6 Live-Healthy Tips from Health's Star Doc
Nourish your mind and body
Health
’s Medical Editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD (a.k.a. "Dr. Raj")—an assistant professor of medicine at New York University Medical Center and co-author of What the Yuck?!—shares her personal secrets.
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Kick back with friends
"You have to make fun a priority. My friends and I go for regular girls’ nights out. It reenergizes you, gives you a necessary mental break, and reduces your stress. It's also good to just laugh and have fun.”
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Satiate with salmon
“It’s important to have fish a few times a week. I like salmon because you don’t have to worry about mercury. My fave dishes: salmon sushi with brown rice or grilled salmon with steamed veggies."
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Take a dip
“I swim a couple of times a week. It fuels and tones my entire body. When I’m done, I am left with a nice tiredness. Plus, I love that I can do it with my family.”
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Doze more
"I need at least eight or nine hours of sleep a night to feel my best, but I never get it. When I feel tired, I go outside and get some sunlight for a quick pick-me-up."
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Fill up on fiber
"I love golden raisins. Their fiber jump-starts your gastrointestinal tractand keeps everything moving nicely."
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Get in tune with your body
"I grew up Buddhist, so I try to be very self-aware. I think that people need tobe more mindful—especially about what they put into their bodies. You should ask yourself: Am I really hungry? Do I really want to eat more? You have to listen to your body.”