Shock Value: Entry 56 "The Body Is Your Temple"

Oh' Happy Day To You All-

In case you haven't noticed, most of my topics derive from conversations with people, stuff on television, or my own personal opinion. Today is no different. I most recently watched an infomercial on t.v., one of the commentators said, "the body is your temple, if you take care of it, it will take care of you."

Many people in this country suffer from health factors like hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Each of these have to be managed or they will take your life. Mostly, to manage these, one has to manage their diet. We all need to watch what we eat though, not just people who have health issues. Gone are the days where even slim people can each whatever they want, when they want. There are repercussions for anyone who doesn't watch what they eat. You may not see it in your outer frame, but your insides are paying the price. Just make sure you are watching what you put into your body. The average caloric intake to maintain a healthy lifestyle is 2500 per day. You will be surprised how far over the 2500 most of us go---and I do mean way over. Just be more mindful of your eating habits, or they will eat away at you.

Not only is managing your diet important but exercise is too. So try to walk a little bit more when you can. Take the stairs and avoid the elevator. There are even some exercises that you can do if you sit at your desk all day long. Just by simply contracting and releasing your your tummy while sitting you can work your abdominal muscles. Exercise is important and I realize that everyone may not be able to go to the gym, perform the p90X, or run a marathon, but there is something for everyone. You just have to find something that works for you. If you love sports; pick up games of basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball and/or flag football is a good way to burn those calories too.

I am no health expert, but I believe through education, we all can save lives. Parents start watching what you prepare for dinner. Children start thinking about what you should or shouldn't be eating. Everyone be a little more mindful of both your diet and exercise. Remember: "YOUR BODY IS YOUR TEMPLE, IF YOU TAKE CARE OF IT, IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!

~Livestrong