Weight Loss, Health and Long Life: Is it Food, Genes or Unknown?

There is so much information on the internet about health, weight loss and longevity it boggles my mind. My site is actually a journey into my own health in hopes it will help you as a public service. What is the real truth? Who is the authority? Who or what hearsay should you believe?

Health information is such a competitive arena I don’t know who can stay in business at it except for all the familiar big companies. It seems I am always learning I am doing something wrong in my eating as far as better health goes.

It just depends upon the source of information you are examining at the moment. It’s really hard to know who to believe. Although, I did lose weight, I desire to learn how to feel better and better and live longer and longer.

‘I want to be certain without a doubt that what I am doing is right. But, it seems there is always new information about health that will leave you wondering’ ~ your author

You know how doctors say genetics plays an important role in health? I believe it does in how we as a species have been eating through the eons. If you believe we evolved from apes, you will also believe the evidence we are almost exactly genetically alike. Pretty much, they are our brothers (and, sisters.)

As you look around the world to the different cultures and how they eat, you will see those people who are healthy, trim and live the longest. Why would this be, when in America many of us don’t live as long, except for the seventh day Adventists some of which reside in Loma Linda tending to live longer than most of us in the US. They are vegetarians, although not all strict.

Yet, I don’t know if rigid standards are what everyone will abide by. Like wearing a tie at a special event, we don’t want it so tight we choke ourselves to death. Who sticks with something that’s too tough to live with? I think very few of us would. Maybe, one percent of society.

Mimicry can be a compliment. And, it can also save your life. Do as someone else does and you should receive similar results. For example, in science, they make models of things. So, back to the apes and healthy cultures… that if you would eat like them, you should stay as healthy as can be.

‘As you age, you may notice changes in your body’s makeup. You may lose muscle mass, which may increase frailty. You may also burn fewer calories, especially if you are not very physically active. To prevent weight gain, you may need to eat fewer calories than you did when you were younger. This means you have fewer calories to help you get the nutrients your body needs for energy. So, you need to eat foods that are high in nutrients or are “nutrient dense” [1 niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/health-tips-older-adults]’.

There have been mass studies on health, weight loss and longevity. Despite these studies, where has this knowledge been implemented benefiting millions of people helping them lose weight, attain better health and live longer? Hopefully, there will be a change coming to our healthcare system.

Our USDA has adopted standards, but you may or may not agree with which foods in amounts they recommend you eat. Yet, they do provide guidelines which I believe are better than none. For example, they help you find your BMI, which is beneficial. You have to know where you currently are as a starting point.

Once we discover what’s really true about which food we were designed to eat, are we willing to make changes in our lifestyle? It may take more willpower than we are willing to expend, because there are not many people eating strictly fruits and vegetables. Yet, is there another factor that will make us healthier besides simply eating healthier food?

What defines healthier food? You will hear varying opinions, especially without facts and research to back it up. Yet, I noticed people who are healthiest, trimmest and live longest possess certain personality traits, ways of thinking and social habits. They also eat plant based whole food.

For example, centenarians to my surprise don’t always eat healthy things. Some drink coffee, smoke cigars, (but don’t inhale them or smoke cigarettes) eat chocolate, eggs, drink alcohol and other things I wouldn’t necessarily do.

As a whole, they appear to be friendly, have their own philosophy of life, are physically and mentally active, have family and friends, go places, are involved in social things and are generally happy people who think the best of their life situation and circumstances.

I observed those who are one hundred and beyond are positive thinkers. They are also trim and never obese and always physically and mentally active. Therefore, if we desire living that long in relatively good health, I believe the odds would be in our favor we pattern our thoughts and behavior after them.


1 URL niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/health-tips-older-adults

Website Title National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Article Title Health Tips for Older Adults

Date Published August 01, 2012

Date Accessed November 16, 2018

Note– consult your doctor before you change your diet.


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