JUST OUTLIVE

Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity by Dr. Peter Attia, is a mind-opening read. Don’t be put off that it’s as thick as a textbook and sometimes reads like one!

​I recommend reading it like you were taking a health class with a pencil and paper to take notes. It’s that kind of book.

I picked it up after reading an article on Dr. Attia, who at first seemed extreme in his physical practices but definitely rang a bell that we sit too much, eat too much, and keep our emotions locked up. I wanted to know more since some of the health challenges he described are part of my family’s history. Dr. Attia is encouraging us to move from what he calls a Medicine 2.0 disease-based model to Medicine 3.0, a proactive prevention model.

The author said, “I’m not fond of the way we reduce complex, nuanced, vitally important questions down to a simple either/or. Cardio or weights, low carbs or plant-based, keto or vegan?” He hopes to change the way we approach health and nutrition rather than telling us what to think or what to eat. Dr. Attia asserts that we may be looking through too narrow a lens and instead must attack body and mind on multiple fronts to maintain good health. 

So here are my major takeaways:

• Don’t hide or ignore problems; make them visible so you can tackle them with help and create new practices
• Stop overthinking nutrition and do something you can stick to
• Emotional health and physical health are intertwined; both require awareness and attention for happiness
• Be open to changing your mind if something doesn’t work, but don’t give up
• Exercise is the most profound longevity tactic

You’ll be encouraged by his personal story that shows how important emotional health is to a life worth living. Enjoy reading and making the changes that will boost your aliveness now! And remember your body is a work in progress and you’re never too old or too young to start.

Be the CEO of your Health-span!