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In a recent discussion about healthy and diets - none of my friends agreed. There was a robust discussion and it lead to the conclusion that there are as many diets and ways of eating as there are opinions. There are no guarantees that one will never become ill if one exercises and eats healthily because there are so many perspectives and methods.
Many might agree though that it is a combination of a focus on body, mind and spirit. In any event it is a kind of journey. Below are some good habits one could follow. This list is by no means complete and it is certainly not a diet plan - but a way of life.

10 -13 "health-ful" tips

1. Start the morning with water (about 1 litre) - warm or lukewar. Drink the purest water you can obtain. Add some flavour such as lemon juice - if you like. It is not an easy start but it helps to get the metabolism going.
2. Drink about 2 1/2-3 litres of water throughout the day or as some health authorities recommend 8 times 8 ounces. Other recommend - half your weight in ounces: for example - if you weigh 160llbs then 80 ounces is recommended. If drunk throughout the day - it reduces the appetite. .
3. Eliminate all table sugar and reduce table salt. Do not use sugar substitutes. This one is difficult - it is a hard habit to break. It is more about being aware of the amount of sugar/salt consumed because of the dangers such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
4. Eliminate other carbohydrates (such as rice, potatoes, cakes, bread etc.) If this is difficult - again moderation is the key. Consume less and remain conscious of the amount that is consume with an aim to reducing the amount.
5. Eat meat with vegetables only. i.e. if you are a meat eater. Be aware of the proportions. Be your own judge - you know when it is too much.
6. Eat many and a variety of greens - eat them raw, steam them or juice them. However, do not forget that fiber is good so choose to a variety of methods.
7. Snack on fruits and vegetables like cucumber, celery, red pepper etc. Keep them handy.
8. Add probiotics in your diets - the best forms are natural such as homemade fermented vegetables or kombucha, water kefir or kimchi.
9. Eliminate processed foods - it is filled with e-numbers and one can never be sure what it contains even when reading the labels. Cooking for oneself is always best or at least cooking most of the times for oneself. It is really the only time one can be sure about what is in a meal.
10. Exercise - however if you do not already - do not start with strenuous exercise - go for walks. Start slowly and build it up.
11. If you fail - after starting any of the 10 tips above - just start again. This is a process not a competition - it is your life and your body. Be nice to yourself.
12. Envisage how you want to feel and look - remind yourself of the reason why you want to feel and look like this. It will help with focussing.
13. Do not forget to breathe deeply and to love yourself. Forgive yourself often - embrace the journey and enjoy!!

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In general - staying aware and doing things in moderation is always key. For some people cutting something out completely only brings frustration - going "cold turkey" is not always sustainable.

I hope you like these tips - maybe not all but some of them. I am not a doctor - these are practical tips. Please let me know what you think.