OK it goes without saying these days that it is important to exercise and eat right. So why put something so redundant on a blog that is trying to promote new information? I would ask the more important question by saying "How many of us are actually doing it?" It looks pretty funny too after I just posted about "having" to visit McDonalds ;-)
One of the greatest causes of stress and exhaustion in our body comes from an improper diet and lack of exercise. This affects every area of our life from our interpersonal relationships, our self worth, our work, etc. When one area of our life starts a downward trend, many times the cycle can be a total spiral out of control. This can be dangerous for our health and hurtful to those around us.

Our current situation and health should be reason enough to improve our eating and exercise habits. However, those who are adopting a child have more of a responsibility to care for themselves. There are many stresses in the adoption process which will be added to any already present in your life. Then the preparation for a child to be added to your family, whether you already have children or not, is stressful as well. Travel to a foreign country, the rapid events that will take place over a few day period, interviews at the embassy, flights with a new child. All of these things will take there toll on your body. Now is not the time to break down because you are physically not able to continue. Your life is now all about providing for the baby. This is why it is important that we do whatever it takes to make sure we are in the best health possible for them.

Then, for some, there are the surprises once home added everything else that can continue to snowball things. My wife about a month after returning home looked at me and said "I'm pregnant." Now obviously this doesn't and won't happen all of the time. However, it's those unexpected events after things "settle down" that can bring about more stress. The better prepared we are, the more able we will be to provide the care needed for our children.

A few of the Moose's suggestions for preparing your body.

Drink water - Rarely have I met a person who drinks enough water (myself included). We won't let our cars run low on coolant or oil and yet we continually neglect this need in our own body. Soda, tea, kool-aid, and other drinks are not a substitute. Try going 4 weeks with no soda and only water. It's difficult but the end results will be amazing

Cut sugar - I feel horrible saying this because I bought a bag of Ginger Snaps last night and now that I write this I'll have to give them up. We have far to high an intake of sugar in our diet. Everything from soda, to desserts, snacks, and even pizza sauce is loaded with sugar to please our sweet tooth. Our bodies are overloaded on this substance and can only process so much. Continual overloading will cause an eventual break down of body function which will lead to all sorts of health problems.

Limit amounts - How many of you eat until you about pop on Thanksgiving day? How many do it on a fairly regular basis? Most of us eat far too much and we are eating things we shouldn't. Again this is causing our body to overwork and will eventually lead to tremendous health problems. Eat until your hunger is satisfied not until you can't eat anymore.

Walk regularly - Develop a routine of walking a certain distance daily. Make it a part of your schedule. Don't always park right next to the store, park out a little bit to gain the extra steps. Give up some TV time and spend it walking.

These are just a few steps to better health. I'm working on them myself and am far from perfect at it. However, with a new baby boy and my 2 year old daughter, I am well aware that the investment I make in my health pays dividends to many others besides myself.

Here are some great sites to help:

Healthy Food Choices from the American Heart Assoc.

Practical Guide to Health and Travel

Ivillage fit tips

Teaching Your Kids Positive Self Image through Fitness