My kids deserve an apology, but I just can't. They would no longer respect me.

Finding the time to show your children how smart you are is only one of the numerous responsibilities we have beyond age 40, which might interfere with:

• Getting/keeping our assets in shape
• Eating healthily
• Generally taking better care of ourselves.

But without adding too many extra weekly duties to our already full schedules, we can squeeze in all we need to accomplish all of that.

Here are some instances 2 is the magic number for getting fitter, healthier, slimmer, and happier as you get older.

Eat 2 sh*tty meals per week

It's important to avoid eating anything you want, whenever you want, if you want to lose weight or keep it off. I am sure this is big news to you, I apologize. But it doesn't mean you have to live a monastic lifestyle, categorizing meals as Good or Evil, and abstaining from pizza, alcohol, chips, and sweets. Enjoying life requires attending social gatherings with friends and family and, occasionally, indulging in great food and drink. Having a few meals each week when health and eating "right" go out the window is OK. You may call it the "80/20 Approach," "having a weekly cheat day," or anything you like.

Get out for 2 brisk walks per week

Why is it that while I'm out walking, my finest concepts or answers to issues that have been on my mind come to me? Perhaps because it's one of the rare occasions for "active mindfulness" that I have, all the while letting my mind wander and clean up the messes, I've left it in.

And now since working from home is so prevalent, I've been able to meet up with my male friends for walks as well, a wonderful opportunity to catch up without "having" to consume 8 pints of beer in the process.

Add veggies to each meal

Eat More Vegetables and Get More Sleep are two things I would group together. All of us are aware that we ought to do it, yet still... Is it really so boring? However, don't put pressure on yourself to enjoy ALL veggies (I will ALWAYS hate broccoli), just choose a couple you like and add 2 (at least) to every lunch and supper. We DO flourish as we age, stay "regular," and fend off a wide range of illnesses and conditions because of veggies. How I include two in each meal is as follows.

Drink 2 liters of water per day

Although no one can precisely agree on the ideal daily water intake, but 2 liters is adorable amount most of us can manage each day, and the benefits are enormous. And the payoffs are:

• Ensure kidney and bladder are healthy
• Regulated metabolism and digestion
• Lubricate joint
• Healthy skin

Even while I still occasionally sip on hot drinks, you shouldn't depend on them to keep you hydrated.