My grandmother lived to be 99 years old...
Of her four sisters, each lived to be at least 95 years old and one is still going strong at almost 103. Looking at how they were raised and what they were fed is pretty incredible. They never heard about "organic" or "grass-fed." The word "fat-free" was non-existent. It seems that it wasn't until the 1980s did this become a problem. This was when diet drinks and unhealthy sweeteners came into the picture. In time the words "fat-free" and "trans fats" were introduced. Isn't it ironic this is when the epidemic began? Even though we continued to become more and more educated about what was good for you and what was not, why did it seem like health and wellness became more of a struggle for most? Why did society become so unhealthy?
At the end of the day we should all be searching for the simplest ways to live a long, healthy, and energetic life.
I am constantly approached by individuals wanting to know how many calories to consume, how many proteins, how many carbs and fats. Unless your main priority is to get on stage and body build, wipe the slate clean and begin with three extremely easy steps.
These steps will help with:
Weight loss
Energy levels
Vitality and sex drive
They'll also cut down on aches and pains going on in your body. Do I have your attention yet? Good!
1. Food quality
Stop worrying about "fat-free." Fat is good as long as it comes from a good source. Though my grandparents did not have to worry about "grass-fed" and "organic," unfortunately, you do. This is big. Eighty percent of the week, consume these sources. (Leave the rest to common error) Healthier sources will cut down on inflammation in the body, reduce cravings, and improve overall vitality and mood.
2. Timeliness of your eating
This is a huge mistake and is the main reason why we tend to overeat at meals. By eating every two to three hours, you will maintain your blood sugar levels which will help you avoid overeating when going into a meal. When you eat enough during the day, you will be consistently sparking your metabolism. This lowers the likelihood of your energy level crashing. An added benefit -- this constant feed will also help you recover more from the stresses of everyday life.
3. Get seven to eight hours of sleep
I had a client recently go away on business. He was gone for about three weeks; his eating habits did not change. In fact, most everything basically stayed the same. He exercised frequently, he had his evening cocktail (which he will not give up), but at the end of the trip, he had lost nine pounds. How did he do this? While he was away, he had no more early morning commute. As a result, he was able to take advantage of more sleep (90 extra minutes per night) which helped his body repair and recover. His energy level increased immediately and he just felt better over all. For those of you think you are the 3 percent who do not need sleep, wake up! You need sleep and whoever told you otherwise should be disbarred and thrown on the island of misfit toys for a year in the freezing cold wearing nothing but their underwear. Sorry but this makes me very angry.
Notice I did not even discuss exercise here. Exercise will work itself out after you first attack these three elements.
You will have more energy.
You will notice that eating organic just tastes better.
Your body will feel better and in return you will be eager to be more active.
So focus on these three foundational elements and I promise -- you will be a happier you. On top of it all I am hoping that my father reads this and actually wakes up and starts listening to me. Sorry Dad, but I love ya.