In today’s busy world, people are always looking for the most efficient way to do all the things they need to do, including taking care of themselves and their families.  We encourage clients to be mindful of their habits outside of F.I.T., whether working toward a specific goal or simply trying to live as healthy as possible.  In the book, The Blue Zones, Dan Buettner compiled data from communities around the world with disproportionate numbers of centurions.  His objective was to discover any commonalities.  Below is a list of common practices that resulted from Buettner’s data, and serves as a quick reference guide to optimal health that F.I.T. endorses.
• Move – Participate in regular, low-intensity physical activity daily.
• Cut calories – Stop eating when your stomach is 80 percent full.
• Make good food choices – Eat more vegetables, fewer processed foods.
• Grapes of life – Enjoy a glass or two of wine, beer or spirits per day consistently and in moderation.
• Purpose – Why do you wake up in the morning?
• Downshift – Take time to relieve stress and appreciate life.
• Belong – Create a healthful social network.
• Believe – Forge a spiritual or religious connection.
• Loved ones first – Make family a priority.
Throughout our lives, there are choices to make.  How we choose to age is just one of the many.  It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of yourself.  You will reap the benefits now and in the future by prioritizing the care of your body, mind and spirit in whichever positive ways come naturally to you.