Breaking Rules for Better Health

They say an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but some health rules are meant to be broken. Here are a few it may be time to reconsider:

Rule 1: Exercise every day, even if it means getting less than eight hours of sleep.

Several doctors have told publications like Time and The New York Times that deciding either/or is a terrible choice because both are equally important. Plenty of sleep means you will have the energy to sustain high-quality workouts with fewer chances of injury. Similarly, exercise can also help you sleep. But if you need extra rest, take it.

Rule 2: Eggs should be the first food out the door when you're trying to eat healthily.

Eggs are rich in protein, low-calorie, and filled with vitamins and nutrients beneficial to eye health, brain development, memory, mood, muscle control and nervous system function. If you're worried about cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor. Some studies show it's about moderation, and less than five eggs per week won't significantly impact your cholesterol.

Rule 3: Cut out red meat completely.

Red meat has a reputation for increasing your risk for heart disease. However, research shows red meat is beneficial to nerves, red blood cells, bone and muscle. Stick with one to two servings of red meat per week, as overeating can be hard on your heart and your wallet.

Rule 4: Your BMI determines if you're healthy or not.

Body mass index (BMI) estimates body fat percentage through height to weight ratios. However, BMI does not consider muscle mass, bone density, body composition and other racial or gender-related differences. In fact, some people with high BMIs might not have blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while someone else with a low BMI does. Talk with your doctor about using precise measures of obesity.

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