Three Healthy Habits of Centenarians

Have you ever dreamed of hitting one hundred years of age? Of sitting back in a rocking chair, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids gathered around you? To gaze fondly at their faces and known you lived a long and healthy life, that you did everything right, that you have reaped the ultimate reward and sucked every precious moment right out of the time you were given? If so, then you need to start living healthy today. There are a few basic habits that ever centenarian has observed, and if you follow in their footsteps, barring genetically inherited problems, there is no reason you too can't live as long and fulfilling a life. However, it will require a lifetime of commitment, a lifetime of good habits, and that's what will separate the healthy from the others in the long run. So here's three basic habits that all centenarians have followed, and that you could greatly benefit from following too.

The first is to eat a fiber-rich cereal every morning for breakfast. This may sound simple, but the benefits are astounding. Doing so will help you maintain stable blood-sugar levels throughout the whole day, and also ensure that your metabolism gets ramped up from the get-go. There are definite trickle down benefits from here, as you will therefor not have hunger pangs later in the morning which result in binge eating. Starting your day with breakfast will ensure a steady progression of hunger buildup from meal to meal. It also will help you lower your chances of developing diabetes, which is a known accelerator of aging.

Second comes the absolutely essential of getting at least six hours each night of sleep. Doing so will easily help you live longer, as it allows your body to repair itself and heal all the micro-tearing and wearing out that your body sustains throughout the course of the day. Your body almost literally rejuvenates itself every night, which allows you to stay younger - longer.

Finally, be sure to consume whole foods and not supplements or processed food. Doing so will ensure that you get the widest spectrum of nutrients, including the crucial selenium, beta-carotine, Vitamins C and E. Those who have the widest array of nutrients also experience slower cognitive decline, but there is no evidence that taking these nutrients in pill form conveys the same benefit. So be sure to eat the actual fruits, vegetables and nuts that contain these benefits, and not some synthetic version.

7 Healthy Habits For Vibrant Health

See how many of these habits you already have and how many you might like to try to incorporate into your day. Just remember to be consistent while trying to form new habits. They can take 30 to 90 days to form and take hold. So here we go! Here are your:

Seven Healthy Habits For Vibrant Health

1. Home cooking - This is the best way to know what you are getting in your food! It does not have to be complicated and is an awesome way to feed your family well - both nutritionally and psychologically - your time energy and love went into that meal.

2. Greens - Getting green, leafy foods into your diet is very important. Try to get a serving of uncooked greens each day (iceberg lettuce doesn't count), and vary them. Remember, broccoli, Brussel;s sprouts, celery, cucumber and even cauliflower are all green foods.

3. Get color - colorful fruits and vegetables provide so many different nutrients. Try for 2 to 3 colors a day, and vary those colors. As you get used to them, up the number of colors each day. Go for 5 then see just how many more you can fit in each day.

4. Cut the crap - you know what I am talking about. All those processed garbage foods that contain white flour, white sugar, high fructose corn syrups (the body CAN tell the difference between this and sugar), trans fats and bad fats.

5. Get whole - whole grain (and vary your grains), whole fruits and vegetables, meats that have been fed according to the animals specific needs (grass fed, free range - goes for eggs too). Foods that have not been altered in any way shape or form.

6. Take a break - Nurture yourself. Take care of yourself and what you need to be you. Read, craft, walk, meditate/pray, candle lit bubble baths, church groups, hanging out with friends/family who love and support you.

7. Find a way to fit exercise into your day - Even if it's just 15 minutes a couple of times per day/3 days a week. Start with something you enjoy doing and see where you go from there.

If you are looking to improve your habits, pick one or two, work on them, and when you have them, choose one or two more. Enjoy the process and don't hassle yourself if you blow it. Just start where you left off and carry on.

You CAN do it!

Jennifer M. Clark is the sole proprietor of Nurturing Wellbeing where she works as a whole person (holistic) Health Coach. Certified by a nationally recognized school (I can't seem to be able to list the name here. The name is restricted) as a Health Coach and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners as a Holistic Health Practitioner.