Health for Geeks - Feel Better - Save Money - Live Longer by Being Lazy

Discover how to improve your health, save money, and extend your lifespan through simple, "lazy" methods in this EuroPython Conference talk. Learn about the human body's matter and energy balance, the importance of physical activity, and effective ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine, even while working. Explore nutrition basics, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary choices that promote well-being. Gain insights into tracking food intake, the significance of proper sleep, and the impact of air quality on overall health. Understand the concept of fitness for geeks and how to apply these principles to your lifestyle without the need for intense gym sessions or outdoor activities.

Intro
What is health The most important thing of all. Emphasis on cure rather than prevention. The human body is not a machine
How it works Matter flows in and out of our body all the time: we absorb air, pollutants and food .we throw out what we do not need Energy gets in with food and heat, and we spend it. Then we need rest.
Matter/energy budget Food: biological material for body's ongoing renewal Also energy for metabolism and activity. Balance needed between energy input and output: • more out than in: body consumption . more in than out: excess stored as fat
Being fit Not too much excess fat. Regular activity, muscles in working order. Both things reduce risk of disease.
My physical activity No gym. No running. No outdoors.
Ok, my physical activity Elliptical trainer Swimming Nintendo Wii Fit Plus
Moving while working Stokke rocking chair Standup work. Kettler side stepper.
Food Macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats. Micronutrients: vitamins, minerals. Water, fiber, antioxidants.
My diet I avoid cooking whenever I can. Lots of fruits and raw vegetables. Little refined starches. "Magic powder": flax seed, turmeric, cumin, ginger, coriander, black pepper, red pepper, garlic.
Proteins No meat: omega3 vs. omega6 fatty acids, antibiotics and hormones. Fish: omega3, small species that accumulate less mercury. Eggs, dairy: yogurt vs. kefir. Legume: peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas. Tofu, seitan, nuts, chocolate.
Tracking eaten food (2) A second one lists hundreds of foods, with the main constituents' values. A third one tracks the body weight (hence the shown graph). Done with Gnumeric, which can use Python for scripting. :-
Sleep You need enough, regular sleep. Easier in dark places, at night. Melatonine, circadian rhythms.
Air and pollution Do not smoke (too much). Do not live in a polluted place. Be careful with substances you put on your body.
Fitness for Geeks (2) Additional draw on Thursday afternoon. Prizes will include this and other O'Reilly books, and a fitness gadget. Go to the O'Reilly desk, give Josette a card with your name and this secret code (shh!)