I met a 108 year old man a few weeks ago at a raw foods potluck.  It was validating to see that having a healthy lifestyle can really pay off.  Not that he has lived so many years, but because he has lived an active, healthy life for so many years.  Bernando LaPallo will be 109 in August this year and does not appear to be anywhere close to transitioning.   In a nutshell, Bernando walks 2 miles every day, takes no medication, has a sharp mind, and looks about 60 years young.  I don’t know many people half his age that can say that. 

 After reading Bernando’s book, Age Less, Live More, it was clear to me that going back to basics and common sense is the answer.  I have chosen to summarize some of the key points in the book for you.  I highly recommend getting Bernando’s book as it is an easy read and if your health is important to you, the lifestyle changes are easy to implement. 

 Bernando’s spent 60 years as a chef and another 25 years as a licensed massage therapist, relexologist and herbologist.  Growing up, Bernando learned quickly from his father to eat food the way it comes, raw (for the most part).  He not only lives a healthy lifestyle, but helps others do the same says his daughter Lee Chamberlin (actor/writer). 

 The following are some of Bernando’s healthy practices and words of wisdom summarized by me or quoted from his book, Age Less, Live More.

• Bernando consumes a “near vegetarian” diet.  Mostly raw fruits and vegetables but lightly steamed if cooked.  Microwaves are most destructive of our food (avoid). 
• Beef and chicken are avoided for several reasons: the chemicals they are fed and injected, the impact of saturated animal fats on the body, and the way animals are killed today.
• Bernando enjoys fish especially salmon.
• No processed foods to avoid chemicals, and excess sodium.
• Salt, sugar and saturated fats are to be used minimally.  The only form of sugar Bernando consumes is from fruit.
• Rewarding children with sugar is a dangerous road to take.  Bernando’s take on sugar is fascinating in the book. 
• Top foods:  blueberries, broccoli, olive oil, cabbage, garlic, beans, quinoa, avocado, cinnamon, cantaloupe (the book explains all the benefits)
• Honorable mentions: Asparagus, apples, spinach, tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, kiwi, steel-cut oats
• “Juicing allows the body to absorb all the nutrients quickly and easily without having to break down the solid material…”
• Bernando also uses a powder mix of vegetables, fruits, herbs, vitamins and minerals called Dr. Schulze’s SuperFood.  See more on Bernando’s website:  www.agelesslivermorestore.com
• Walk!  “Exercise is not a luxury, but a necessity, and is one of the keys to long life.”
• Breathe deep belly breaths.  Bernando suggests a breathing practice mentioned in the book. 
• Referring to a way of life…  “The path of least resistance, the downstream course, was usually the correct one.”
• Our only responsibility in life is to change oneself (not the ways of the world).
• Live on purpose, serving others.  Share your wisdom, whatever you have to offer, with humanity. 
• Focus on what is happening in the now.  In other words, stop worrying about the past or the future.
• Having faith will allow you to overcome any stress in your life.  “I will not be given any problem in my life without being given the power to overcome it.”  With this faith, there is no reason to be fearful.
•  “It was far easier to succeed when not encumbered by naysaysers and unhealthy surroundings.”  In other words, it’s okay to be selective in the people you choose to be around. 
• Ask for help, often – especially spiritual help (not just when in dire situations). 
• Bernando was exposed to the ocean for much of his life and contributes much of his health to the fresh ocean air. 
• Home air quality is important.   HEPA type air cleaners are good as well as plants such as golden pothos, philodendrons, and spider plants to filter toxins.
• Massage is wonderful for the lymphatic system, the condition of the skin, and an overall healthy body, mind, and spirit. 
• Bernando takes especially good care of his feet.  He soaks them in the evening, uses a pumice stone, and moisturizes with olive oil. 
• Read, read, read.  Bernando reads several hours every day.  The subject?  Health and longevity of course!

 A beautiful man with wonderful advice to live a long, healthy, happy life.   

 LaPallo, Bernando and Cornelius, Anne.  Age Less Live More.  Achieving Health and Vitality at 107 and Beyond.  Bernando LaPallo, 2008.