Alisyn in the Greenroom

How to Live Longer

This morning we talked to author of The Blue Zone, Dan Buettner.  He spent seven years traveling the globe to those little pockets of people that live the longest on earth.  He learned that there are simple lifestyle changes you can make (for free) that will add 10 years to your life.  Here are the secrets he discovered to longevity:

–   eating a handful of nuts five times a week will add two years to your life (good cholesterol that fights the bad)

– have active friends, it’ll add 5 years to your life.  Obese friends add pounds to your waistline.

– give away your normal-sized dinner plates and replace them with 9″ ones.  You’ll eat less at every meal and live longer.

– Weigh yourself every day for two years.  You’ll loose 17 pounds.  (Really??)

– Go to church 4 times a month and add 4 years to your life.  (or at least give yourself a weekly break from work to focus on family, nature and your spirit and you’ll live longer.  Buettner studied 7th Day Adventists who have a longer lifespan than the rest of us.)

– Men who drink five or six glasses of water daily have a 60-70% less chance of having fatal heart attack. 

– Drink a glass of red wine everyday (ok, if I must!)

– Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.  (It’s healthiest to eat a light dinner early so the body isn’t flooded with calories while it’s trying to restore itself during sleep)

So, should we all try this?  I volunteer to start with the wine.  You?

74 Responses to “How to Live Longer”

Comment by Wm

I think this all has a ton more to do with your genetics and of course living healthy should help extend your life as well. This reminds me of the 101 year old man that ran the marathon and only stopped for a beer and smoke.

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

That’s not what Dan says. He says only 6% of a person’s lifespan is based on genetics — the other 94% is lifestyle. I told him I didn’t believe him since that flies in the face of other things we’ve heard but he backed it up with research.

 
 
Comment by Mark H.

Could you ask if it can be 5 or 6 glasses of wine, and one glass of water?

Hey! tell the 7 o clock crew to stop butting in before you guys are done.

Did you really say “grills” when talking about Chris Webber? A woman who knows her patio accessories rates a lot higher than a sports fan, in my book.

Ok, if i win the contest, you can wear that skirt, or the black one with the side slits. I’m easy.

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

Like I said Mark, if it’s food, I know it. Sports, not so much.

 
 
Comment by chas

Good Morning Ms. Alisyn,

Well I guess I could force myself to drink a glass of wine with you. :) I’m a beer type of guy actually, Sam Adams.

Having a brush with death, as I did late last year, does make you rethink your life style. I gave up smoking, but other than that haven’t changed very much. I’ve always been rather active and doing things.

I was also blessed with good genes and still have a 32″ waist, as I did when I got out of High School, you were about 3 years old then. :)

But you gotta have some fun. Otherwise why live to be 100?

Have a great day.

chas

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

Dare I ask what happened?

 
 
Comment by Gus Viera

Happy Wednesday, Alisyn:

I have intuitively been doing some of these things over the years (except that I have been using Bourbon instead of wine–i guess I should make the change). But I will start trying the rest.

The water is so important. And the food portions are the most important. We live in a society today where everything is supersized. It conditions us to eat more and more. You only need look at the average child today to see that obesity is on the rise.

And I agree with you–expresso is good! Apparently, it is not a Kansas thing!

Thanks,

Gus

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

Well, far be it from me to talk you out of Bourbon. Maybe you could have a wine chaser.

 
 
Comment by Eddie Good

I’ll share my peanuts with you if you share your wine :)

Comment by Alisyn Camerota
 
 
Comment by Will@Ca.

Aliyson,
How is it that Hillary isn’t laughed off the stage as anyone else would be with all the past years of her spouting off cheap shots and total unbelievable lying? How is it she is even a candidate? Tell me anyone else who says things she does would even get on camera much less having the force behind her to be a Presidential candidate.
Do the Clinton’s have a dumb you down spell they throw out?
If I were then I’d be too embarresed to even show up outside!
Will@Ca.

 
Comment by Pat in Minnesota

I’m with you Alisyn! I’ll try the wine thing….can’t hurt right? When I win the Pancakes contest, we’ll have wine with our pancakes!!!

I have a problem with the 9″ plate thing though. Maybe if I fill it up twice!

Pat

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

If wine at dinner is healthy, wine at breakfast has to be too, right?

 
 
Comment by L.C.

I would be glad to try anything to help live a longer and happier life and if it starts with a glass or two of wine each day, then lets get started. On a serious and more healthier note I think I would rather eat right and exercise to keep fit and live longer. Regardless of how we live we all have a time to go sometime and that is up to a higher power.

 
Comment by pogger

What was it they said in the Conan the Barbarian Movie “Do you want to live forever” hell yes, as long as I am able to chase women, drink wine and watch Fox and Friends. However I am afraid in twenty years most of us might all be a little too long in the tooth to enjoy it Alisyn. Although you will probably still be a hottie Alisyn. You seem to be ageless.

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

You’re very kind, pogger.

 
 
Comment by "t" from upstate new york

hmmm…a glass of wine? does that mean i should have more than one for awhile to make up for all the days (years?) i didn’t? just a thought….

 
Comment by Dee

Doesn’t sound like anything new to me. Doctors have been telling us about the eating habits for years. Our preachers have been telling us that going to church every week is good for us all my life. Amazing that they were right.

 
Comment by FJL

I prefer to extend my life w/ a good Spanish Rioja Crianza Reserve…

 
Comment by Salvatore

Alisyn
I have a glass of wine all most every night after work and feel great.
Sal

 
Comment by Curtis

Alisyn, I believe in the lifestyle methods. While my father passed away at an early 52 y/o his lifestyle of smoking and little exercise hastened his departure (much to my disappointment). I am exercising almost daily, recently cut out coffee and alcohol from my diet. I may add the wine back in after this. My blood pressure is down, heart rate better and overall fell better, and I turn 50 this year. I am hoping genes have nothing to do with longevity.

Great show as usual, a Fan
Curtis

 
Comment by Tony

Hey Alisyn

Some of the things I would be willing to look into. But when it comes to making sure all my friends are not a little overweight now come on. Did he say anything about obsessions shortening life? I mean it looks like to me that if you worry all the time about lengthening your life you will in fact shorten it.

Be happy!

Have a wonderful day

Tony

 
Comment by Salvatore

Alisyn did you ask the judge that question about,
can a Senator of the United States of America,
be a member of a church or Organization,
that has racist and anti American views, while still in the Senate?
Sal

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

I haven’t been ignoring you Sal, I just haven’t seen the judge. But I think this is your answer. There’s freedom of religion in this country. And you have the freedom to vote for whomever you want in the Senate. So it usually all works out.

 
 
Comment by ROB!

somewhere i heard that a glass of wine, and 3 glasses of fine scotch was healthy as well… is that correct?

 
Comment by DogOnCrack

Ally, I couldn’t agree more.
1st Timothy 5 : 23 is one of my favorite verses from the Bible.
http://dogoncrack.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/junk-food/

 
Comment by KEN W

ALISYN;
HOW ABOUT THIS?I EAT PEANUTS AND DRINK WINE 6 DAYS A WEEK.1 DAY A WEEK I EAT A
7 COURSE MEAL EVERYTHING SERVED ON 6″ PLATES.I’LL PRAY EVERY DAY.HOW LONG WILL I LAST?

 
Comment by Stacey

I’ll think about it on Sunday while I have a steak with my fat friends, drink a scotch and watch Fox.

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

Doctors only recommend one out of four of those

 
 
Comment by Marshall

Don’t ya just hate when people backup stuff with research! lol

 
Comment by Chris Quimby

I’ll start with the wine and cheese. My brother always says, “I am here for a good time, not a long time….can you imagine being old, lying in bed, dying of nothing!” lol Be as healthy as you can stand it, and have as much fun as possible in everything. Maybe that’s the secret. Chris

 
Comment by OfficerBob

Except for the glass of wine (I prefer beer–Killians Irish Red), Mr Buettner pretty much describes my lifestyle. Sixty-two and still a 32″ waist. (Belly is a bit larger though)
Sometimes too much Italian food at Salvatore’s restaurant. Love FNC. It’s the only reason I have Dish Network.

 
Comment by Dee

Off this subject for a minute please. How many people out there would like to know how much taxes Obama paid for each year on his returns? I would love to compare his tax percentage with the one I have to pay on my not so high returns. I bet my percentage outranks his.

 
Comment by Stacey

I know, but I gotta have my Fox!

 
Comment by Marshall

This topic is already making me feel like I am living longer….. 8O

 
Comment by Kim

Morning Alisyn,

I think those are all great ideas…..especially the smaller dinner plate. Portion control :) I believe it’s time to go buy some new dishes!! Also, putting my life in the hands of our Maker has changed my life in ways I never expected….most def. for the better!!

Sooo glad the direct tv signal issue from yesterday is fixed! My day just wasn’t the same without my morning dose of Fox and Friends!!

 
Comment by Greg

Please add watch Fox and Friends to the List because Laughter is Always good for the soul.

 
Comment by Wm

Alisyn,
During the Opening image roll there used to be an image of the 3 pretending to water-ski. Why did ya’ll get rid of that image? I always enjoyed it.

 
Comment by Bonny Tillman

Alisyn,
I used to be 253 pounds. I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol (313). After being told by my doctor that I would have a stroke at the tender age of 39, I knew I had to do something. I created my own diet and am now down to 153 pounds at the tender age of 41. It has made a huge difference in my life. My cholesterol is down to 190, my blood pressure is normal, and I don’t have to take medicine any longer. Although, the process has been slow, it has been painless. I have a “goody” day that I can eat a steak or pasta or even ice cream. I know that small changes can make a huge difference in ones life.

 
Comment by elaine

I will most definately try this, I have to say that nuts (yummy) and relaxation does not sound so bad, but I would also like to add that 1 teaspoon a day of olive oil is very good for your blood and heart, people in Europe don’t have that much heart problems because of it.(back in the day that is, when olive oil was in their main diet).

 
Comment by Jine Shafer

I agree with the wine thing alysin! LOL Thanks for the great shows everyday! I had to laugh when steve goofed up on what day it was and you’s redone the start of fox and friens! then he corrects himself and gretchen sais your wearing the same thing you had on on tuesday! To me thats my advice to live alittle longer! Watch fox and friends 3 shows per morning LAUGH AND LIVE LONG! God bless all Thanks again for making my morning

Jine Lee Shafer
Rochester New York

 
Comment by thecanvasgrey

Variety is the spice of life…all (most) things in moderation…be positive…the rest is up to genes and God. Love your show!

 
Comment by Liz K

I started using a smaller plate, drinking more water, and doing the big breakfast thing with smaller meals the rest of the day. I’ve lost 9 pounds recently, and didn’t feel one bit deprived. Wine? Not so much; I’m a Crown and water lady. Of course, that does add to my water intake!

 
Comment by Salvatore

Alisyn
If Obama cant see what his MENTOR did to him, how can he see anything else?
Sal

 
Comment by Marshall

These people just think they are living longer! 8O

 
Comment by Marshall

I just had a breakfast burrito and a bottle of Ripple. Does that count?

Comment by Alisyn Camerota

Yeah, it counts…against you.

 
 
Comment by chas

Ms. Alisyn,

My heart was in great shape. It came from all that time watching you on FOX. :)

And thanks for the kind words…oooppps there goes the heart rate again…lol

chas

 
Comment by Gwen in Mississippi

I’ll try again today. Apparently, my last two days’ entries have violated the rules somewhat. Sorry! Sometimes when I express my opinions, it easy to cross the line between constructive criticism and bashing other anchors/shows.

The wine thing won’t work for me. Wine gives me indigestion. But most of the other things I’m pretty good about. Don’t eat big portions; attend church 3 to 4 times weekly; drink lots of water. So, I’m thinking I’m doing okay.

BTW, I notice that Obama must not be a tither. Seems his church is getting the short end of the stick as his donation didn’t come anywhere 10%.

BTW #2, I wish Colonel Hunt had been in the same studio with Lanny Davis last night on O’Reilly. I would have loved to have seen the Colonel grab Lanny up by his neck and shake him really good. Lanny Davis was so disrespectful to the Colonel. Hope that doesn’t violate any of the rules. I just really love military guys, and the Colonel is a hottie! I even told my husband that last night. Of course, my husband retired from 38 years in the MS Air National Guard–so he’s a hottie, too!

 
Comment by Donna

So interesting. However, heart healthy wine consumption is only 4 oz. Not a bottle a day.
Alison, how come I sometimes can’t find your blog on the website? Is there a direct link that I’m missing.

 
Comment by Salvatore

Alisyn dont let officer Bob kid you, he doesnt have a belly from my food?
well maybe? he and his wife do come alot, great people.
Sal

 
Comment by Delores

Hillary had us believing that story on her plane getting fired on. She is a real good story teller
even if it is a lie. Then to back it up with she forgot when it did not happen.
We had a liar Clinton in the white house already and we sure don’t need more years of
Clinton lies.
Since I cannot drink the wine now what is next to help me live longer?
Everyone is great there and turn F&F on before even getting up in the morning. I think
I am addicted to your show.
Delores

 
Comment by Mark, Sheboygan

Dear Alisyn…I am way ahead of you! I have at least a glass…usually two…of a hearty red wine (usually Australian or Italian).

Just a note, though. Nuts do not have cholesterol. Cholesterol only occurs in the animal family of ingested foods. Its the unsaturated fat in Nuts (along with Niacin and B complex vitamins) that make them so healthy. Cholesterol, in humans, is used to produce secondary sex hormones, build cell membranes, and make bile acids. We need cholesterol in our daily diets…however, we tend to consume too much.

Saturated fats (primarily from meat, dairy products, coconut and palm oils) tie up cholesterol receptors in the Liver and prevent its destruction…that’s why these fats tend to increase total blood cholesterol. Unsaturated fats (from vegetables like olives, nuts, corn) are easily destroyed by the liver and generally do not result in a net increase in total serum cholesterol.

I know…too much information! Shalom Aleichem, Mark P.

 
Comment by Tom

well,well. lesson learned

 
Comment by Crystal

I truly wish more people would adopt a healthy lifestyle. People lack discipline and choose to lack knowledge on the subject. I especially dislike MY FAMILY lacking the will to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Half my family is Italian and half is old southern country. Pasta & zabaglione or fried pork-chops & buttermilk pie? Traditionally, my Italian and Southern sides love through food. I’m not complaining- everything is amazingly delicious. I would, however, love to have ALL my family around as long as possible. I can’t get through to them unfortunately. Fortunately, I’ve personally adopted a healthy lifestyle… exceptions being holidays, when I visit my grandparents, or when my sweet tooth kicks into high gear. No one’s perfect. Smiles. I’m with you Alisyn- a huge fan of red wine. I’m also a huge fan of water consumption.

Question: How many times can we enter the sweepstakes? I couldn’t live without my Fox & Friends and coffee every morning. It’s a brilliant start. I would LOVE to meet all of you. Ahhhh… I would die! J/k However, there would be many shrieks of pure joy!

P.S. Genetics have nothing to do with lifestyle choices. Your whole family might be overweight, but you can be the exception by actively making good/appropriate decisions. I don’t like anyone blaming everything on genetics.

 
Comment by ewm232

I like the wine idea only I am ignorant on wines. Am more of a beer person - Shiner Bock - as I am a good Texan. What is a good sweet red wine that is priced more akin to beer?

 
Comment by Jim (Danbury, CT)

This type of study always intrigues me as my grandparents lived well into their 90s and always had a small glass of red wine with dinner. I have to wonder about the importance of these few suggestions taken with the balance of a given lifestyle. For example, my grandparents also ate fresh fish at least twice a week and had a long and happy marriage. In particular, how much of the emotional / spiritual routines (attending church services & prayer) counter some of the less “healthy” activities; as my grandfather also smoked a few cigars each day.

Thanks for sharing Dan’s findings, cheers!

 
Comment by hurricane bachinsk

So you could do all that dieting- exercising and still struck and killed by a car or a bus, getting smushed like a pancake. When its time to go its time go. Thats the name of that tune! Actually laughter is the best mediicine.

 

[...] How to Live Longer This morning we talked to author of The Blue Zone, Dan Buettner.  He spent seven years traveling the globe to those […] [...]

 
Comment by Mary Elizabeth Rumsey-Porter, Texas

Three ways to live longer:

1. Stay off the freeway.

2. Don’t bungee jump.

3. Watch Fox & Friends.
===========================
Tips galore-
And so much more.
.
Mary Elizabeth Rumsey
Three by M.E./Rhymes of the Times

 
Comment by Randy

Hey Allison,

We gotta you your own show.
Oh, and hey I could use some Pau McCartney’s money too.
Maybe we could have a lottery, yeah cool huh?

Thanks.

 
Comment by Tonia

Good am! Love the advice. I am wondering, I am not crazy about wine…..Would grape juice work? Love your show!! Big Fan!

 
Comment by Patricia in Ohio

Does beer count? When I have a bad day, I go home and take two beers in the shower with me and don’t come out until they are gone - does wonders for my mental health, at least!!! Plus, I’m CLEAN!! I’ve been squeaky lately! Love the tips - love your show - helps me get my ‘game face’ on before I go to work - teaching high school.

 
Comment by Rachel

Hi Alisyn,

Love the show!! You wear a heart necklace with a silver chain at times. Where did you get it? I love it!! I collect hearts and would love to purchase one like yours.

Thank you.

 
Comment by Valerie Pitts

Allison:

Did Dan happen to mention that the Seventh Day Adventists are by and large VEGETARIANS? They are very careful about what they eat and not big sweets eaters either. I think that makes a difference between them and the average church-going Christian. I would be curious to hear if he mentioned that and if he thought that was part of the difference…even thought I’M NOT a vegetarian!!

 
Comment by anne marie

hi allie: i try to live a good life style. i always say “its not what you eat, its how much you eat of the product…. i weight train 5 days a week( as my husband laughs at me and drinks his beer lol).. while i had my braces on i lost 25lbs. i felt great and i still do….( : im 51 and proud. i attend chapel mass 3 times a week, then sunday mass with my family and ccd kids. and just to let you know, my brother got me hooked on fox and friends when then gov. bush was running for president…. and i never left…..everyone is so great….. God Bless Everyone at the Fox New… ps: what happened to harris faulkner? love ya anne marie

 
Comment by Mary Bailey

Hi Alisyn,

The wine is a good start. My husband had a great aunt who drank at least 16 ounces of Manishevitch Blueberry Wine every day. On what I thought was her death bed, I was giving her sips of water when she said in a raspy voice, “Manishevitch”. She was 98 then. She lived until she was 105. I’m tempted to try that strategy, but can’t stand the taste.

You’re doing a great job at Fox & Friends.

Mary

 
Comment by Cindy Holland

I still say it has a lot to do with genes. I will be 70 years old this year, can pass for 50’s and although I’m not a drinker (except a Margarita or two on my birthday or anniversary), I do smoke. I am in good health and sure wish I could visit with Fox & Friends.

 
Comment by Bill Bradley

Fox and Friends absolute greatest! Gretchen and Allyson, you are both knock down gorgeous.
Love you all.

PS Stop picking on Brian.

 
Comment by Tom Dunnavant

How to Live Longer…
Watch Fox and Friends.
Over the years there were countless times when a morning show host totally cranked my tractor and sent my blood pressure to the moon. One such host repeated inserted her self so much that i wanted to kick the tv in again and again. Watching you guys starts my day right. I hear the news, usually get both sides of the story and get pushed out the door informed on the topics of the day.
I watch the first hour alone, then the next with my mother when i stop in to check on her and enjoy a big gulp of coffee.
This morning, up a little earlier that normal, i spoted Alyson on the Crazy show that airs in the middle of the night and felt so sorry for her…
1) for having to get to work so early
2) for working for those guys…
But she has an infectious smile and makes even bad tv great.

You really need some more face time…say with Bill O?

 
Comment by James Kirkland

You and E D Hill What a pair of ladies….all you need is Karin to come back and you will be complete

 

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