INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
Executives:
5 Simple Steps to Invest In Your Health
by Mike Davis
Why is it so important for you the executive, to stay healthy? The simple answer is that your well-being depends on it. Do you realize though, that your business benefits from you staying healthy as well? In the corporate world, all things originate from the top and trickle down. If you do not lead by living a healthy lifestyle, than neither will your employees.
Ninety one percent of executives polled in an on-line survey stated promoting health to their employees is not only important but imperative for corporate success. Several executives nationwide who felt exercise was important and exercised themselves on a regular basis (min of 3x/week) stated leading by example and promoting health to their employees resulted in the following company benefits: decrease health insurance by 10% from previous year, increase morale of employees and increase productivity by 35%. The statistics prove that if you lead by example, the benefits will be significant. Seventy-five percent of executives who were questioned according to one survey stated physical fitness as critical for career success in order to keep up with rigorous demands on the job: stressful meetings, grueling travel schedules, and high-pressure situations.
The two most common excuses for not staying healthy are ‘we have no time, we are simply too busy’ and ‘after a long, stressful day we have no energy’. Here are five simple ways to fit healthy nutrition and exercise into your hectic schedule.
1) Start your day with a “Healthy Breakfast”
- Secret of a Healthy Life (According to evidence unearthed by US Doctors)
- 33% Less likely of becoming Obese
- 50% Less likely to have Blood Sugar Problems
- Reduces risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- Fueling your body with the proper nutrients and energy needed to kick start the day.
2) “Food Preparedness”
Plan your eating a day in advance. Knowing what you will be eating and preparing those foods the day or night before will promote healthy eating and prevent impulsive or over eating.
3) “Eat Multiple Meals Daily (5-8 / day)”
- Maximize your individual metabolism
- Keep your body properly fueled and energized throughout the day
- Decrease risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Decrease “LDL” (Bad) Cholesterol, Decrease Blood Pressure (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007)
4) “Hire a Fitness Coach and Schedule your Exercise Times”
- Time is limited so use a professional – be effective and efficient with your time.
- Schedule your workouts – make your workouts part of your daily routine. Literally write it into your calendar.
5) “NoXcuses”
Everyone has heard the saying that “attitude is everything”. Stop with all the excuses, your health and long term well-being depend on it.
Healthy leaders will result in healthy employees, which in return equates to a healthy business. A healthy business equates to a financially strong business. The challenge is for executives to look at their own health as a personal investment into the well-being of the company. The great news is that this is one investment that you can control. Prioritize your health; lead by example and your company will reap the benefits.
