Permanent diet may equal longer life

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Just for the record, I feel like eating what you want makes you happier, however, exercising makes you happy and healthy too, and you should be more concered about exercising than dieting. Just my opinion though.

I agree for the most part. I don't smoke, and I'm in the gym for about an hour and a half 6 days a week, doing both cardio and a pretty intensive weight training routine . I also do a full body stretch before I workout and right before I go to bed (which works wonders for falling asleep quickly). Working out as often as possible is not only good for physical health, but all that oxygen in your blood makes you mentally sharper. The best few hours of my day are the ones right after I workout. I feel like a million bucks, and mentally I'm sharp as a tack. I know this may sound stupid or arrogant, but I'm proud of the way I look with my shirt off, and that's great for self confidence (not that I walk around shirtless for fun, but you get what I mean). A regular exercise routine should be mandatory for everyone who is physically capable. You will look and feel so much better, and obviously it will extend your life.

As far as diet, because of how much I exercise, I can cheat a lot more than most people and not really see an adverse affect. Plus all the exercise speeds up metabolism. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, so things like candy, donuts, etc are never an issue. I have a weakness for cheeseburgers/steaks, however I limit myself to one meal of red meat per week. I also love eggs, so I eat them a few times a week, but only the whites, no yolks. I don't drink much beer anymore- mostly red wine and single malt scotch, so not too many calories there.

I guess my point is to just be mindful. I'm not on a diet, but I make sensible choices. Everyone knows what's good to eat and what's not. Substitute some steamed veggies for those fries most of the time. Have some black coffee for a pick-me-up instead of coke, pepsi, or red bull. Eat some fish a few times a week. Stuff like that. Also, throughout the day it's better to eat less more than more less - like 4 or 5 small meals instead of 2 big meals. Doing so also keeps blood-sugar and energy levels stable, and curbs your appetite to the point where you'll have less of an urge to mow down that massive high calorie meal.

I would say I'm more a gym rat than a health nut, and I'm not trying to preach. IMO it's about moderation and being mindful with food, and frequent exercise.