Things People Did in the "Olden Days" That Kept Them Healthy

Over the years, North Americans have gotten bigger and less healthy. The numbers of obese people continue to rise. Some are calling it an epidemic. As a result, "quick fixes" are becoming even more popular. People are looking for an easy way out through powders and pills and even lotions. Of course, these things don't actually fix anything. They are simple temporary solutions.

Many women don't start getting serious about a healthier lifestyle until they reach mid-life. One of the reasons for this is because all the bad decisions we make in our twenties and thirties start to catch up with us. Peri-menopause makes it harder to lose weight and changes in our body chemistry make us more likely to gain weight.

If you want to lose weight and have a healthier life, you really only need to go back to some basic concepts that people used to follow naturally. There was a time when people worked hard throughout the day. There was a time when people drank milk or water instead of the many liters of pop that Americans are consuming today. There was a time when living a healthy life waseasyd to figure out, and we need to go back to that lifestyle. There are several things you can do for a healthier life that can benefit you immediately and over time.

These are some things that people did in the "olden days" that kept them healthy:

#1 They Ate Regular Meals

Back in the day, people ate breakfast, lunch and dinner (supper). They didn't run around all day starving themselves and then go out for dinner and eat meals that should feed three people. They ate at home more often than not, and they cooked their meals themselves. They also ate more whole food - things that come from the ground instead of from a box.

Start eating at home the majority of the time. Try not to eat out unless it is a special occasion. Get into the habit of eating three meals a day (or at least two and a small snack). Yes, I am saying you should eat more!

Many fat people are not fat because they eat all day long. They are often fat because they don't eat all day and then binge at night. They are so hungry that they will eat whatever is handy and often what is handy is fast food or processed food. And what happens then? The body thinks it is starving, so it hangs on to every calorie possible and many of those calories are stored as fat.

#2 They Drank Water or Milk

Be careful not to drink 10 glasses of milk a day, but do consume 2 glasses a day. Milk has been studied a lot in the past few years, and those studies are showing that people who drink milk regularly tend to lose weight easier. Plus, the calcium is necessary for healthier bones, which is especially a concern for women in mid-life. Keep in mind that lower fat versions of dairy products have fewer calories and have more calcium, too.

Once you've drunk your 2 glasses of milk, drink water. Most people don't drink nearly enough water and their bodies are often dehydrated, which leaves you feeling tired and you don't want to move as much. We've gotten so used to sweet drinks like pop and juice, that water tastes bland to many people. But just keep drinking it. You will get used to the taste and you might actually crave it when you are thirsty, instead of looking for something else.

#3 They Were Active

It has only been in the last twenty to thirty years that people have become so inactive. Hmmm - right around the time when people started getting televisions in their homes. Turn off the TV and go for a walk after dinner instead. Shut down the computer and go play a game of soccer with your kids. Walk down a local street and people watch. Take the dog for a walk. Learn a new sport.

There are many things to do that do not involve sitting, so get out there and explore them! If you are not an overly social person or do not have the funds to join a gym, there are many ways that you can get a great at home workout.

#4 Why???

The fourth tip has nothing to do with the past - it is something that each of us must do individually. We need to ask ourselves why being healthy is important to us because if it is not important we will not attempt to change our lives, no matter how small they are.

Perhaps you have watched someone else die for health reasons that they could have controlled. Or maybe you are just sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Or see your kids grow up or your grandkids.

Whatever your reason is, make sure that you remember it. Carry a picture around with you that reminds you of your reason or put a meaningful quote over your desk. Keep that reason in your mind all the time because if you don't it will be easy to fall back into bad habits.