My Goals for Leading a Healthy Life

The older I get the more I realize how important it is to try and stay healthy. I have always been somewhat aware of foods that are not good for you and I have always known that exercise can improve one’s health. This realization really hit home after I had two brothers to have heart attacks. I knew at that time that I needed to make some changes as far as my health was concerned that would help me not only feel better but improve my quality of life in the future. I also knew if I wanted to keep fishing two and three days a week I needed to stay fit to the point where I could last the better part of a day on a stream wading or sitting in a boat casting most of the day. So I decided four years ago to accomplish a number of goals each day.

The first thing I did was to set up an exercise routine. This is something I do three times a week, usually 1 ½ hour, of cardio and light weights at our local gym. This not only helps me stay fit but it also gives me a chance to converse with some of the locals. Most of the time the conversations centers around football or fishing which of course I love to talk about.
I try to eat three healthy meals a day, especially at breakfast. I have read that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Lunch and dinner consist of low cal foods with a heavy portion of veggies. Substitute fruits for sweets and no carbonated drinks. When I say “no” I do break the rule once in a while, but not often. My wife and I stay away from heavy fat foods and eat very little red meat. In other words, this would be a boring buffet for some.
Keep stress levels to a minimum. Try not to let certain things bother you to the point you lay awake at night and dwell on it. Use exercise to relieve stress, and another way to relieve stress for me is to go fishing. I do know when I am on the water nothing else matters but landing that fish.
Stay in touch with your body, in other words, know your blood pressure and cholesterol, have it checked at least every three months if you are on medication. For all of us guys know your PSA reading to combat prostate cancer. I had a brother to die of Colin Cancer, some years ago so I make it a point to have a colonoscopy once every five years. Take a baby aspirin once a day, because this can help prevent a heart attack and stroke.
Make sure you get enough sleep. Some individuals don’t require as much sleep as others, for me 8 hours is plenty to keep me going strong the next day.
As I told you my wife and I break the rules sometimes when we are eating out and on a trip. I know that living healthy is harder to do if your wife and you as a husband are not willing to follow a healthy lifestyle.  My wife has been a big reason I have stuck to this plan because she cooks healthy meals and we both go to the gym together. In other words, we have each other as a support person. I guess I could say I have been blessed with a great lady, who is not only my wife but my best friend. Feel free to add your own suggestions for living healthy.