About: Alan Carpenter

Recent Posts by Alan Carpenter

The Good Life

The Good Life
Harvard Study of Adult Development About 85 years ago, researchers at Harvard University began the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which continues today. It’s the longest-running such study on the planet. The study encompassed two very different groups. One included undergrads at Harvard beginning in 1938. The other included 456 inner-city (generally low-income) boys from…
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A Negative Trifecta

A Negative Trifecta
Three proven picks for poor health and well-being A trifecta bet is a horse racing wager in which you pick which three horses will finish first, second, and third in a race, in that order. In the healthy living department, a negative trifecta might be the three worst lifestyle choices you could embrace. Here are…
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Ten Steps to Build Intrinsic Motivation

Ten Steps to Build Intrinsic Motivation
Based on self-determination theory Self-determination theory, developed by Ed Deci, Richard Ryan, and colleagues assumes that humans have three innate psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. People who have high levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness tend to be more intrinsically (self) motivated to pursue important goals in their lives. Perhaps you have a major…
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Are Saturated Fats Truly Bad?

Are Saturated Fats Truly Bad?
Why saturated fats are considered “bad” Saturated fats are widely regarded as “bad” by the medical community. The reasoning goes like this. Eating foods rich in saturated fats, primarily animal products such as meat, milk, cheese, and yogurt, increases intake of cholesterol. Influential studies conducted by Ancel Keys starting in the 1960s, identified cholesterol as…
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