In my post last Sunday, I asked whether or not we can change our bad habits. I concluded that we can make that decision and live healthier lives. If we are to live healthier lives, though, how far should we take this new healthy living?

My definition of camping is when the hotel doesn't have room service. I believe chocolate is an essential food group. I like the smell of body lotion. I have to force myself to exercise. If I am to commit to a healthy lifestyle that will protect me from cancer and other diseases, will I have to turn into a vegetarian marathon runner who doesn't use soap? I think that is the fear we all struggle with when our doctors or society tells us we have to be healthier. Do we have to go so far that we are not recognizable anymore? Is it worth it to make small changes?

Studies say that a few small changes can really add up. Three ten-minute walking sessions every day and you are keeping your heart healthy. Cutting the fat off your meat and eating even one serving less of meat a week can have health benefits. Doing more does not even always mean more health benefits. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, concluded that eating more than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables does not give you any greater protection against cancer than the recommended daily servings. To me that is good news, because it means that I do not have to go overboard in my efforts to live a healthier life. (One statistic to remember on this though: Only 23% of Americans actually get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.) We can all do more to be healthier, but we do not have to eat only green stuff and chant all day long in order to reap any benefits. Is there a small change that you can make to live a healthier life?