We’ve all heard the age old mantra that eating right and exercising leads to a long and happy life, right? Well, if you are anything like me, you need just a little more push and incentive to wean yourself off the couch and fast food. This may just be the thing to do exactly that. The Journal of the American Medical Association recently published two studies that showed that the right diet and moderate exercise will decrease the risk of mental decline such as Alzheimer and Dementia later on.

In one, nearly 2000 elderly people in New York were studied over a long period of time. They found that a Mediterranean type diet and physical activity greatly lessened the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as the years passed. The other study focused on some 1500 patients in France and found the same correlation between a Mediterranean type diet and slower mental decline.

Lowering the risk of cognitive decline in old age? Yeah I’m all for that! So, what precisely is a Mediterranean type diet? It is one that is rich in fish and vegetables and olive oil. A healthy way to eat and cook fish and vegetables is over a grill. Grilling is and easy and effective way to preserve the nutrients in food. Use an indoor grill such as the quintessential George Foreman grill to cook light meals for one such. Just spray or drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil before grilling a flavorful chicken breast or a salmon fillet. The Omega-three fatty acids in salmon have been proven to improve cognitive functions and overall health.  And keep the extra virgin olive oil in stylish olive oil glass bottles such as these by Tablecraft so that it will look pretty in the kitchen as well as confer healthy benefits to you.

Moderate physical activity is as simple as just talking a 15-30 minute walk each day. Can’t find the time to exercise? Walk during your lunch hour! Park your car further away and walk to your office! I guarantee the walk will clear your mind and be good for your heart and health. Be sure to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes to walk in and a hat with a wide enough brim to protect you from the sun.  And who says you can’t be stylish while exercising? Ladies, Juicy Couture track suits aren’t just for young people–feel youthful in a lovely velour tracksuit today!

Guest Blogger: Phan Tieu T.