Stay Connected

Memorial Day weekend is considered the official start of summer vacation. Over 35 million would have traveled this weekend. People will be gathering with family and friends.  We can still be mindful of the lessons learned from Dan Buettner’s  book, Blue Zones, Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Before moving further, I thought this would be a great time to review the past four lessons.

1. Move Naturally – Be active without having to think about it – Always carry walking shoes/sneakers when traveling. Just because you are away does not mean you cannot exercise. I recently went to Miami and I made sure each morning, I walked at least 3 miles on the boardwalk. Take every opportunity to walk or do something that gets you moving. Engage in outdoor activities with children – they are usually full of energy and will guarantee that you move.
2. Hara Hachi Bu – painlessly  calories by 20% – They will be plenty of opportunities to eat when you are away  from your home. I would still remember to say ‘hara hachi bu’ to remind yourself to be mindful of how much you are eating. Use a smaller plate. Try not to get seconds. Eat slowly. Sit far away from the buffet table.
3. Plant Slant – Avoid meat or processed foods – Every food I eat, it needs to be real food. I have got to imagine the origins of the food. If I ate a chicken wing, I can imagine the chicken running around with their wings. When I eat greens, I can imagine the plant from the soil. I could not eat a hot dog because I do not know any animal with a part called a hot dog. Food needs to look like food, real food.
4. Grapes of Life – Drink red wine (in moderation) – Alcohol has calories, we often refer as empty calories.  My go to drink is water. WATER. WATER. WATER. If you have to drink alcohol, then it should be one glass per day. Unfortunately, you cannot save your glasses for the weekend and try to drink 7 glasses in one day.

As we enter the summer months, please know that the blue zone journey does not have to stop for vacations. It can truly be part of your life. I am looking forward to the next five lessons.

FYI – President Joseph Biden has proclaimed Memorial Day, May 31, 2021 as a day of prayer for permanent peace and has designated 11:00 AM local time when people might unite in prayer and reflection. National Moment of Remembrance will take place at 3:00 PM local time.  Please pause and honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our freedom.