March 10, 2016

In 2000 Dan Buettner  set out to explore areas of the world that had the largest amount of people who lived measurably long lives, often to 100 or more. He found 5 of these areas or groups:


Okinawa (Japan); Sardinia (Italy); Nicoya (Costa Rica);Icaria (Greece); and among the Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California. From there he found the following common lifestyle characteristics:

• Family – as a priority.
• No smoking. 
• Semi-vegetarianism –  the majority of food consumed is derived from plants.
• Constant moderate physical activity – as a part of life, nut just sessions of exercise.
• Social and community engagement.
• Eating Legumes.

• Stop eating when your stomach is 80 percent full to avoid weight gain.
• Eat the smallest meal of the day in the late afternoon or evening.
• Eat mostly plants, especially beans. And eat meat rarely, in small portions of 3 to 4 ounces. Blue Zoners eat portions this size just five times a month, on average.
• Drink alcohol moderately and regularly, i.e. 1-2 glasses a day.
• Make sure you get enough vitamin D.
• Keep busy in meaningful activities. Maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Get regular, habitual physical activity.
• Stay connected with your family, friends, and community.
• Cultivate faith.