It sounds simple, and it is. The keys to a healthy life are available for everyone, and at no cost. Many people who are slaves to medical care can cast off that mantle of expense and despair by just adopting these four simple principles.
Eat Healthfully
Eating healthfully sounds easy enough, yet statistically 2/3 of all Americans are overweight or obese. Where does one start? Start by eliminating the four most deadly foods:
- Soda pop
- Any processed foods containing numerous chemicals including high fructose corn syrup
- Sugar
- Highly refined white flour products
There are a plethora of nutritionists and scientists who agree that eliminating these items alone will drastically improve one’s health. From the original 1930s harbinger of nutritional warning, Weston A. Price in Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, to science writer Gary Taubes and Good Calories, Bad Calories in 2006, increasing numbers of health professionals are strongly advising people to avoid sugar (including high fructose corn syrup) and refined white flour.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly does not require gym membership. The simple act of walking can suffice for most individuals. A very worthy goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day, which equates to about 5 miles. Most people, shockingly, only average 400 steps per day.
Obviously some people may not be able to walk because of a disability, but most people are able to do some form of exercise that does not require expensive gym membership. There are channels on the television that are dedicated to exercise, and don’t discount housework, yard work and gardening as beneficial forms of exercise. Dumb bells are effective and cheap and will easily suffice for weight bearing exercise, as will the rubber band resistance devices.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of adequate sleep is a prime culprit contributing to weight gain and illness. Despite hectic schedules, all people should get a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Sleep provides the body time to repair and to restore itself to maximum function.
Turn off lights while sleeping. Studies indicate that any source of artificial light in a room keeps a person from producing melatonin.
Reduce Stress by Being Positive
This last recommendation is, for some, easier said than done. All too often people carry stress that is unnecessary and unproductive. Recognize things that are beyond your control and learn to let these items go. This may mean limiting one’s exposure to continuous bad press. Sitting and watching the news and negative talk shows all evening may ultimately be contributing greatly to one’s stressful state of mind. Being continuously stressed can contribute greatly to poor health:
- Depressed/stressed people often overeat or crave fats and sweets
- Stress and depression can cause sleep difficulties
- Depressed/stressed people tend to exercise far less than their more positive counterparts. Ironically, lack of exercise can in turn contribute to depression and stress.
- Depression and stress cause all manner of disease and illness
According to Dr. Murphy, “Think good and good follows. Think evil and evil follows. You are what you think all day long.” Can it be that simple?
The Power of Positive Thinking
Never underestimate the power of thinking positive thoughts. As Dr. Joseph Murphy stated in The Power of Your subconscious Mind, “Change your thoughts and you change your destiny.”
Remember these four vital keys to good health: Eat healthfully, exercise regularly, sleep well, and think positive!