There are lots of things that well known doctors and celebrities will tell you about how to have a rich and fulfilling life but the three most important steps you'll take are not emphasized nearly enough. They are proper sleep, enough exercise, and good nutrition. No matter how good a car, computer, TV, or any appliance you use to help you or to entertain you is, it is absolutely no good if it does not have one thing and that is power. Just like anything that functions your body needs proper power to function. A well planned diet will help you get this power. Nothing works well on low power, too much power, or an improper power source. Think of your body the same way. Now I am not going to get into exactly how this needs to be done as I am not a doctor or a health professional. Eating right does involve healthy eating. Over eating is not healthy. It's okay to have a snack but don't just eat all through the day and night. If possible avoid foods that have a lot of preservatives. Organic foods are expensive but they are good for your health when used correctly. Cooking with cooking oils that are healty can make a difference even if you prepare healthy foods. Prepare foods with a minimum of excess salt, sugar and fat. Refrigerate and store foods properly and buy them with the intention of using them within a specified time especially if they don't have preservatives. Well prepared vegitables, that is to say vegitables that are not overcooked and lean meats should be considered in planning your meals. Fruits, meats, and vegitables play a part in forming good eating habits. Talk with your health proffessional or nutritionist about planning a well balanced diet or read books written by trusted, respected doctors and health professionals and even talk to your own doctor.

Now let's talk about exercise. Eating right in combination with exercise helps keep your body running like a well oiled machine. Lack of exercise and over eating are an unhealthy combination that can lead to serious health problems. Obesity is one of the most serious health problems in this country and that is a known fact. Get help in planning a good exercise regiment. A good support group will aid in motivating you towards a healthy excercise program.

In association with these two things that I have discussed, forming everyday good health habits are essential in making these steps work. They also will aid in getting the sleep you need which I will discuss later. Don't smoke. Smoking inhibits good exercise in that it decreases your stamina, causes high blood pressure, heart and lung problems and creates a dependency. Just don't do it. Don't drink beverages that contain caffin such as coffee, tea, and sodas. Don't drink alcohol. Regardless of what people say or do you just don't need it. It impairs your reaction time, thinking, and alertness . It also adds unwanted calories and supresses your appatite. These unhealthy habits interfere with sleep funcions.

About sleep. Try if at all possible to avoid sleep aids. Even if the directions tell you that it is non habit forming that is wrong. If you use it regularly you will become psychologically dependent upon it. Devote at least eight hours to sleep if at all possible. Your bedroom should not have a TV, computer, or radio, or anything needed for entertainment. You don't need to be distracted, you need to sleep. Yes I do understand that personal interment funtions take place in the bedroom but just don't let it overlap with sleep time. Yes it is that important. Even before you were born you slept often and as a growing, developiing child you needed eight to twelve hours of sleep. Your body simply needs it in order to function properly. Try to get in to the routine of preparing for bed at the same time. Think of it as charging your battery. Remember low power won't get the job done. Too much power such as stimulants will blow your circuits.

A strong, healthy, well maintained body will support a strong healthy mind. Give yourself every chance to learn, develop, and grow in the various phases and aspects of your life.

Live long and stay healty is my wish for you. Give yourself a fare chance by practicing these steps throughout all of your life.