Weight Loss or Long Life
April 12 2012
Whether it’s about weight loss or living a longer disease free life, there are certain truths that hold: it’s about diet and it’s about exercise.
Two recent articles found here and here both point out essentially the same things. If you want to live a healthy and long life, you need to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and eat healthy and nutritious meals. Now, 30 minutes of exercise a day may sound impossible when you’ve got three kids to get off to school and then feed and help with homework, have to work late because the boss NEEDS this project done ASAP and your partner is busy with his or her chores.
But 30 minutes of exercise a day doesn’t mean you are expected to go out and run 10km. It could be a simple as walking to work. Another recent article I read pointed out that North Americans walk less than any other peoples. Sure, when you have to commute from your home to your office, walking to work just isn’t an option for you. But there are other things you can do: try using the stairs whenever possible; a walk around the mall on rainy days; or, do like I do and ride a bike.
As for diet, it’s really simple. Avoid excess fat, excess calories and excess sodium. How do I do all that you may ask? By planning your meals ahead of time. No more impulse buys at the grocery checkout counter; no more trips to the drive thru; no more fast foods. Now, that’s a bit draconian I know, how about trying to limit all these things and live by the rule: “everything in moderation”. That goes for everything from beer, wine and spirits to desserts. Planning your meals will also help with another important factor when it comes to your longevity…it helps reduce stress. When you know what you’re going to cook for dinner, how long it will take and that you have all the ingredients necessary, it relieves a lot of stress.
