Visiting Israel is good for one’s health!

When people notice my slight tan, improved posture and weight loss they inquire where I have been. My joking response is that I am just back from my most recent trip to Israel.

However, over the course of many trips to Israel I have come to the conclusion that all joking aside visiting Israel really is good for one’s health.

One immediately abandons an over reliance on meats and fats for fruits and vegetables either cooked or fresh. Also the increased consumption of fish, olives and dates have added benefits.

As I have never rented a car during any of my visits, I frequently walk miles to see and/or explore interesting sites which is something I would not normally do back home.

One’s increased sense of spiritual well being and concomitant metabolic improvement have benefits in terms of both psychological and physical improvement.

The warm weather and sun together with the increased exercise means that one can become dehydrated, but consuming vast quantities of fresh fruit juices mitigates against this and further increases one’s dietary intake. One does notice a reduction in one’s waist size over the weeks.

In summary I believe that the Israeli Ministry of Tourism could in subtle ways promote the health benefits of a visit to Israel as a little noticed, but very real  unintended side benefit from showing one’s support for the state through visiting Eretz Israel.