Medical Reports: Seven Healthy Habits

WSVN -- Alex Pinon: "I played professional baseball for two years, and at that time I was consistent, had a good diet.

Alex entered the busy working world and, like most people, it quickly took a toll on his health.

Alex Pinon: "I would say my diet has been off, so to speak. A lot of fast foods, a lot of sodium, a lot of eating at the wrong times."

Question is, how can this be avoided? Dr. Ritvo says to have healthy habits you first have to recognize where you want to make a change.

Dr. Eva Ritvo: "It's important to take an honest look at yourself and see areas that can use improvement."

For Alex, it was nutrition and exercise.

Alex Pinon: "I got a disciplined diet to make sure that I eat at certain times a day."

His trainer, Fernando, says following a good meal plan is essential.

Fernando: "Eating frequently and smaller portions is always a good idea. It will help increase your metabolism, and you'll be burning calories much faster."

And if you feel you don't have time to cook...

Fernando: "Set goals for the week. Precooking meals is always a good idea to avoid cravings."

When it comes to exercise...

Fernando: "Start early. The body during the morning is releasing growth hormone, and this is the best time to burn fat and to do resistance training."

Fernando: "Try to keep your routine simple, and try to keep your routine fun and fresh."

Dr. Eva Ritvo: "Exercise really goes a long way to lifting up people's mood, attitude, confidence."

Next, get organized.

Dr. Eva Ritvo: "We know people that are too organized, and we know people that are too messy, and what you want to find is you want to find a happy medium."

Start small.

Dr. Eva Ritvo: "So, for a woman, possibly cleaning a make-up drawer. For a man, maybe just cleaning your car tools."

Then, create systems, and make sure to keep it up.

Dr. Eva Ritvo: "When you get into a rhythm of things it becomes much easier. Just doing a little bit everyday will help prevent that overwhelming feeling of, 'Oh, my gosh, I'll never get out from under this.'"

And, after all your hard work starts paying off, have a treat, and that's what Alex looks forward too.

Alex Pinon: "On Sundays I usually pig out, so to speak, but I make sure the next day I run a little extra."

Diana Diaz: "Doctors also say to have good time management skills and to remember these healthy habits are all for the long run."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Fernando Capablanca
www.thestationtraining.com

Dr. Eva Ritvo
UM Miller School of Medicine
4300 Alton Rd, MRI Building, 2nd Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33140
305-674-2194
Ritvomd@earthlink.net
www.med.miami.edu