A healthy lifestyle is a foundation for lifelong well-being. It includes eating a variety of nutritious foods, getting regular physical activity and enough sleep to feel rested each day. Healthier choices also may reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Being healthy is a goal that most people aspire to achieve, but it can be challenging to maintain. The good news is that making just a few simple changes can have a big impact on your health and help you thrive!
The key to a healthy lifestyle is finding balance that works for you. It might mean choosing water over soda or taking a 30-minute walk instead of scrolling through social media. Incorporating these small, manageable behaviors into your routine can have a big impact on how you feel and think.
Eating healthily has nothing to do with adhering to a specific diet. It’s about prioritizing your wellness by fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods, including whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish, while limiting processed foods like soda and candy and saving highly processed meats and snacks for occasional treats.
Foods that are considered healthy include lean proteins, unsaturated fats (e.g., nut oils and olive oil), whole grains, low-fat dairy, and plenty of fresh produce. You’ll also want to limit processed foods, added sugars, and salt.
A healthy diet isn’t restrictive or boring. It’s about finding balance that works for you, so it isn’t difficult to stick with. In fact, it can be fun to experiment with new foods and recipes and discover what makes you feel your best!
Regular exercise is another important part of a healthy lifestyle. It can improve mood and increase energy levels. It can even help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Regardless of your current fitness level, it’s never too late to start!
Practicing healthy habits is an ongoing process. It can be easy to fall off the wagon after a busy week or when a pressing deadline comes up. But recommitting to your health goals is an important step to feeling your best and staying on track for your long-term goals. The key is finding a way to make healthy behavior stick, which can be as simple as starting with just one small change, like choosing water over soda or logging an hour of exercise on the weekend. The more you practice these healthy habits, the easier they will become. And before you know it, you’ll have the strength and energy to tackle your day-to-day tasks with ease and enthusiasm! Then you can truly feel like your healthy self.