Recently by Mark Sisson: The ‘Aha’ Moment: When Clarity Happens and Real Change Begins

One issue I have with our modern lifestyle – of many – is the emphasis on perfection. Newer, slimmer, bigger, better, faster: the message of perfection screams out to us from glossy magazines, slick television ads and popup ad after popup ad. (Or purrs, cajoles, teases, and smothers.) While I do believe fundamentally in pursuing whatever your personal best happens to be, and I think we could generally be doing far better in terms of diet and exercise, I have a hard time with the constant barrage of images telling us that, in short, we suck.

Which brings me to vices. I'm a pretty disciplined guy – okay, very disciplined – but I stop short of attempting perfection. Sure, I suppose I could forever kiss ice cream good bye (yes, Sisson still occasionally indulges). I could angst over those missed workouts when I'm vacationing with my wife and kids. I could work on my flaws and vices. But…why?

Great health is about maximizing the potential output for the minimum input. Philosophically, that's what informs my Case Against Cardio. Wailing away for hours every day on the treadmill or measuring every calorie may yield you marginally more benefit than having that piece of dark chocolate or sharing that special cab, but such perfection puts the emphasis on the means rather than the end. After all, we work hard so we can look and feel good in order to enjoy life and get more out of our activities and interests.

“I'm with you, Mark, except…dark chocolate and red wine are good for you in moderate quantities.”

My point exactly! Many u201Cvicesu201D aren't vices at all. Not only are many indulgences – when moderate and planned – good for you, they're actually a sensible part of your personal health and prevention plan, as they're more likely to give you a sense of value from your efforts. So stop flagellating the elliptical. Put away the carrots and raisins. Here are some very smart so-called vices:

5 Sensible Vices

1 – Dark Chocolate: most of us know by now that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and brain-stimulating compounds. I'd really be in trouble if that weren't the case. Come Halloween my youngest never gets the chance to try the chocolate treats (don't worry, he's not a chocolate fan). I make that residual sweet tooth work for me by choosing dark chocolate and eating small portions. I don't feel an ounce of guilt. Chocolate is great for your mood, so permit yourself this u201Cviceu201D.

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Listen to Lew’s recent podcast with Mark Sisson

The Best of Mark Sisson

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