The big debate over what diet is best for the body and overall nutrition and health will always be a widely discussed topic. Recently a friend who has just finished radiation on her breast, asked me to share some of the recipes that I compiled and created while I was trying to cleanse and rebuild my body after chemo and radiation treatments. She then suggested that I share some of my diet finds and recipes on this blog for others to share. Not a bad idea. So in a feature series called Recipes for Healthy Living, I will discuss various forms of healthy eating, keeping the body clean, and building your system back up with the proper diet, exercise, and mentality.

I am in no means an expert, but I know what has worked for me and don't mind sharing it. Personally I slipped away from my regimen and have started feeling a little sluggish with some joint pain, headaches and stomach problems, so it is time to dedicate myself back to the healthier choices. Doing that will make it easier for me to write about it every day.

To understand a healthy body, you must first look at your state of mind. The old saying, a healthy mind means a healthy body, is pretty much true. You have to be dedicated to your task to accomplish it. This holds true in anything in your life and not just making healthier choices for your body. So the first word of advice I can give anyone is to destress. If it means taking a lot of personal time for yourself, then your family and friends will have to understand. Find focal points in your life that give you enjoyment, whether listening to music, reading, taking naps to unwind, bird watching, walking in a park or on a beach (remember your sunscreen), and make that a habit in your life.  Remember stress affects every part of your body and creates disease.

So my first recipe for today is simple. Give yourself one hour of down time a day totally devoted to you and your well being. You deserve it.