Jack LaLanne's Secrets For A Long, Healthy Life

From eDiets.com:

If there's a Fountain of Youth, it's hidden away in Jack LaLanne's back yard. At 90, this fitness pioneer shows no signs of slowing down. Jack has more energy and strength than most people half his age -- and he is busier and more successful than ever!

In this inspiring eDiets exclusive, the remarkable "Godfather of Fitness" takes time out of his busy schedule to discuss exercise, nutrition and the secrets to a long, healthy life.

"Most people only work at dying," Jack tells eDiets. "I teach people to work at living!"

Jack and his wife Elaine travel the world promoting health and fitness. But no matter how busy he is, Jack makes time to exercise at least two hours every day -- one hour with weights and one hour in the pool. Jack also follows a lacto-ovo vegetarian eating approach, though he occasionally eats fish for extra protein. In addition to using his famous juicer, Jack takes as many as 40 vitamin and mineral supplements a day.

Jack wasn't always the picture of health. The fitness legend suffered from a severe sugar addiction during his early teens.

"When I was 15 I got so sick that I had to drop out of school for six months," Jack says.

In an effort to help her son regain his strength, Jack’s mother took him to hear nutritionist Paul Bragg speak at the Oakland City Women’s Club. That lecture changed Jack’s life forever.

"He told me if I obeyed nature’s laws, I could heal myself," Jack recalls. "I went home and prayed that God would give me the willpower to adopt a healthy lifestyle."

Not only did Jack develop a healthy lifestyle for himself, but he has also devoted his life to helping other people do the same. Jack soaked up a lot of knowledge while a pre-med student in college and while attending chiropractic school. He actually developed much of the exercise equipment that is standard in most health clubs today. His awesome accomplishments include some of the pulley machines, weight selectors and the leg extension machine. Jack opened the very first commercial health spa... way back in 1936!

"I knew every one of my members by name," Jack proudly boasts. "If they missed two or more workouts, I would get in touch with them. I told them, ‘I don’t just want your money. I want you in here taking care of yourself.’"

In the black-and-white days of 1951, Jack became a household name by taking his message in front of the cameras for the first televised exercise program. Though critics predicted Jack would be off the air within weeks, his super-successful show ran for 34 years.

The Jack LaLanne Show is back by popular demand. Original episodes are broadcast twice a day on the ESPN Classic channel.

"They used to say I was a crackpot, but today I am considered an authority," Jack says with a smile. "I don’t brag about it, but I feel wonderful. I am so happy that the Good Lord blessed me enough to make me a pioneer in this industry."

Even though there are more health clubs than ever, Jack has some serious concerns about the state of the fitness industry. Since most people can’t afford a personal trainer, Jack worries that club members do the same thing every time they go to the gym. He stresses that it is very important for everyone to change his or her workout regimen every three to four weeks.

"By changing your workout, you are challenging your muscles," Jack says, echoing a sentiment shared by eDiets chief fitness pro Raphael Calzadilla. "It also helps to break through the boredom so you can enjoy exercise."

Jack is also very concerned by the state of the nation’s health. With so many Americans overweight and out of shape, Jack feels it is imperative that health education be taught in schools... starting with the kindergarten kiddies.

"I just bought a brand new Mercedes convertible -- do you think I would put sugar in the gas tank?" Jack asks, sounding a lot like eDiets VP of Nutrition Susan Burke. "The problem is that most people in this country take better care of their cars than they do their own bodies. The human machine also needs proper fuel."

Jack insists anything in life is possible if you make it happen!

"Who made you fat?" he asks. "God? The devil? Neither. You make it happen when you break nature’s laws!"

For eDiets readers struggling with their weight and self-esteem, Jack offers his top-3 healthy eating tips:

1. If man makes it, don’t eat it! Jack warns people to read the labels on everything... even canned fruits and vegetables.

2. Cooking kills! "Eat natural foods as much as you can," Jack says. He recommends eating at least six servings of raw vegetables and five pieces of fruit every day!

3. Use a juicer! One of the best ways to get adequate amounts of raw fruits and vegetables is to use a juicer. "The juicer is my most successful product," Jack says. "Nearly every day, I get letters from people who tell me that their health and energy levels have drastically improved since they started juicing."

Learn more at eDiets.com...