Healthy means feeling good physically, mentally and emotionally. It looks different for everyone, but there are some things that all healthy people have in common. These include:
Eating a balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods from the five major food groups every day helps give you the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Choose whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating too many processed foods, as they are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt.
Being physically active. Being active can help you manage your weight, improve your mood and boost your overall health and well-being. Being active can also help you reduce your risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. It’s important to find an activity that you enjoy, so that you’re more likely to stick with it.
Getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for your health, and it can help you feel more energetic throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a regular bedtime and to keep your phone, tablet or laptop out of the bedroom.
Living a smoke-free life. Being a non-smoker can help protect your health by lowering your risk of breathing problems and lung cancer. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for tips and advice.
Managing stress. Having healthy relationships, doing activities you enjoy and having a social support network can help you deal with stress. Practicing relaxation and using positive coping strategies can also help.
Setting health-related goals. Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, so it’s important to set realistic goals that you can achieve over time. Having a goal can help you stay motivated, and it’s also helpful to have a support system to encourage you when times are tough.
Being a role model. Having a positive attitude and inspiring others to be healthy can have a big impact on your community. Consider volunteering or starting a community health project to make a difference in your community.
Understanding the health impacts of the environment. The quality of the natural environment and the built environment, such as roads and communities, can have an effect on our health. Research has shown that environments with less green space are associated with poorer health outcomes than those with more green space.
The guiding principles in the Healthy People 2030 nutrition and healthy eating objectives reflect today’s best scientific advice for selecting foods to promote health, prevent disease and maintain or lose weight. Visit the Healthy People website to learn more about these and other nutrition and physical activity guidelines.