We will all die. One of the two guarantees in life – that and taxes. However, some of us seem to be in a hurry to get there.
Our lifestyle determines a lot about our future. Yes, genetics plays a part in when we will pass from this world. But, typically, the genetic impact is generally quite small compared to other factors. In fact, epigenetics can sometimes cancel those genetic predispositions.
Most of us are creatures of habit. We eat the same foods almost daily. We have the same level of exercise every week. Some of us don’t exercise at all, and we are consistent about it. Some of us smoke and drink to excess.
Almost all of us don’t manage our stress. Another large percentage is not aware of how our immune system protects us. And, those who do, generally do not do what is required to maximize our own inherent immunity.
Science has shown that there are factors that accelerate or decelerate the aging processes. We might be doing three or four correctly and think we will live to a ripe old age in good health. But, we are probably doing more things to counter those good things and actually accelerating the aging process.
The holiday season is upon us. Almost all of will be going to parties in the next thirty days. I have at least six scheduled so far. We know that there will be lots of foods and drinks not conducive to good health and longevity.
Yet, we will indulge and tell ourselves that it is only temporary. We need time to decompress and socialize with others and celebrate the holiday spirit. Yet, there are several factors that lead to an early death encompassed in the foods and drinks offered at most parties.
The excess calories, the toxins in the foods and drinks, the imbalance of nutrients, the continual eating throughout the days, the lack of exercise that usually associated with a party environment (we just can’t find the time to do what we need to do), the higher levels of inflammatory fats, the acidity of food choices, and the list goes on.
We fool ourselves into believing that a few pounds put on over the holidays is something easy to get rid of after the first of the new year. I have put on fifteen pounds since Hurricane Harvey visited me in August. I usually have no problem maintaining my weight. But, for a multitude of reasons, my concentration and actions have not been the same. I am looking at entering the new year heavier than I have been in quite a while.
What can we do? In reality, not much. But, here are a few options to consider. Always choose a small plate size and don’t go back for seconds. Drink water in-between every adult beverage. Plan to leave every party an hour earlier than you normally do. Take extra vitamins and minerals to combat the imbalance in nutrients from party foods. Take extra omega-3 fatty acid to combat the higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the processed foods normally provided at parties.
Find a YouTube video that can assist you with stress relief and/or management. I like Brad Yates and his EFT videos. Take the stairs at work more often, especially if it involves just a few floors. Park further away when shopping to add the extra minute or two of walking.
There are lots of things that can be done. But, you must plan in advance to make them happen. Don’t be in a hurry to die. What’s the worst-case scenario? You don’t die early, but someone is changing your diaper for a few years at the end of your life.
It can be very difficult not to fall into unhealthy eating habits during the holidays. Sticking to the low-risk drinking guidelines can help, in addition to drinking water in between alcoholic beverages. For me as a Canadian woman, that means if I drank an apératif before a family meal and a glass of wine with supper, the rest of my drinks for the night should be non-alcoholic.
Another great piece of nutritional advice that I saw was to eat healthy foods at home before going to a party, rather than skipping a meal in order to “save calories” for the party food. It’s better to eat a healthy meal at home and then to just sample a little of the party food. This way we aren’t overloading on fat and refined sugars in all the processed foods, dips, and so on.