Forget the Dieting Gurus: Go the Traditional Route

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There are thousands of people out there pushing diets and making promises all around the world. If you get on their plan, they tell you, you’ll be able to lose weight, tone up and get rid of those love handles you loathe. The problem with diet gurus is that (at the root), they’re trying to sell a product, be it a book, supplement, or online course. While there’s nothing wrong with this per se, it creates a conflict of interest. Does the guru want to make you healthy, or do they want the money? In reality, it’s probably a bit of both. 

Fad diets, however, are often unsustainable, and sometimes they can lead you to eat foods that are dangerous to your health, all in the name of weight loss. Many, for instance, advocate high fat and high meat consumption - two food categories associated with shorter lives and more disease. 

The key to the puzzle is to look at what thriving populations ate in the past and what worked for them. The inhabitants of Sardinia in the Mediterranean, for instance, had long lives and lived practically disease-free. They ate a diet of beans, whole grains, and vegetables, with the occasional peppering of nuts and seeds. Meat, fish, cheese, oil, and sweets were rare treats - not a part of the everyday diet. 

The following infographic details some of the most popular fad diets and talks about the dangers of going on one of these programs. It then describes the kinds of foods we should adopt if we want to live well for a long time. 


Infographic by USC

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3 Ways To Improve Your Health

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Chances are, you are always on the lookout for ways to improve your health. Most people are, and the truth is that it can be notoriously hard to actually make sure you are making the right kinds of changes frequently if you are to try and live more healthily. However there are always simple changes you can make if you want to improve your health, and those are some of the things we are going to look at in this post. As long as you are making the kinds of changes we mention here, you will find that your health is vastly improving, and that you are able to make much more of your body and mind as a result. These are places to start, and you might find that they make all the difference in the world.

RELAX

One of the most essential parts of looking after your health is ensuring that you allow yourself plenty of chance to relax. Being able to fully relax is something that many people fail to do in their daily lives, and yet it is essential if you want to make sure that you are taking care of your health as best as you can. The art of relaxation is mostly all about ensuring that you can find the time to do so, so that you can sit, breathe, and just be. You should also consider using products from the likes of The Kratom Connection so that you can truly allow the body to relax as well. And let’s not forget what wonders a monthly massage can do!

EAT LESS

Chances are, you are sometimes prone to eating a little too much. The truth is that most people in our culture eat too much, and even if you think you eat a normal amount, you are probably technically overeating. The human body does not need all that much sustenance in order to survive, thrive and be well, so it’s a good idea to make sure that you are focusing on trying to reduce how much you eat in general. Of course, you shouldn't go too far with it, and if you have a history of eating disorders then be especially careful. But generally eating less will make the body less prone to diseases and illnesses. That means you can function much more easily on a daily basis as well.

VARY YOUR EXERCISE

We all know that exercise is important, but what is also important is making sure that you actually vary the kinds of exercise you get involved in. If you only ever jog, for instance, then you are not giving your body the fullest chance to be able to be fully healthy. If you are jogging, but also performing yoga and strength exercises, then you are improving your body in a number of ways, and you are bound to be much more in shape as a result. Remember that, and be sure to vary your exercise as much as you can so that you can really push your body to its limits.

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Health Conditions Millennials Need To Look Out For

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The Costs of Screen Time

Millennial’s are the first generation to grow up with technology by their side almost from birth. They’re switched on to the digital world in a way that older people can’t understand. While there are benefits to this - studies have shown that millennial’s are better at critical thinking and multitasking - there are some downsides; chiefly, the effect that screen time has on the eyes and wrists. You need to take breaks every 20 minutes or so to keep your eyes in tip-top condition and learn how to type properly to avoid the problems of repetitive strain injury. If you’re using a laptop, get a Bluetooth keyboard and raise your computer up so you have the correct posture.

In the Ears

Older generations would gather around a record player or wireless radio and listen to music every once in a while. Millennial’s are plugged in all the time, and they’re playing music way too loud. As a result, there has been a sharp rise in hearing-related problems among young adults, specifically tinnitus, which produces a constant ringing in the ears. While prevention - in the form of turning your music down - is the best option, there are effective tinnitus relief options for people who are already suffering. It can be enjoyable to crank your favorite track to the highest volume, but don’t forget that your poor ears might not appreciate it in the long-term!

Overall Fitness

As millennial’s grow up during an age when outdoor play gave way to playing on consoles indoors, many haven’t developed the core physical fitness needed to stay healthy. As such, a significant portion - somewhere in the region of 40% - of millennial’s are overweight, and around 70% will be by the time they’re 35. It’s much easier to get into shape while you’re young, so make the most of that gym membership before it’s too late.

Alcohol-Related Issues

There’s no getting around the fact that alcohol is an issue for all generations, and actually, young people are generally drinking more than older generations, and when they do, they’re going big. There can be serious consequences for those people who are downing shot after shot; the body is not meant to take in that much alcohol in such a short period.

Mental Health Concerns

It’s possible that the world has always had mental health concerns, and that we’re just talking about it more now, but studies do suggest that issues such as social media, a tough job market, and an increasing emphasis on one’s looks might be responsible for more mental health troubles. If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or anything else, then reach out: there are many avenues of support and since it’s more of an accepted issue, you don’t need to worry (as much) about a negative stigma.

Millennial’s and Sugar

Millennial’s are pretty good at eating healthily: we’re the ones who brought kale and quinoa to the public’s attention, after all. But some damage may already have been done. They grew up when a time when sugar was king, when cereals and other daily mainstays had far too much sugar in them. They were delicious, sure, but they may have produced unprecedented problems with our teeth. Keep an eye on yours to ensure they’re always pearly white and strong; you’ll need them for a long time.

If you’re going to be a big player in the 21st century, then it seems like you’re going to have to contend with some of the issues above! The good news is that if you’re aware of them, then you can at least control your actions to reduce the chances of them happening.

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