Healthy means something different to every person because everyone has a unique body that needs and deserves to be treated with care. But there are some basic principles that most people consider to be part of a healthy lifestyle. These include a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and stress reduction. Having a regular doctor visit is important, too, because it allows you to catch any illnesses in their early stages when they’re easier to treat.
Eating a balanced diet includes lots of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. It also limits highly processed and packaged food as well as sugary drinks, salt and saturated and industrially-produced fats. When preparing meals, it’s helpful to read food labels and choose options that are lower in kilojoules. It can also help to make a weekly meal plan, keeping recipes and shopping lists organized to reduce the time spent on planning and cooking. When eating out, check the calorie and serving size information on menus to be sure you’re getting a healthful meal.
Regular exercise keeps the body strong and fit, reduces stress and anxiety and helps to manage weight. Depending on the type of exercise, it can also boost the release of mood-lifting hormones. People who lead sedentary lifestyles may have an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. To get enough exercise, adults should try to spend at least 30 minutes each day doing moderate-intensity physical activity.
It’s important to avoid smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol, both of which can have negative effects on the body. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night can also improve your health. It’s also a good idea to make time for socializing and relaxing activities, as these can help to relieve stress and depression.
While the things you do and don’t do affect your health, genetics also plays a role. If you have a family history of certain diseases, it’s especially important to be aware of them and take extra precautions to protect your health.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can seem like a daunting task, but by incorporating small steps into your daily routine, you can slowly start to see improvements. Eventually, these changes will become habits that help you live your best life. If you’re not sure where to begin, use the tips and habits in this article as a starting point. Then, build upon them with additional healthy choices to create your own unique healthy lifestyle.