Living a healthy lifestyle goes beyond weight loss, eating right, and exercising. It’s also about feeling good about yourself and being happy. Happiness itself is a parameter used to measure wellness; which is an indicator of healthy living. To help achieve wellness, one needs a proper diet plan and an effective physical fitness program.
For most of us, this requires making major adjustments in the lifestyle we lead. Learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle is, therefore, essential. The good news is you don’t have to include everything at the same time! Take time to make small positive steps toward starting a healthy lifestyle.
For instance, we all know that an extra piece of candy or drink of soda can feel good. But did you consider the health risks associated with consuming too much sugar? Integrating mindfulness while we eat and drink can have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Having an apple as a snack and taking a short morning or evening walk to relax can help in replacing those feelings associated with candy or sweet bubbly drinks.
In addition, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and engaging in other high-risk behaviors that lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly, maintaining a proper diet and nutrition will go a long way toward improving your health.
Benefits of Movement/Exercise
Remember-all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! Not exercising or moving your body regularly may result in obesity, lack of endurance, and poor immunity. This makes one susceptible to chronic diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis. Physical fitness helps maintain a healthy lifestyle since it promotes:
- Joint stability
- Range of motion
- Bone mass
- Better mood management through reduced depression, stress, and anxiety
- Self-esteem
- Improved memory in aged people
- A better heart rate and improved cardiovascular health
- Improved respiratory and general physical health
- Quality sleep
- Strengthening of muscles
- Weight loss
Benefits of Diet
Diet and nutrition are integral to healthy living, hence the need to understand the principles behind them. For a diet to be considered nutritionally balanced it will contain healthy carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. Be sure to include a variety of foods in your diet, while also consuming fewer sugars, processed foods (that’s rich in trans-fats), and salts. Eat fruits and vegetables more often since they are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. To keep your body hydrated, drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Having a balanced diet plan will keep you protected against chronic non-communicable health conditions. These include:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
How to Begin a Healthy Lifestyle
As you can see, diet and nutrition go hand-in-hand with exercising as they all point toward healthy living. The kind of diet and fitness routine suitable for each particular person will differ due to variations in health needs. A licensed naturopathic doctor can analyze your body needs to develop a personalized program. Each unique exercise program, diet, and nutrition plan is custom selected to make sense with your body. If you’re ready to explore or begin living a healthy lifestyle contact the Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center today for your FREE 15 Minute Phone Consultation.
