Longevity and health can get confusing. Should we walk? Eat more protein? Do yoga? Drink wine? There are thousands of pieces of advice. Luckily, research has shown that you only need to do 4 common sense things to live 14 years longer than people who don't employ these healthy behaviors. The even better news is that these four things will not only help you live longer, but make you feel more energetic, get better sleep, and be in a better mood.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
- Don't Smoke
Refraining from lighting up is by far the number one habit to adopt when it comes to longevity. If you avoid or quit smoking, you'll get 80% of the benefit of those 14 years. Get started today and quit for good (and avoid that second-hand smoke, too). - Eat 5 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables
Be sure that you are getting five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Start by adding two servings a week until you get there. A glass of vegetable juice and an apple for a snack are a good beginning. You could also double your veggie portion at dinner. Fill up on fruits and vegetables and you may even find yourself eating less junk and losing weight. - Drink Alcohol, Just in Moderation
Drinking between 7 and 14 servings of alcohol a week was one of the behaviors studied. This amounts to a glass of wine or one drink a day. Research shows that red wine may carry the most longevity impact. Make a habit of having a glass to unwind or with dinner. Just be certain not to overindulge -- more than 14 drinks a week can negatively impact your longevity. - Exercise
Avoiding being inactive is important for living longer and feeling good right now. Be sure that you make your days as active as possible. Stand up at work, go for walks during lunch, and be sure to work up a sweat at least 3 times a week.
What You Need:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Red wine
- A good program to quit smoking
- Walking shoes
