Health Rules: Is It Time To Break Them?

For years we have been bombarded with clear cut, fixed and seemingly inflexible health advice dispensed by experts who claimed that there was only one, right way to be healthy. But is the road to optimal health really that black and white? Apparently not! Recent research suggests that the old health rules were based on information that was not entirely comprehensive. Those old, inflexible health rules can be bent! Yes, for all those who could never keep track of the dos and don’ts of being healthy, these tweaked health rules are definitely easier to follow! So let’s explore the changing world of being healthy with the top 10 health rules you shouldn’t hesitate to break!

Break The Rule #1- The Water Law!

Ever heard of ‘eight glasses of water a day’ to keep your body fresh and hydrated? Well it turns out that your daily water needs do not depend solely on eight glasses of water. Water based food items such as fruits, vegetables, cooked whole grains and beans are excellent sources of water! And not only do you fulfill your water requirements for the day, you also get the added benefit of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! Sure sounds like a better deal, doesn’t it? However, this is only provided if you consume fruits and vegetables. The eight glasses of water a day is meant for people who don’t consume much water via food.  So stick to 8 glasses if you are one of those individuals.

 Break The Rule #2- The Sleep Law!

‘Eight hours of sleep is what you need!’ But is it really?  According to research, the hours of sleep needed to feel well rested vary from person to person. So while you may need eight full hours to feel fresh in the morning, your co worker may be equally chirpy with just six or seven hours of sleep! The key is to take note of how you feel when you wake up, and adjust the hours you spend sleeping accordingly.

Break The Rule # 3- The Servings Law!

Isn’t it just so confusing when health experts recommend a certain number of servings of fruits and vegetables? What exactly does five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables mean? The new health rule dispels this confusion by stating that half your plate should be full of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, you should pay more attention to the nutrient content of the fruits and vegetables instead of getting caught up in the quantity and serving size! Remember that deeply colored vegetables and fruits contain a richer store of nutrients and benefit your body in myriad ways so try to include such food items in your daily menu.

Break The Rule # 4- The Exercise Law!

The ‘no pain no gain’ law has deterred many people from embracing the world of fitness and exercise. The modified health rule states that intense exercise that causes pain and discomfort beats the entire purpose of exercising! The intensity, duration and type of exercise can vary from individual to individual depending upon their age, health, fitness level and other factors.

Break The Rule # 5- The Red Meat Law!

Red meat has been heavily associated with being one of the lead causes of heart attack. However, recent research paints a slightly different picture. The bad reputation is due to processed red meat products such as hot dogs and sausages. Lean and non processed cuts do not fall under the same unhealthy category as processed meats. However, eat red meat in moderation; 4 to 5 ounce servings thrice a week should do the trick!

Break The Rule # 6- The Diet Law!

With so many tempting foods available, it is super tough to stick to eating healthy food all the time! So is it okay to eat a little bit of high calorie food every once in a while? Yes it is! This of course does not imply that guiltless indulgence is acceptable. You can fix a particular day of the week in which you can treat yourself with a moderate portion of your favorite high calorie food item.  

Break The Rule # 7- The B.M.I Law!

The Body Mass Index, a ratio of weight to height, is used to determine whether an individual is underweight, healthy or overweight. Health experts have always stressed the importance of staying within the 18.5 and 24.9 B.M.I range. However, recent research has focused on the B.M.I’s inability to take muscle mass and hip circumference into account. This means that an individual who is healthy and fit may have a B.M.I of over 25 even though they are nowhere near obesity! So consult your health practitioner to decide on your optimal B.M.I depending upon your physique, muscle mass and other factors.

Break The Rule # 8- The Weight Law!

Many women are under the false impression that lifting weights will give them a bulky, manly form. Rest assured ladies, the female body does not have the necessary male hormones to build bulky muscles! In fact, moderate weight training is not only good for muscle toning, but it also fortifies the bones and prevents osteoporosis.

Break The Rule # 9- The Pill Law!

Experts have always advised that nutrient requirements should be fulfilled from natural whole foods and not pills and supplements. This is a health rule that should definitely be followed as much as possible! However, if vegetarians start avoiding supplements they will fall prey to a number of nutrient deficiencies including Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiencies. Vegetarians should consult their doctors about the optimal ways to fulfill their nutrient requirements so as to stay healthy and fit.

Break The Rule # 10- The One Rule For All Law!

What works for other people may not work for you. Each and every one of us has a unique body system with its own oddities and quirky habits. Some healthy food may not suit our system and might in fact, cause an adverse reaction! Always test new food items with caution and stay alert for any warning signs that your body might use to signal the possibility of something being amiss.