Five things that will send you to the grave early

One of the main rules in regards to leading a healthy life is getting rid of the habits that would prevent you from doing that. So, it doesn't matter if you only eat healthy food if you still smoke two packs a day, drink 2-4s in one sitting and don't exercise. See if any of the following apply to you, and act accordingly to get rid of it. Or start paying for that vacant spot at the cemetery.

1. Smoking
Nearly half a million people die each year in the US alone due to cigarette smoking. One in every five deaths in the country could be tied to smoking somehow, and you still think it won't do you any harm. Well, think again Humphrey Bogart. The glamour of smoking from films in the earlier 20th century are a distant memory now, and fortunately the number of smokers has been dropping in the developed world. Do yourself a favor and join in the quitting, if you haven't done so yet.

2. Drinking
Alcohol consumption is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the US. It doesn't mean you should abstain completely from having a drink here and there with your buddies. As a matter of fact, a glass of wine a day has been proved to actually improve your health. Despite its benefits if consumed in (very) moderate levels, alcohol can cause very serious harm to the liver if taken in huge amounts. Not to mention how it may indirectly lead to other deaths, such as those in car crashes where alcohol plays a part.

3. Poor eating habits
What, you don't think you can die by your mouth? Think again. Each year, almost 400,000 Americans die because of a combination of poor diets and lack of exercise. Throw away the chips and burritos and reach for the greens. Don't wait until fat starts to build up on your waistline. Your arteries may have already started building up some fat before that. Go to a doctor for regular check-ups and ask for a diet from a nutritionist.

4. Lack of exercise
As stated above, almost 400,000 people die in the US each year because of a combination of lack of exercise and bad eating habits. Cancel your cable subscription and open a membership at the gym. Join running clubs or buy a stationery bike for your home. Do something, anything, but start moving now.

5. Behaving like an idiot
It doesn't matter if you think you can drive your car at 120mph, have unprotected sex, use drugs or eat at suspicious-looking diners. It may not kill you if you do it once or twice, but start doing it too often and chances are that the stats are going to catch up with you. Have some common sense and be responsible, will ya? Sorry to break it to you, but you're not Superman. You may even be healthy, but if you engage in dangerous behaviour, your health is not going to do much for you on the other side.

Hard work gives best results

If you're trying to get in shape, you know there are several paths you can choose to follow. Eat less, choose some cardiorespiratory heavy activities or do some strength building exercise. But to achieve the best results, in general the solution is to pursue a balanced approach to the problem.

Going on an extended food deprivation period will certainly make you lose weight. Water, muscles and then the hard to burn fatty cells that were probably the first you wanted to rid yourself of. In the end, you may get sick or too weak a lot sooner than you manage to actually get in shape.

You may also be tempted to try some medication or steroids to build those muscles you've been dreaming about. You may even succeed at first and look like a pro wrestler in no time. But in the long run, this approach will give you so many undesirable side effects that you'll wonder if you weren't better before, as an out-of-shape sedentarian.

Nothing in life usually comes too easily, and getting in shape is certainly no exception. In the end, the best approach is to dose a little bit of everything. It's reasonable to eat less if you expect to lose weight, but remember that even then your body still needs some essential nutrients. Talk to a nutritionist or health professional about your weight losing goals, and set up a reasonable and attainable plan so as to keep focused and encouraged.

Simultaneously, seek the advice of a doctor or personal trainer and set up an exercise plan that best addresses your needs and current conditioning. Take it slowly at first and progress gradually from there. It's usually a good idea to mix some vigorous cardio-respiratory tasks like running, bicycling or simply walking faster with some strength building activities at the gym.

Nutritious food: pumpkin seed

Pumpkin is not good only for Halloween or Pumpkin pie. Well, the main portion of it may be, but certainly not the seeds. In its raw format, it's an excellent source of protein, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and other minerals extremely important for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Carotenoids and Omega-3 fats found in the seeds also have health benefits. Ongoing studies are trying to prove how these seeds can help maintaining a healthy prostate. It might also be good to keep stronger bones in old age (particularly for men) and as an anti-Inflammatory for people with arthritis. Finally, some compounds in the pumpkin seeds may help in controlling or lowering cholesterol levels.

They are delicious on their own as a snack, but can also be mixed with salads, rice or other dishes. Just don't cook the seeds, or they may lose some or all of their important nutrients.