The Optimism Advantage: 50 Simple Truths to Transform Your Attitudes and Actions into Results

Chapter 6. Your Health Habits Impact Your Attitude

"I tried every diet in the book. I tried some that weren't in the book. I tried eating the book. It tasted better than most of the diets."

—Dolly Parton

As an optimist, you want a body built to last and a quality of life worth living. By taking care of yourself and being responsible for your health habits, you're more likely to live longer, feel better, and reduce your medical costs. There is also evidence that some health habits have a strong impact on your attitude.

Most reputable health organizations have a consistent list of recommendations: get adequate sleep, limit alcohol consumption, and stop smoking. Two critical health habits on that list are worth addressing here—what you eat and getting enough exercise.

Eat Less and Exercise More

As a nation, we eat way too much. You may be able to get away with it when you're younger and naturally active, but as you age, you are likely to become more sedentary and your metabolism declines. Right at the time that you need less food, you tend to eat too much. More and more young people have weight issues—and the health problems that go with it.

"He asked me to bring some loose clothing to the gym. If I had any loose clothing, I wouldn't be coming down there."

—Al Walker

Unfortunately—even with all the fitness and diet programs combined—Americans collectively lost a total of one pound last year. Okay, there is no research to prove that. But when you look at our collective girth and the average ...