Rules for Healthy Living

I came up with a simple plan for healthy living to help my oldest daughter, but I think it works really well for anyone of any age. Since I'm from a military background, I even made it an acronym: F.A.M.E.S.

1. Fast for at least half the day.

2. Avoid snacks, sugar and other junk.

3. Move for at least one hour.

4. Eat light at night.

5. Sleep enough hours for your age.

Seems basic, I know, but it incorporates all of the latest research and science. Take No. 5, sleep. Every week, it seems, I read another article about the benefits of sleep. Besides being crucial for weight loss and muscle growth, scientists now believe it may be a key to preventing Alzheimer's disease.

No. 1 and No. 4 are also cutting edge. Recent research has shown that simply changing the time we eat -- delaying breakfast and having a light dinner earlier -- results in more weight loss even when calories remain the same. And so on.