Healthy is a state of being physically, mentally and socially well that includes the absence of disease and infirmity. It also involves a person’s daily lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity, as well as the environment in which they live and work.
Practicing healthful behaviors enables us to achieve our full potential and maintain a balanced and fulfilling life. Healthful practices include:
Eating a healthy diet means fueling your body with nutritious foods. It’s about choosing a balance of foods from the 5 major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein (lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and soy products). Choose low-fat or fat-free milk, water, tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, but limit sugary drinks, sodas and fruit juices.
A healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress. The good news is that all of these things are within your control.
The definition of a healthy lifestyle is often confused with the definition of a “healthy” diet. However, it is important to note that a healthy diet isn’t just about the types of foods that you eat, but rather about eating a balanced diet that provides your body with the nutrients it needs.
Eating healthy foods can help you reduce your risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. It also helps you stay at a healthy weight and improves your mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
While some people may need to follow specific diets for medical reasons, most of the time a healthy diet is about making simple changes to your everyday choices. For example, start by replacing some of the refined carbohydrates you eat with whole grain options – for instance bread or pilaf. Try adding in some veggies, or a serving of fruit with each meal. And if you’re eating out or buying takeaway, think about the portion sizes and whether it contains any added salt, saturated or trans fats or too many sugars.
A healthy lifestyle is also about being active in your community, reducing your stress levels and taking some time out to relax. Some ways to do this can be through exercise, meditating, or practicing other mindfulness techniques. Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night can also help you manage stress, as can spending time with family and friends and doing hobbies that you enjoy. You can even make your own stress-relief tools, like a journal or taking up knitting! The important thing is to find what works for you and stick with it. The best way to do this is by starting small, and setting realistic goals that will be sustainable for your life. It can take as little as 21 days for new habits to become a part of your routine, but it’s more likely that these healthy changes will last longer if you commit to them for the long haul. Our expert primary care and family medicine specialists are here to help you get started.