Father's Heart Blog

I read the book Blue Zones by Dan beuttener some time ago, I loved it and would highly recommend you reading it. There are so many ideas that come from his study of people groups that have large proportions of people living in to their hundreds!

The ideas I took note of are as follows…

(I’ve been trying to implement them all with varying degrees of success over the years)

• Inconvenience yourself more
• Take up one habit at a time for 10 weeks be accountable then add next
• Walk more
• Create walking dates
• Plant a garden
• Yoga or stretches
• Stop eating when 80% full
• No more than 2000 calories a day
• Use a smaller plate
• Eat slower – u will eat less
• Eat more earlier last meal – smallest
• Eat little meat (once a week) and no processed
• Maize and Sweet Potato good0 whole grains beans legumes tofu
• Nuts 5x a week (2oz a serving) almonds pecan peanut pistachio walnut hazelnut (stock up)
• Eat 4-6 Veg daily (2 at each main meal)
• Fruit bowls don’t hide in fridge
• Lead with beans or tofu (centre piece of meals)
• Drink red wine in moderation – Set up a happy hour at end of day with wife
• Have a sense of purpose – what is your mission?
• New language or instrument for mental sharpness.
• Take a break with friends each day
• Stop and appreciate beauty.
• Take a Sabbath and have a sanctuary in time – God Family Nature.
• Regular meditation / reflection to set up your day (30mins)
• Always be early – so you can be fresh and relaxed before the event!
• Have a healthy faith community – The faithful are healthier and happier
• Be more involved – volunteer
• Loved ones first – never put your family in a oap home!
• Meet with elderly relatives regularly to help them or just play cards.
• Take holidays together and
• at least one meal a day together.
• Establish traditions and rituals. I.e Call granny every Tuesday night
• Be around other Blue Zone members (very important) 30mins a day with friends – a walk? Lunch?
• Social connectedness – stay friends your whole life’s – Identify your inner circle
• Be likeable – you can’t be a grump