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FitSpirit: Hugs as health food

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

Ever considered hugs a health food? Not me. I tend to think of food as tangible stuff I put in my mouth, chew, and swallow. But I have heard of feeding the soul, so I guess hugs -- because they clearly feed the soul -- are a type of food. According to this article, they even have nutritional value.

Hugging is all natural and organic. It's naturally sweet and contains no pesticides, preservatives, or genetically-engineered ingredients. It's non-fattening, carbohydrate-free, and is 100 percent wholesome.

Hugs are not only a health food, they are the perfect health food. So the next time you're craving a feel-good something, reach for a hug. There are many varieties. Here are 14 of them.

  • Side-to-thigh
  • Back-to-front
  • Shoulder-to-shoulder
  • Bear
  • Cheek
  • Custom-tailored
  • Grabber-squeezer
  • Group
  • Guess who
  • Heart-to-heart
  • Sandwich
  • Side-to-side
  • Top-of-the-head
  • Spoon

One family therapist has devised through her hug research a recipe we should follow to maximize the health benefits of hugs. She says we need four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth. Now put that on your health-food menu.

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