Busy Woman’s Guide to Living 14 Years Longer
A recent study proved what we all know: people with healthy habits live longer.
According to a Cambridge University Study, people who adopt four healthy habits live 14 years longer than those who don’t. Those who don’t smoke, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, exercise regularly, and enjoy alcohol in moderation, avoid heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and extend their lives. Yet, most of us have a hard time fitting healthy habits into our busy lives.
Here are some tips to get you on the path to a longer life:
Do it by the handful.
Think of a serving of fruits or vegetables as a handful. Some large apples and oranges count as two or even three servings. A large salad could count as three or four servings. According to registered dietitian Jill Fleming, “A salad and a smoothie per day is all you really need.”
Think outside the gym.
Regular exercise doesn’t require hours at the fitness center. You simply need to be active for the equivalent of 30 minutes each day. Here are some ideas:
* Use your steps: Taking 10,000 steps per day is the equivalent of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. A pedometer is a great tool to keep track; however, don’t limit your steps to walking. Wiggling your hips while standing in line at the grocery store, pacing while on the phone, or dancing in the kitchen while making dinner are great ways to increase your steps.
* Use your chores: Simple household chores such as vacuuming, sweeping, and washing dishes are exercise. An hour of house-cleaning is equivalent to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise.
* Use chunks: Breaking your activity into 10 or 15 minute chunks may be more convenient on busy days and is a great tool to use while traveling as well. If you can walk 15 minutes to your gate and 15 minutes to baggage claim when you reach your destination, you’ve done well for yourself that day.
Enjoy a glass of wine.
Science is still exploring the benefits of alcohol, especially red wine. Relaxing with a glass of wine can reduce your stress level, however a recent study indicates it may help your body reduce the impact of fatty foods as well.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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