Improve The Environment and Improve Your Health - It's Easier Than You Think

By Barry Lovelace

How often do we hear about global warming? Think about it, I don't think a day goes by that the media is not putting this theory out there in one way or another. There are all kinds of theories on this topic. Regardless of whether or not you believe that there is a problem, hopefully we can agree that it simply makes sense to live less wastefully and conserve resources.

Now, how often do we hear about diet and exercise and their links to our health? Again it is a constant message as people, like me frankly, try to persuade others to take control of their health in a positive way. What is interesting is that these two paramount issues can be worked on together. For instance, take these two facts; the average American does not get enough physical activity in their daily life and the use of cars contributes to the emission of carbon dioxide not to mention the need for oil. Do you see where this is going? Yes, I am going to suggest walking or biking instead of using you car. Now, I know this is not practical in many situations but if you think about it I'll bet there are times when you drive, say to the local drug store or the corner market, when you could walk or ride a bike. I know that in my neighborhood I see people driving to the high school football games when they only live a few blocks from the field, this is a perfect example of an opportunity to get in a little extra activity while letting the car sit. I see people giving their kids a ride to school when they live close enough to have walked and gotten some exercise while spending some nice time together as well.

Another correlation that I would like to address between the problem of the environment and this nations health is the consumption of red meat. We all know that when we eat red meat we are serving ourselves a helping of high cholesterol and artery clogging saturated fat but did you also know that the meat industry is a huge polluter, and that it uses far more energy than crops like fruits and vegetables, not to mention the incredible amount of land that is wasted. Thousands and thousands of acres of grain is grown and used to feed cattle, which we then eat. Think about that. We grow good and healthy grains, which would nourish us healthfully, but instead we feed it to cows and than we harm our health when we consume them. Does this make any sense to anyone?

All along the way the meat industry is nothing but a waste of resources. The land that is used to grow the grain that they eat, the water that is used for those crops, the excrement that comes from all of these millions and millions of cows creates a dangerous and toxic waste problem, the emissions from that excrement creates harmful gasses in our atmosphere. All of this to consume a product that is linked to a much higher rate of cancer and that causes heart disease, the leading killers in our country. When we will wake up?

It is so easy to go through our life and not really think about how small things that we do or take for granted can have an affect on the big picture. We are lucky to live in a time where we have access to the knowledge of how to care for our bodies and our environment. How sad if we don't use it.

There is a better way. We can live healthy and happy lives in harmony with the environment. I'm not suggesting doing without; let's face it, none of wants to live that way. I'm suggesting eating more of a plant based diet and getting some more exercise. Very bacis principles actually, and they both make you feel good to boot!

Barry Lovelace is an internationally recognized personal trainer and fitness coach. Visit his website for more FREE health and fitness tips and the FREE ebook titled "how To Juggle Your Health and Fitness"!

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