Healthier Living with Greg Enslen, 04/03/13: Helping people make small changes that can add up to a healthier lifestyle.
Late in 2011, I picked up a copy of a book that would eventually change my life. I know that sounds cliched, but it turned out to be true. The book, “Transcend,” was written by Ray Kurzweil and Dr. Terry Grossman, two of my favorite writers, and explores a “road-map” to healthier living. The subtitle of the book might give it away, or at least make you curious: “Nine Steps to Living Well Forever.” Ah, that got your attention, didn’t it? This book put all of the different facets of health improvement into a set of simple steps:
- Talk with your doctor
- Relaxation
- Assessment
- Nutrition
- Supplements
- Calorie reduction
- Exercise
- New technologies
- Detoxification
These components are based on all the latest research, including up-to-the-minute scientific trials and discussions of the latest tests and technologies up through 2009, the date of publication.
Step #4: Food as Fuel
I covered steps 1 and 2 in earlier columns, so this week I’m talking about #4, Nutrition. Boring, right? Not necessarily — nutrition is fuel for your body.
Think about it like a car, but instead of being able to choose between only two types of gasoline at the gas station, you pull up to the pump and there 1,000 different choices. What will you pick? What should you put into your car to make it run well and last a long time without getting run down and needing expensive repairs?
At the Gas Station
Now, imagine that news was constantly coming at you from every direction, telling you WHICH fuels were better for your car. And the information was constantly changing. You would hear advice on which fuels to buy from the news media, family, “experts” in the field, friends, and your mechanic.
Who should you listen to? The mechanic who is an “expert” on cars and car engines but hasn’t been to school for car maintenance and repair in twenty years? Your friend, who recently managed to get her car back into working order by trying out a strange combination of fuels the Far East?
Different for Everyone
Figuring out what “Nutrition” means for you can feel just as confusing, with information flying around. Choosing what works for you can be a daunting task, one that makes people simply throw up their hands and get a bucket of chicken. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it tastes good.
Last year, I did a lot of research and a lot of reading about what kind of “fuel” I should be leaning towards. And I’m happy to say that I feel better, weigh less, and have more energy. So what did I do, and what might work for you? Ah, that’s all the room I have this week, but I’ll get into more specifics for improved nutrition next week.
About the Column
This column is not about “healthy” living but “healthier” living, which is more attainable. Send feedback or questions to healthier@gregenslen.com or use the “Contact” page on Greg’s website. Greg is a Dayton-based writer interested in improving his overall health. But he’s not a doctor, so for real medical advice and direction, consult a physician.
