Health secrets to borrow from past US Presidents – Times of India

Swarmed with unending responsibilities and with very little time at hand, it’s not easy being a US President, and do justice to your health. It is not uncommon for stress to take over when you have the world’s most stressful jobs in your hand. Yet, these US Presidents took upon the challenge to take control of their health by following a healthy fitness regimen that included regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet.
Here are health secrets you can consider borrowing from the past US Presidents.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama, who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017, swore by his daily workout of 45 minutes, 6 days a week, alternating between weights and cardio. He made sure to take care of his mental health too by taking out alone time. As per 2016 New York Times profile, Obama’s night-time routine was described as including reading, writing, and planning. His secret to handle high pressure was snacking on salted almonds while catching up on ESPN. “For me, these were often the quietest and most productive hours of the day, a time when I could catch up on work and prepare myself for whatever was coming next, poring over the stacks of material my staff secretary sent up to the residence for my review,” he wrote in his memoir.

George W Bush

George W Bush served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Running regularly transformed the life of George W Bush as it not only helped him get fitter but also get rid of drinking and smoking habit. Bush who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 got over his drinking and smoking habit after he started running at the age of 40. Bush ran three miles in under 21 minutes, six days a week. In an interview with Running magazine, he said: “I’m convinced that running helped me quit drinking and smoking.”

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001 switched to a healthy diet after his health deteriorated around February 2010 and he had to undergo an emergency surgery to insert a pair of stents. He has been following a strict vegan diet since then and lost oodles of weight. “I’ve stopped eating meat, cheese, milk, even fish. No dairy at all,” he said in an interview
He attributes three books for his massive transformation – Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease, which urges a strict, low-fat, plant-based regimen, along with two books – Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, by Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., and The China Study, by Cornell biochemist T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D..

James Buchanan

James Buchanan, who served as the 15th President of the United States (1857-1861) didn’t have an impeccable reputation as American president, due to his indifference to slavery according to World Atlas, but as per a study, he was counted as one of the healthiest US Presidents. His secret to good health is often attributed to walking, even more than riding. Buchanan enjoyed his drink and had a great taste in food, but also included cabbage in his diet regularly.

Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford who served as the 38th president of the United States from 1974 to 1977 was one of the fittest American President thanks to his love for sports since a young age. Ford was a dedicated football player and enjoyed skiing and gold too. An accomplished football player in his younger days, he could have made a career in the sport, however, luck had other plans and he joined politics. But thanks due to his athletic inclinations, he remained in good health, for most of his life.