Want to enjoy a life as free as possible from pain and depression and disease? Healthy living means discovering what our bodies need and do not need. When we give our bodies the proper nutrients, it builds and repairs itself. But when we put harmful substances into it, disease takes root. Harmful habits, such as cigarette smoking and eating junk food, will derail us from our journey to the 100-year mark, and we are stricken with heart disease, strokes and cancers. Good nutrition, physical activity and supplementation can put us on the road to longevity.

Our bodies are created to be naturally healthy, to regulate its functions, resist illnesses and heal itself. We earn our blessings of longevity through our purposeful attitude, our continued study of health and our lifestyle changes. Healthy living can only result from making right choices about what we eat and drink and our commitment to physical activity.

Physical activity reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy, and helps us achieve and maintain a healthy body weight--all important factors in living to be 100. Exercise further rejuvenates the body, improves circulation and muscle tone, and promotes relaxation. Choose an exercise that you enjoy so that you will stick with it. And exercise on most days.

Easy does it. Taking slow steps in modifying our lifestyles can keep us from becoming overwhelmed and discouraged in our living-to-be-100 mission. Here are two easy dietary choices that can plant our feet firmly on our path to longevity.

Wheatgrass nutrition is an excellent starting point. Wheatgrass is a super food because it helps detoxify the liver and improves blood sugar. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that reduce cell mutations. Wheatgrass juice detoxifies the blood and strengthens the immune system. Drink one ounce freshly squeezed wheatgrass juice daily.

Coconut oil is a great food because it boosts metabolism and helps in weight loss. Coconut oil also provides a nutritional source of quick energy, and it enhances physical endurance. It is rich in lauric acid which is known to be antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. Use two to three tablespoons of coconut oil daily in smoothies or as a salad oil. Use your imagination.

Take only pharmaceutical-grade vitamins and minerals. Many fruits and vegetables are denatured through processing and are woefully lacking in antioxidants and minerals. Many supplements only have a small nutrient value which provide little or no benefit to the body. When a vitamin or mineral is missing from our junk-food diet (which is more likely than not), disease often takes root in our bodies. Be careful. You don't want to take junk vitamins along with eating junk food. Only quality nutritional supplements can help deliver the essentials that are missing from the standard American diet. Choose wisely!

Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.