As Americans attempt to save the environment, most of them still pollute and poison their own bodies-those personal and precious environments over which they have complete clean-up control. In lectures and seminars, my simple analogies help make anatomical and physiological facts more understandable. I like to explain, for example, that "...a river, with its tributary creeks, brooks and streams, in my opinion is like the human blood stream, with its thousands of miles of arteries, veins and capillaries." Here's why: When garbage and refuse enter a stagnant body of water, poisons and impurities accumulate. Without rapid water movement, they get stuck and pollute the river. Likewise, when we eat meat, dairy products, salts and fats, those wastes slowly decompose in our intestines and accumulate in our tissues. Without exercise, our blood stream can't flow as efficiently to flush out the poisons. It is well known that athletes can eat just about anything and get away with it. That's because they metabolize food quickly... even if it's junk! High levels of activity allow their bodies to quickly rid themselves of impurities through natural elimination. They burn up poisons! Exhale them! Sweat them out! Now just think how healthy an athletic person can be when he or she also eats nutritious foods. Another analogy or Lalannism: "Imagine regular exercise and nutritious food as 'nature's broom', gently sweeping out your intestinal tract." Cleanliness of the bowels results in proper elimination, quickly manifesting itself in all the cells of your body. Take it from me, I've seen it happen to many of my students; you'll feel more dynamic, notice improved skin tone, shinier hair, brighter eyes, fresher breath and even a revitalized sex drive! Way back when I first started preaching nutrition and diet reform, they called me a fair-haired fitness nut, a crackpot, a laughing stock, but I've been saying it-and proving it-for years: "...If man makes it, don't eat it!" Less seriously, I've said "...if something tastes good, spit it out." But in fact, as you experience new heights of energy and vitality from whole grains, brown rice, beans, fruits and vegetables, you'll develop a "taste" for what's naturally good, and a dislike for what isn't. Shop wisely. Buy only fresh fruits and vegetables. Cooking kills some of the vitamins! Water washes away some of the minerals. Eat produce raw or just slightly steamed. If my wife, Elaine, and I can't get fresh produce, we often buy quick-frozen foods, which are fresher than some long-stored supposedly "fresh" supermarket produce. Think twice before buying canned goods. Concentrated juices, for example, can be high in calories and may contain added sugars and preservatives. Cooking may destroy some nutrients. People always ask me about wine. While a glass of wine with a meal can help aid digestion and may lower cholesterol, seek out organically grown labels without insecticides, pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Look for wines that don't contain sulfites. And, since some nutrients are destroyed by alcohol, supplement your diet with adequate amounts of B-complex vitamins. To help flush your blood stream and permit your body to perform beautifully-the way nature intended-drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. And, if you haven't already experienced the joys of juicing fresh fruits and vegetables, get with the program! NEVER eat between meals. With regularly scheduled meals, you'll enjoy your food more and won't be tempted to indulge in sugary snacks. Your blood sugar level will remain up and constant, so you may be able to avoid mood swings. And believe me, as a former full-blown sugarholic, I traveled down to appalling, physical and emotional depths with my sugar addiction. I've preached my same LaLanne sermon for more than sixty years. At first I was called a crackpot, a charlatan, a liar and a cheat. Today, they call me an authority. Recognized for my well-founded philosophy and insight into good health. Opinions changed completely. My message never did. I'm sure glad everyone caught up with me! Physical, Mental, and Spiritual-You're better than you think! Think positive! Keep telling yourself: Everyday, in every way, I am getting better and better. Keep telling yourself: I am better than I think, I can do anything. I'll be healthy, beautiful, handsome, youthful and enthusiastic about everything I do. I'll get rid of fat before it gets me! You don't realize how great you are, so stay in shape. The only way you can hurt your health and body is by eating junk food and not exercising. The most prized possession on this earth is your body, take care of it. There is only one person on this earth that can keep you healthy and that's YOU! In this whole world there is only one of you so take care of that prized possession YOU! Would you sell your right leg for a million dollars of course not? The greatest possession you have is your body, so take care of it. Here's to a great life. Work at it.