8 Ancient Sayings To Inspire Health & Happiness

8 Ancient Sayings To Inspire Health & Happiness

by David Zulberg from MindBodyGreen

In a world of conflicting advice from all sorts of health and fitness professionals, it's easy to lose sight of the most important principles of health. I find it refreshing and a breath of fresh air to return to the wisdom of some of the greatest minds of all time, and simply get back to the basics.

With that in mind, here are eight quotes that are centuries old, yet still shed light on what makes for optimal health.

1. "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." – Aristotle

Do you often wonder why it's so hard to keep to your diet and fitness goals? We often think in terms of seeking enjoyment or pleasure for its own sake, but if an activity is productive, Aristotle teaches us that it can also be the key to its perfection and optimal success.

The same applies to diet and fitness. If you resent your diet plan or dread your exercise routine, it's only a matter of time before you throw in the towel. Make sure your exercise workouts are varied and fun. Add some of your favorite foods in moderation to your meals and avoid extreme diets. Then not only will you take pleasure in the journey, but you'll also succeed in your health and fitness goals.

2. "Without exercise, a good diet alone is not sufficient and eventually medical treatment will be needed." – Hippocrates

In a world where "skinny" is the ultimate goal, we often associate it with idyllic health. But looking skinny, even if you're eating a well-balanced diet, is simply not sufficient for ideal health.

Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, wrote more than 2,000 years ago about the many health benefits of exercise and the illnesses that result from a sedentary lifestyle. Simply put, without exercise, you'll eventually require the expertise of a doctor.

3. "Walking is man's best medicine." – Hippocrates

With so many new fitness programs out there, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, which often leads to skipping exercise completely! One of the most effective exercises is a simple walk outside. If you cant make it to the gym or just aren't in the mood to work out, don't skip your daily exercise. Take a walk around the block for 10 to 20 minutes, and you'll still gain the many health benefits of cardio exercise…

…keep reading the full & original article HERE