:

* Green apples
* Artichokes
* Asparagus
* Avocados
* Green beans
* Broccoli
* Brussels sprouts
* Green cabbage
* Cucumbers
* Green grapes
* Honeydew melon
* Kiwi
* Lettuce
* Limes
* Green onions
* Peas
* Green pepper
* Spinach
* Zucchini

Blue/purple fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called “anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They may help reduce risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. Other studies have shown that eating more blueberries is linked with improved memory function and healthy aging.

These are some examples of the blue/purple group:

* Blackberries
* Blueberries
* Eggplant
* Figs
* Juneberries
* Plums
* Prunes
* Purple grapes
* Raisins

White fruits and vegetables are colored by pigments called “anthoxanthins.” They may contain health-promoting chemicals such as allicin, which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may help reduce risk of stomach cancer and heart disease. Some members of the white group, such as bananas and potatoes, are good sources of the mineral potassium, too.

Some examples of the white group include:

* Bananas
* Cauliflower
* Garlic
* Ginger
* Jicama
* Mushrooms
* Onions
* Parsnips
* Potatoes
* Turnips

Now TAKE OUT! How’s that working for ya? When you put in, some of that has to come out. Be mindful of your bowel movements..do they match up to what you are eating..is it on an even scale? Basically, “when you eat, do you poop?” It’s just that simple. Fiber is essential to colon freedom. Just balance it out. If your eating and not releasing then your holding..that’s it.

With balance it is just what it says. Don’t do too much. Don’t exercise too much, don’t eat too much, and don’t over react. Stress plays a very important role in health. When we are stressed we cause our body to react.