Diet is just part of the picture. Other lifestyle factors, including how physically active you are, how much stress you're under and how you handle it, and how much you drink or smoke also determine your overall health.

The highest priorities depend on your situation. You need to take an honest look at your lifestyle and then to be blunt... focus on what's killing you fastest.
If you smoke 3 packs of cigarettes a day or drink yourself into a stupor every weekend, then picking the best breakfast cereal shouldn't be your highest health priority. Don't worry, I'm not going to give you a lecture about smoking or drinking... I'll leave that to your wife, girlfriend or mother!

However, you should know that smoking is still the most preventable cause of death in the U.S. and alcohol-related automobile accidents are a leading cause of death for men under the age of 45. If you want more information visit the American Cancer Society (smoking) or the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse.

Now that we've gotten that over with. Let's look at physical activity. The current recommendations are to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-level physical activity most days Even though things like raking the yard and playing with kids count, most people still don't come close to this level of activity.

Note that the 30 minutes doesn't have to be all at once to count. Ten minutes walking, 15 minutes raking leaves, and 5 minutes climbing stairs adds up.

Physical activity is a key component of maintaining a healthy weight. One of my neighbors lost 50 lbs in 6 months primarily by doing a slow, 30 minute jog around the neighborhood every evening. Here's some tips to becoming more active:

  • Start slow and gradually increase to reduce the risk of injury and burn-out
  • Choose activities you enjoy and that fit your personality. Are you a social butterfly (team sports) or a loner (individual sports)? Do you like to be indoors (gym) or outdoors (walk). Do you like to get hot and sweaty (treadmill) or keep it cool (swim).
  • Make it part of your regular routine. Is it easier for you to exercise in the morning, at lunch, or evening? I've lost 5 lbs since I got a dog, because she HAS to be walked twice a day (before and after work).
  • Encourage family, friends, and kids to join-in.

Here's some additional sources to help you get active:

Exercise (American Diabetes Association)
Fitness Habits for Families (American Cancer Society)
Fitting in Fitness (American Cancer Society)
Keeping Active (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
Men Stay Fit as You Age (Aetna Intelihealth)
Preventing Obesity and Chronic Diseases Through Good Nutrition and Physical Activity (Center for Disease Control)
SmallStep.Gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Starting a Fitness Program (Aetna Intelihealth)
Walking: A Step in the Right Direction
The Bottom Line

Your total lifestyle determines your overall health. Take an honest look at your lifestyle and focus on what's killing you fastest

Hint: If you smoke, that's the place to start.
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Men's Diet Sense provides general nutrition information and education. Specific medical advice should be obtained from a licensed health care practitioner. Consult your physician before you begin a diet or exercise program.
Copyright 2005 Men's Diet Sense - All Rights Reserved