Steve Michael is 72, but he doesn?t look it. And his blood pressure, cholesterol level and other vital signs are those of a healthy man one-third his age.
Michael, a diet consultant and personal fitness trainer, tells how he maintains his good health and vigor in his very readable, down-to-earth “How To Stay Healthy & Fit For Life” (American Literary Press in Baltimore for $14.95, paperback).
The key to good health, Michael argues, is eating right, and he claims “the world?s healthiest diet” is the Greek island diet. And of course, exercise and sleep are important, too.
But at the center of his regimen is the diet. Michael was born on Greek island, and came later to Baltimore, so he comes by the diet naturally.
He sums up his diet in 10 principles:
1) Use only olive oil for daily food preparation. Use canola oil for baking.
2) Reduce saturated fat drastically. Do not eat foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils.
3) Eat plenty of vegetable and fruits. Have a large Greek salad daily. Eat at least two fruits daily.
4) Eat whole-wheat grains. Introduce wheat germ to your diet. Bread should have at least 2 grams of fiber per slice.
5) Have a glass of red wine daily with a meal.
6) Have nuts a few times a week for dessert.
7) Have meat, poultry and fish throughout the week.
8) Do not eat deli meats.
9) Do not eat processed foods.
10) Do not eat the whites: flour, sugar, rice, salt.
Sticking to the diet is the best way to maintain vitality throughout life, Michael insists. It will also lead to longevity, he believes.
But there?s another factor that he doesn?t mention in so many words, but is nonetheless evident throughout his book. A positive outlook and attitude must be important to, and Michael displays this positive, optimistic attitude on every page.
His book is also packed full of common sense. Don?t go on a diet just to be thin, he warns. “What good is a weight loss diet, if it is not a healthy diet and also does not promote optimal health and longevity?” he said.
