80/20 For Your Health

Several people have mentioned my blog entry, “Put More Into Your 20%,” and how important this concept is in their own lives. The concept is the 80/20 Rule, or the Pareto Principle, which advises us to identify those few things we do that lead to great results, and to do more of those, and to minimize the efforts we make that don’t yield much (for more of a definition, see my August 3, 2009 entry).

As we begin to look toward 2010, one of the most important areas to apply this principle to is our health. Here are three actions we can take to help our bodies (sounds obvious, but think about it- how many things do we do that actually hinder our bodies- whether it’s what we eat, inactivity, etc.) that fit the 80/20 Rule to the “T.” All three give you a much greater outcome than you would expect for the effort you put in:

Drink Water

Our bodies are 60% water and, not surprisingly, every system in our bodies depends on it. Water flushes toxins out. Achy? Tired? Drink water. The Mayo Clinic recommends a few different approaches to deciding how much: one approach is the common wisdom of 8, 8 oz. glasses per day. Another approach says 13 cups for men and 9 for women. What makes this an 80/20 suggestion is the simplicity and ease of the action (drink water) and the substantial payoff you get in strength, alertness, and energy.

Eat Fruits & Vegetables

The research on what happens to our bodies if we don’t do so is undeniable, stunning, and sobering (think all sorts of sickness and disease). Equally, the research on what happens to our bodies if we do, is fantastic news- for strength and vitality today, as well as for the long-term. The only hitch is that the experts agree that several (the USDA recommends 7-13) daily servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables are what our bodies need. This can be challenging—one option I can recommend from experience is to get your fruits and veggies in capsule form with no additives or harmful engineering- go to www.smartlivingisjuiceplus.com for more information. The only real change to the fruits and vegetables, besides the removal of the bulk, is the essential removal of the sugars- a very good thing. This one is an 80/20 no-brainer.

Exercise the “SuperSlow” Way

Don’t let the name fool you. The only slow part about this workout is the pace of the repetitions. What’s not slow is the length and frequency of the workout—30 minutes once a week, and the results—comparable to what you achieve doing your regular workout several times a week. In LA, talk to McKerrin Kelly at SuperSlow Brentwood (310-979-0123).