Eat, Work (out), Drink, and Be Merry!
Americans have some of the most unhealthy lifestyles in the World. From our sugar-laden foods to our car-centric transportation, we could use an upgrade, or shall we say a “life-grade” change. The best news is that we each have the power to change our daily habits to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives. Let’s check out some of the key areas to staying healthy, happy, and living a long life.
Get your Groove on! There are forms of exercise that speak to each of us. Whether it is becoming a top triathlete or showing the World your crazy dance moves, we all have a work out groove. The good news comes a plenty when it comes to exercising. First, when we exert physical energy we get endorphins in return, which makes us happier people. Second, exercising can be a social event, meaning making more friends, meeting more people, and gaining a larger sense of community. And what better news is there than to know that some health care providers will reward you for your physical activity prowess? From discounted rates to free gym membership, health care providers are jumping on board with healthy and active lifestyles.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry. Our food choices dictate a great deal about how we feel, how we interact with others, and just how long and healthy our lives will truly be. Now you don’t have to become a local, seasonal, organic fanatic like myself to make a very positive change in your eating habits. First, stay away from processed food as much as possible. Why? Because the additives can be quite harmful. From carcinogens to things that are just plain hard to digest. Processed food comes from machines, not nature, meaning that our bodies may or may not be adapted to digest and utilize the food’s nutrients. Next, try to cut out as much Fast Food as possible. You can go so far as to join the Slow Food Movement or you can simply plan ahead and pack a lunch. This easy step will save you money first of all. It may not seem like it at first, but spending money on a meal versus money on versatile ingredients for several different meals can make a difference. It also spares you from the global supply chain of food. Food that is transported from long-distances or stored for long periods of time lose their nutrients quickly, so by the time they reach your plate you are getting half or less of the original plant nutrients. This partnered with a good glass of local or fair trade wine will make you quite merry and healthy indeed, just ask the French.
Live a Long and Happy Life. You may think that the span of your life is beyond your control. Which of course to an extent is true. Yet studies, like the one recently completed in Italy, found that the more strenuous exercise an individual participates in, the longer their body is able to survive. Essentially, cells in our body die at a very rapid and common rate. Getting a good work out that makes you sweat actually keeps some cells from dyeing, meaning that your body and its health are preserved longer. This partnered with good eating habits that make nutrients readily available for your system to take in and utilize will make you one healthy machine. And if that doesn’t make you happy, then consider this:
Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
~Abraham Lincoln
So get your exercise groove on, especially with the advent of beautiful weather. Partner that with some delicious, healthy, and fresh food along with a glass of wine and enjoy life!
Comments
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May 25th, 2010
Most money saving tips are environmental and health tips at the same time:
-eat less meat (vegies are cheaper; cost way less resources to produce);
-save on your car (get a smaller one that uses less gas and/or learn to reduce mileage and/or leave it in the garage and walk / ride your bike);
-etc
I think one of the best ways of achieving all three of these goals can be attained very cheaply by growing your own fruit and vegetables in an allotment or in your own garden. You get a:
1) thorough workout (including increasing your bodies flexibility – which is often overlooked) by digging and maintaining your veg bed.
2) a chance to socialise with other growers as you “learn the ropes” on how to grow and what best grows in your area.
3) a chance to barter and get to know your neighbours better. Often you end up with a glut of produce that can be used to barter for fruit/veg grown by others or exchanged for a friends homebrew.
4) getting outdoors and undertaking physical exertion is an ideal way to reduce stress and releases “feel good endorphines” and therefore helps you to “live a long and happy life”.
To some people, achiving these 3 goals are not as easy as just saying about it. I think the most important goal is to be happy. Be happy of whatever you’re doing now!