Are You Really Sure You Want to Live Longer?
Medical research in both animals and humans indicates strongly that it is really possible in most cases. That is the good news. The bad news is that it seems to be like everything else that is valuable and worthwhile to us. There is a price to pay.
Now we can get serious and get down to the nitty gritty and a healthy decision making process. More good news is that if we get a handle on this process we can use it in so many areas of our life. Whether to do this or that, whether to continue with the frustrations we have with the laborious process involved in making our time with WA productive, whether we want to pursue financial health, whether we want to pay the price to achieve optimum health or back to our question of whether we really want to live longer.
So let's cut to the chase and answer the question of how we can likely live longer? The answer seems to be again very simple, just not very easy or much fun.
Go hungry all of your life. When you eat, don't eat enough to be satisfied. Leave the table hungry. In both experimental animals and humans the only research that I am aware of that is conclusive is that caloric restriction does, in fact, prolong the life span! You can just post your thank you messages or PM me with your gratitude for that info.
Some much better news is this.
If we learn what foods are actually beneficial to our bodies we can eat all we wish of them as often as we wish, will never be hungry and, in most cases, will have much better health. The great benefit of this is that, whatever the number of years we have, they can be more enjoyable, more productive and with much greater overall quality. The minimal price here is only in not filling up with calorie dense, nutrition starved foods. Even though they will supply some temporary and short lived energy they do not have the components our body needs to fulfill the millions of jobs we ask it to do on a 24/7/365 basis. Yes, they can have some great taste and most of us learned to be excited about them as treats, comfort foods, convenience foods and the most readily available foods we have. Every fast food restaurant, the center part of nearly every grocery store and most T.V. commercials display them prominently and often.
So back to our decision making process that will help us in all areas.
- What do we want or stand to gain?
- What is the price we must pay?
Is it worth it?
No one can or should try to make that decision for us.
My best to each of you. May you each have balance in your life.
Harold
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Recent Comments
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Well Harold, there are two sides at every story, I have taken care of a sweet lady of 98 years old, who was very lonely, her children died in their 60th and 70th, her friends all died, she had to say goodbey to some of her grandchildren, so what's the gain of getting old, when everybody around you is falling away, Loes
Loes, your question is a difficult one because I suspect the answer would be different for each person. At 86, I have lost many people that I loved along with several pets, a younger brother, his wife, many very close friends and probably 2/3 of my classmates. There is no denying that there is sadness that comes with losses. On the other hand we will always have the memories we had with each of those. I have lived alone with my dog for 16 yrs. and have given up other loves like mountain hiking, mountain biking, running, tennis, golf, sex and some other loves and have missed each. As you give up more and more I think you a appreciate so much more what you can still treasure and enjoy. Each day is rich in whatever ways I make it so. The pleasure of learning, of teaching, of helping make someone's life a little more pleasant, of learning a new skill, meeting a new interesting person and low and behold the richness of the people we develop a relationship with in our WA family. So much more rewarding than any money I may make from the venture. One huge help for me, Loes is this. Before I get out of bed each a.m. I do the difficult task of deciding the 3 things I am most thankful for today and 2 things that I hope to accomplish today. The next 99 people would have different answers. Best wishes to you Loes, you are a thoughtful and caring person.
Harold.
Well I am up for the challenge Harold! I have been eating healthier for 10-15 years now but still endulge in my favorite treats way too much. I know I don't need as much food as I get older and can even feel it weighing me down. I have lost 20 lbs this year by believing I could and putting a new number in my head... imaging myself slimmer. It works because I was more aware of my food choices and increased my walks on the beach. But time to step it up and if its not the fuel my body needs, I will skip it! I want to lose another 20 lbs. And feel healthier and more alive! Thanks for the motivation!
Darla, you have had a lot of challenges to deal with this year and for you to have lost 20# during that time is amazing! Congratulations to you. I suspect that if you will focus on eating more it will help with the 20 you plan to take off this year. Making your self eat more of the nutrient dense foods is so filling and satisfying. Thanks for you note. I am excited for you.
Harold
I received a recommendation for a book called "The mood cure" last week from a member.Have not ordered it yet but I will,you see I am a poor eater and also suffer with bad depression,mental illness and under active thyroid.Starting to put on serious weight and I never was one to carry a big frame.Any tips to overcome these problems would be great.
That one book will have many answers for you. Go ahead and get it as you have planned to do. Don't procrastinate. God Bless! ~Cathy
Mark, when we are dealing with a lot of emotional turmoil, uncertainty and not being satisfied with our self we are strongly driven towards "comfort foods". They tend to have a lot of calories and little nutrition and to put weight on us. I would follow Cathy's suggestion and work towards being the person you wish to be and other things will begin to fall into place. You have a good understanding of some things most others do not so try to focus on figuring out ways to reach out and to help others as much as possible. Best wishes to you.
Harold
I really like this blog Harold, It has a direct subtlety! I am sure it will help people to consider their choices and the ramifications of those choices. I know I have had to learn more to maintain and restore my health. What is unfortunate is that most people don't understand that you can eat well and still enjoy what you are eating! God's Blessings, Christa
You are so right Christa. It is a hard message to sell and get across. Thanks for your note.
Harold
Excellent question, Harold. I think most people would simply answer yes without thinking it through.
Carla, wouldn't it have been nice to have the wisdom you have now 40 yrs. ago? I enjoy following you and your helpful comments.
Harold
Thanks, Harold. 20/20 hindsight is always admirable. Too bad it's totally unattinable, eh? LOL
Great blog Harold...very important points to consider by all means. Thank you for sharing this. Kim:))
Thanks Kim. I have really enjoyed watching your tremendous progress and your boundless energy level!
Harold
Thank you Harold..Really enjoying the whole experience. Its a great place to be right now, and I appreciate all the support and help I have received in such a short time. :))
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Great message. I did get myself healthier and it feels wonderful. I can live healthier and enjoy my grandchildren so much more. What a difference it makes when you think about what you put in your mouth. Thanks for a wonderful message.
It's like magic, isn't it? Thanks for your note.
Harold