Live Life to the Fullest with a Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy Teeth

Have you been feeling dull and tired regularly? Do you wish that you were more active and lively person? If your answer is yes, then you need make some   lifestyle changes and take good care of your body. There are many ways in which you can do this.  It all starts from the little stuff!

Maintaining good oral hygiene and teeth cleaning, to major changes like altering your diet and eating healthy.  However, you should not stop here. There are many more ways that you can get in shape both physically and mentally.

      1. Meditate at least twice a day:

There are many people who meditate at least twice a day and have seen remarkable changes in their energy levels.  Yoga, Pilates, Pi-Yo take your pick!  There are many classes right here in the Merrillville area, where you can learn meditation techniques and other breathing exercises that leave you exhilarated after you complete them.

      2.Drink lots of water:

Did you know that the human body is made up 70% water?  Water is required for the body to naturally remove all harmful toxins. Excel Dental Studio recommends replacing sugar-based drinks with good ol’ H20!

      3. Sleep properly:

If you are an adult then the minimum amount of sleep required is 6-8 hours per day.  While we treat our bodies as a machine, by the end of the day, you are sure to feel the tiredness from the day. The body and organs need to recoup after a long day’s work. So avoid losing sleep by staying up late on weekdays or partying till late night! We’ll give you a pass on the Saturday night though!

      4. Have your meals on time:

When you are running late for work, it is very tempting to skip breakfast. However, this meal is the most essential one as it helps you feel energetic throughout the day, your body needs nourishment. So eat your meals on time in sufficient quantities and avoid skipping any. Try not to eat 2 hours before sleeping and have your heavier meals earlier on.

      5. Eat Fresh Fruits and Veggies:

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential vitamin and nutrients. They are also a healthier food option for those people looking to boost their energy levels and lose some extra weight. It is a known fact that fresh fruit juices are much better than sipping readymade juice from juice boxes. Say NO to boxed food!!!!  Enjoy the bounty of fresh veggies and fruits in the fresh food section, throw on the Food Network and get creative with your meals!

      6.Cut down on the fried stuff:

We all enjoy the occasional burger and fries meal and other takeout food. However, consuming these kinds of junk foods on a daily basis increases the bad cholesterol levels in your body. So limit your junk food consumption to just once or twice a month and switch to more organic foods or other healthy food items.

      7. Exercise:

Make some time in your busy schedule for your own personal workout session. The best time of the day for a workout is in the morning, but if your work begins early, then you can move it to evening time as well. Start by at least taking walks in the park to about 30 minutes, or and as you build up your energy levels, include some light strength training. Make sure you check with your doctor if you require special approval for anything.

      8. Limit your consumption of alcohol & cigarettes:

They say “Everything in Moderation”.  In this case its 100% true.  Avoid the use of nicotine and nicotine like substances and enjoy alcohol in moderation. If you have recently made changes in this aspect of your lifestyle, visit Excel Dental Studio and let’s discuss options for improving your smile through the use of our Bleaching services. For more information on this, please visit us on our website: www.merrillvilledentist.com

Sugar Substitutes that will satisfy your Sweet Tooth

Are you one of the many people who crave sugary sweets on a daily basis? These cravings are especially high after you finish your meal. The bodies response to this sugar craving would be to reach out into your refrigerator and grab the tastiest looking chocolate bar or pastry slice. It’s fine to indulge in these tasty treats once in a while. However, consuming them every day in large quantities will lead to weight problems as they are loaded with calories. Plus, eating extremely sugary substances erodes the enamel in teeth leading to dental problems. Therefore, if you want to avoid an emergency visit to the dental clinic, we would recommend the consumption following sugar substitutes instead.

1.Coconut Sugar: The first sugar substitute which is slowly gaining popularity is Coconut Sugar. It is a natural sugar alternative which is extracted from coconut sap and is packed with nutrients. This sugar can easily be used as an alternative for making baked goods like cupcakes and brownies.

2.Honey:Honey has been used as a sugar substitute for years. Honey goes well with all the products which you usually mix with sugar such as milk, lemon juice, tea etc. And nowadays, there are many bakers who prepare their pastries and cakes only using honey. There are also plenty of health benefits that can be derived from having a teaspoon of honey every day.

3.Fruit juice: Having fruit juices is another healthy alternative to sugar, which will instantly satisfy your sugar cravings. You do not even need to spend time juicing your own fruits, as there are many companies which offer ready-made juices that contain 100% natural fruit and no added sugar. (How easy is that!)

4.Cinnamon:Cinnamon is one more food item which has many healthy properties and are naturally sweet to taste. They can be crushes into powder easily and added to any food dish to give more taste and enhance the flavor. Cinnamon is also one of those powerful antioxidants and loaded with nutrients like manganese and iron.

5.Carrots:Carrots have a natural sweet taste and is another healthy snack to have in between meals. Along with being a rich source of vitamin A, carrots have numerous health benefits, such as, they help to maintain your eyesight, promote healthy skin and even cleanse the body of toxins. They even save you a trip to the dentist, as they keep your teeth clean and strong.

6.Raisins:You can also eat a cup of raisins or any other dried fruits whenever you start getting those sweet cravings. These dried fruit items can be had as a healthy snacking alternative or added to your bowl of oats to make it more filling.