All Things In Moderation - A Consumption Guide for Men
2008-12-17
It seems like every day a new health report comes out saying something is bad for you. If we listened to each and every report, we'd have to resort to eating rice cakes and water for the rest of our life. But of course, then some new report would be released saying rice cakes cause cancer. It seems like you can't win, so you might as well start gorging on bacon and searching for cheap life insurance, right? Well, not so fast, don't sign up for that cheap life insurance just yet…
While medical research has proven many foods, drinks and habits are detrimental to your health, in most cases it’s the "abuse" of these substances, rather than just casual use. You don't have to give up all of your favorite foods and drinks to live a long life, you just need to practice moderation. With a little good judgment, you can enjoy your favorite drinks and meals, and you're loved ones will just have to wait to cash in on that cheap life insurance.
Drinking Alcohol: There's nothing wrong with having a few beers now and then, but excessive drinking over a period of time will shorten your life span dramatically and increase your life insurance premiums. The US Surgeon General recommends no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, with one drink being defined as a regular 12 oz bottle of beer, 8 oz glass of wine or 1. 5 oz shot of liquor. Regular drinking can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, increased triglycerides which can lead to heart attack or disease and other health problems. Not to mention, one's judgment is impaired by drinking so a normally careful man may engage in drunk driving, unprotected sex, or other dangerous behaviors which he wouldn't while sober. So, if you want to drink, get a designated driver and only indulge on special occasions rather than a daily basis.
Drinking Soda: In the past, a sugar-filled soda was a special treat. Now, they are commonplace at most American's meals, having replaced water as the meal accompaniment. While there's nothing wrong with a soda now and then, having two, three or four of them a day will increase your weight, blood pressure, and possibly increase anxiety. Some life insurance companies even ask about your soda consumption, so if you are a heavy soda drinker it will increase the cost of your formerly cheap life insurance. Limit yourself to one soda per day, or even one per week. Not only will it help your health, you'll savor and appreciate the taste.
Fatty Foods: As the old saying goes, "you are what you eat." So, if you are gorging on cheeseburgers and fries everyday at lunch, then you are going to look like a cheeseburger. Big, round and full of grease. Not to mention, you're going to have health problems that will lead to high life insurance premiums. However, if you eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat, then you'll be happier and healthier, and enjoy lower life insurance premiums. Plus, you can then indulge in a fat, greasy burger once in awhile because it does not make up a major portion of your diet. You don't have to give up fast food, just cut down to once a week, or better yet, once a month.
Hard Drugs and Smoking: The one and only exception to the "all things in moderation" rule. If you smoke or use hard drugs like cocaine, crack, meth, heroin or other designer drugs, go ahead and find a cheap life insurance policy because you will die sooner than later.