Registered nutritionist shares 5 habits to achieve long life

MANILA, Philippines — In this day and age when strange, new and fierce diseases suddenly turn up, the pursuit of longevity has become more real and intense than ever.

Longevity is not just about adding years to your life, but also ensuring that those years are lived with a quality life and engaged in vibrant and fulfilling activities.

How does one achieve longevity or a long and meaningful life? Here are five steps that one can take to achieve longevity, according to Michelle Ricker, RDN, Herbalife Director for Worldwide Health Education and Training and Chairperson of the Herbalife Dietetic Advisory Board.

These are practical and healthy lifestyle habits that will inspire one to continue making healthy choices that promote growth, longevity, and overall well-being.

Don’t underestimate the benefits of straight-up walking for overall health. Not only does this improve cardiovascular fitness, but it also strengthens bones and muscles.

According to Ricker, who is a registered dietitian nutritionist, studies have shown that light exercise, such as a 5- to 10-minute walk, following a meal can aid in digestion and help lower blood sugar. Post-meal walks are, therefore, a secret weapon for boosting metabolism and overall weight management.

Regular brisk walking combined with healthy eating is extremely effective for weight loss, when overall energy output exceeds caloric intake. 

Walking also aids in the reduction of visceral fat, also known as belly or abdominal fat, which is particularly hazardous to one’s health. In fact, recent research published by the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that walking 800 to 10,000 steps per day cuts risk of dying (all-cause mortality) by more than 50%.

An increasing number of studies, such as one published in the National Library of Medicine, are highlighting the importance of resistance training for overall physical health and proving that keeping and building lean muscle is key to longevity and a functioning metabolism.

“As we age, our bodies begin to lose muscle mass. This effect does not only decrease our strength, but it also begins to decrease our bone density, as our muscles are the support structure for our