Let the Old Master Show You How
 hen Jack LaLanne started preaching the benefits of a natural foods, low-fat diet and vigorous exercise in the 1930s, many in the medical community thought he was crazy. Today at age 85 he feels vindicated.
 "I was put on this earth to get people up off their seats on and on their feet," he says. "There is no doubt about it: good health leads to a longer life. I'm proof. I don't care how long I live, but I want to live while I'm living."
LaLanne is alarmed by the number of overweight and inactive Americans. "Look at all the junk food we're eating: hamburgers, fried foods, cakes, sodas, candy, processed stuff. That's what's putting us in such bad shape, and people aren't exercising enough to compensate for those foods.
"Would you get you dog up in the morning, give him a cigarette, a cup of coffee, and a doughnut? Of course not! It would kill the dog! Yet, millions of Americans are doing the same thing to themselves, and they wonder why they're tired, why they're not mentally alert, why they're always getting sick. It's because they are putting the wrong fuel in their human machine."
When he was 15 LaLanne was a sugarholic. He felt alienated and psychotic. Then he attended a lecture promoting natural foods and exercise. "I adopted nature's laws that night, and I think it saved my life."
In 1931 he opened the country's first health spa. As word spread of the results people were having, he opened more health clubs. He took his message on television, telling the story to millions for 34 years.
"My motivation is the reward of helping people enjoy life. I'm proud I've turned thousands of people around, yet I feel like I'm just getting started," he says.
He'll start the year 2000 in Knoxville sharing his story of long life and good health at the Ultimate Power Lunch during the Power Resolutions Expo Friday, Jan. 7. Tickets to the Power Lunch with Jack LaLanne are $10. To reserve your seat call 541-4500.
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