[Vegas69]

Why have Americans become so unhealthy in our push button society? Diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have become an epidemic in our country over the last 50 years.

Food Consumption
Do yourself a favor, pull something out of your pantry, fridge, or off the shelf at the super market. Look at all the ingredients you can't pronounce that are listed for a mile. Those are engineered fillers and preservatives. They extend the life of the product and increase the manufacturers bottom line. Do you think they are healthy? How good do you think the quality is at McDonalds with their 2 for 2.50?

Americans have become dependent on quick and easy and the food manufacturers oblige.

We are meant to eat whole foods as much as possible. Your grandparents had a garden and fresh meat. It's really a simple philosophy. If you can't pronounce it and you don't know what it is, eat as little of it as possible. Fresh whole foods are disease fighters. All these engineered ingredients, they increase your toxic load.

I believe in a balanced diet. I don't believe in being a Vegan or the Atkins diet. That's to far out of balance. My personal philosophy after trial and error for years is a 75/25 diet. That means 75% of my calories come from plants, 25% come for animals. The whole food plants are disease fighters with there antioxidants and lean meats supply our bodies with necessary fats, amino acids, and proteins.

I also believe in a high quality multi vitamin to fill in the gaps. Many don't, but I think it makes a difference.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Who has time to exercise? You better find it! We are meant to move, not sit around in an office chair all day. Exercise in moderation keeps us healthy by reducing weight, increasing vitality, and reducing stress. Our bones and muscles are meant to be challenged on a regular basis to keep us young and vibrant.

3-4 days of 30 minutes will do. I like to work out early in the morning so it's a priority and work or life doesn't get in the way. Schedule it like you would a meeting at the office. Otherwise it won't happen!

Stress
Americans are working more hours than ever with less vacation time. All to pay for bigger houses, fancier cars, and huge mounds of student loan debt. They keep digging a deeper and deeper hole. The diet goes first, then the exercise, then the marriage, and last but certainly not least, the health. Stress in excess is a killer.

Stress can be reduced in many ways. Exercise, Alcohol in moderation, Sex, Journaling, Talking things out, and the list goes on. Shutting out your work is a big one. We need to detach from our email and cell phones. I shut mine off almost every day when I get home. It can wait...

Influence
You can't pump a gallon of gas these days without fox news playing at the pump. It's everywhere... Americans are being duped into thinking the country isn't great anymore and opportunities aren't what they once were. These news organizations are feasting on us and making a HUGE profit. It's eroding the attitudes of our people.

The truth, there has never been a better time to take advantage of the freedom we are blessed to have. You must learn to control your influences and engender a positive attitude and outlier perspective. That or you can follow the herd?

There is plenty of positive influence out there. You must seek it.

Healthy Habit #2
Yesterday I said to start by reading a positive book first thing and last thing. 10-15 minutes each time.

Today, let's talk about a breakfast that is guaranteed to make you feel great! I've been drinking this smoothie for years and it always takes me up a notch or two. I drink it every other day.

12 oz of Unsweetened Almond Milk
Scoop of Vegan protein powder
Scoop of Green Vibrance (Full of superfoods and probiotics)
Scoop of Oatmeal
Half scoop of Flax Seeds
Cup of Blueberries (Organic)
Handful of Carrots (Organic)
Handful of Spinach (Organic)
10 oz of Coconut Water

The bottom line, we must take care of our bodies by eating healthy foods, moving, reducing stress, and managing our influences.