Evelyn Hannon

To compile this list of women-centered wellness tips, we contacted the pros in each of the spas in our Journeywoman Network and asked for their expertise. Their response was swift and splendid. We were sent a wonderfully mixed bag of interesting pointers all designed to keep each one of us fit in mind, body and spirit. Read on, enjoy and stay healthy!

1. Don't diet.
2. Do eat more fiber.
3. Don't pass the sugar, please
4. Do boost your metabolism.
5. Don't eat fast food.
6. Do increase your physical activity level.
7. Don't eat late at night.
8. Do eat breakfast and include protein.
9. Don't eat under stress.
10. Do ask yourself "What am I feeling?" and "What do I need right now?" before eating.

(SOURCE: Mark Liponis, M.D., Mark Hyman, M.D., Canyon Ranch Health Resorts

Brown bag your lunch so that you have time to walk during your lunch hour. Even if you only walk a couple of blocks or do a few laps around the courtyard of your office building, you'll return to your desk energized and clear-headed.

(SOURCE: Sheila Cluff, The Oaks at Ojai)

Your own inner oasis is simply a "breath" away. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed or simply need a respite from the stresses of everyday life, close your eyes, and take four cleansing breaths. Imagine your abdomen filling with air like a balloon as you breathe in the fresh new air, and as you release the old air, imagine the balloon deflating, and visualize all the stale thoughts, attitudes letting go. ...Refreshing!

(SOURCE: Jolene Anderson, President, Inner Oasis Spas, Ltd.)

Tossing a couple cloves of garlic into your cooking is an easy way to get more cancer-fighting compounds into your diet. In cell studies, garlic has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer, including stomach and colorectal cancers. Researchers speculate that garlic may stimulate the immune system, setting off a string of immune-supportive reactions that help the body fight disease and infection.

(SOURCE: MountainFit eNewsletter)

For cool with a kick, zig this zippy emerald salsa across anything hot off the grill, from fish to fajitas, or drizzle it over a platter of sliced fresh tomatoes. Eke it onto eggs or even eggplant. Squirt it on squash, dab it on rabbit or anything else that needs a lift. It's healthy and it's great.

1 medium avocado
Juice from one lime
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2/3 cup vegetable stock
1/4 cup teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon seeded minced serrano pepper
1 clove minced garlic
1 green onion, minced

Blend all ingredients thoroughly in a food processor or blender. Chill. Yield: 2 cups

(SOURCE: Lake Austin Spa Resort)

Reduce your intake of animal fats and transfats (margarine and shortening). Emphasize healthy fats by using olive oil, enjoying avocados and nuts, and eating several servings of fish -- especially oily fish like salmon and herring-- every week.

(SOURCE: Susan Witz, The Heartland Spa, Destination Spa Vacations)

Beauty and folly are often companions (France).

Beauty is but skin deep (English).

Beauty will fade, but not goodness (Philippines).

Beauty will not make the pot boil (Irish).

(SOURCE: Illuminating Wit, Inspiring Wisdom -- Proverbs around the world).