Eat Move Sleep

1. Every bite, step, and snooze matters for your health

Choices count. You can make decisions today that will give you more energy tomorrow. The right choices over time greatly improve your odds of a long and healthy life.

Holistic approach to health. Eating, moving, and sleeping are interconnected pillars of health that synergistically impact your well-being. Each decision, no matter how small, contributes to your overall health trajectory. For example:

• A nutritious breakfast provides energy for morning exercise
• Regular physical activity improves sleep quality
• Quality sleep enhances decision-making for better food choices

Cumulative effect of choices. While individual decisions may seem insignificant, they compound over time to shape your health destiny. Consider the following:

• Choosing water over soda saves hundreds of calories per week
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator burns extra calories daily
• Going to bed 30 minutes earlier each night adds up to 3.5 hours more sleep per week

By focusing on making better choices in these three areas consistently, you can dramatically improve your health outcomes and quality of life.

2. Carbs and sugar are silent killers; protein and plants are life-savers

Sugar is a toxin. It fuels diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

Carbohydrate conundrum. Refined carbohydrates and added sugars are pervasive in the modern diet and contribute significantly to chronic diseases. They cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. To combat this:

• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple ones (e.g., whole grains vs. white bread)
• Read nutrition labels carefully, as sugar hides in many processed foods
• Limit or eliminate sugary beverages, including fruit juices

Power of plants and protein. A diet rich in plant-based foods and lean proteins provides essential nutrients, promotes satiety, and supports overall health. Benefits include:

• Increased fiber intake for better digestion and blood sugar control
• Higher nutrient density per calorie consumed
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers

Aim to fill your plate with colorful vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean protein sources like fish or plant-based alternatives. This approach naturally crowds out less healthy options and supports long-term health.

3. Movement is medicine: Stand up, walk around, and exercise daily

Sitting is the most underrated health threat of modern times. This subtle epidemic is eroding our health.

Dangers of sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sitting has been linked to numerous health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. The human body is designed for movement, and lack of activity disrupts normal metabolic processes. To combat this:

• Set a timer to stand up and move every 30 minutes
• Use a standing desk or treadmill desk if possible
• Take walking meetings or phone calls

Benefits of regular movement. Incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine can have profound effects on your health:

• Improved cardiovascular health
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Better mood and reduced stress
• Increased energy levels
• Stronger muscles and bones

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Remember, any movement is better than none, so start small and build up gradually.

4. Quality sleep is non-negotiable for overall well-being

Sleep is a treasure, and it should be valued as one. Yet for many of us, sleep is the first thing we cast aside.

Sleep as a foundation of health. Quality sleep is essential for physical recovery, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall health. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to numerous health issues, including:

• Increased risk of obesity and diabetes
• Impaired immune function
• Higher risk of cardiovascular disease
• Decreased cognitive performance and memory consolidation

Strategies for better sleep. Prioritize sleep by creating a conducive environment and establishing healthy sleep habits:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Create a dark, cool, and quiet sleeping environment
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime
• Develop a relaxing bedtime routine (e.g., reading, gentle stretching)
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially in the evening

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and pay attention to how you feel upon waking. Quality sleep should leave you feeling refreshed and energized for the day ahead.

5. Make healthy choices automatic through environment design

Being aware of your own temptations gives you an opportunity to get ahead. When you are at the store, put the right things in your cart so bad choices don't make the trip home.

Power of defaults. Our environment significantly influences our behavior, often without our conscious awareness. By strategically designing your surroundings, you can make healthy choices the path of least resistance. Consider:

• Keeping fruits and vegetables at eye level in your refrigerator
• Storing tempting snacks out of sight or not purchasing them at all
• Laying out exercise clothes the night before a morning workout

Habit formation. Creating an environment that supports healthy habits helps automate positive behaviors over time. This reduces the need for constant willpower and decision-making. Examples include:

• Meal prepping healthy lunches for the work week
• Setting up a home workout area for easy access
• Using smaller plates to naturally reduce portion sizes

By thoughtfully arranging your physical space and daily routines, you can nudge yourself towards healthier choices without relying solely on motivation or willpower.

6. Social connections influence health behaviors profoundly

Help yourself. Then help the people you love to live like life depends on it. Because it does.

Power of social influence. Our health behaviors are strongly influenced by the people around us. This can work for or against our health goals, depending on our social circle. Consider:

• How dining with others affects food choices and portion sizes
• The motivational impact of exercising with a friend or group
• The contagious nature of both healthy and unhealthy habits

Creating a supportive environment. Actively cultivate relationships and social situations that reinforce your health goals:

• Join a fitness class or sports team for built-in accountability
• Cook healthy meals with friends or family
• Share your health goals with supportive individuals

Additionally, be mindful of how you can positively influence others. By making healthy choices visible and inviting others to join you, you can create a ripple effect of positive change in your social network.

7. Stress management and relaxation are vital for longevity

Stress prevention starts with structuring your days to avoid situations likely to cause stress before they occur.

Impact of chronic stress. Prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, including:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Weakened immune system
• Higher likelihood of anxiety and depression
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Impaired cognitive function

Stress reduction strategies. Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine:

• Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Prioritize sleep and relaxation time
• Set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary
• Cultivate supportive relationships and social connections

Remember that stress management is highly individual. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and make stress reduction a non-negotiable part of your health routine.

8. Small, consistent habits compound into significant health improvements

No single act can prevent cancer or guarantee you will live a long life. Anyone who promises you something that absolute is a fraud. What I will share in this book are some of the most practical ideas to improve your odds of a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Power of incremental change. Lasting health improvements often come from small, consistent actions rather than dramatic overhauls. Focus on making modest, sustainable changes in your daily habits:

• Add an extra serving of vegetables to one meal per day
• Take a 10-minute walk during your lunch break
• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night

Compounding effects. Over time, these small habits can lead to significant health benefits:

• Increased energy and vitality
• Improved mood and mental clarity
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases
• Enhanced overall quality of life

Remember that health is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small victories along the way, and be patient with yourself as you build healthier habits. Consistency is key – focus on progress, not perfection, and trust that your efforts will compound over time to create meaningful improvements in your health and well-being.

Last updated: August 23, 2024