When you think about living a healthy lifestyle, what does that really mean? Basically it means getting in some moderate exercise on a weekly basis, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a normal weight. To the average person who is strapped for time and busy with job and family commitments, maintaining your health may seem overwhelming. It does not need to be. As we will see, small changes in your daily living can mean big changes in your health.
Choose a sensible diet that has a proven track record by going on one of the top 10 diets. Simply going from one diet to another will do you more harm than good. By choosing a low diet plan that is proven to work you will find it easier to stick to because it works.
Exercise does not have to be a dirty word. If your lifestyle is sedentary, start slowly and increase your activity level as you reach small targets you set for yourself. That could be something as taking the stairs rather than taking the elevator. Over time, you might decide to walk for part of your lunch break. Eventually you may want to join a fitness center to increase your progress. Go at the pace you enjoy and are comfortable with.
If you are still a smoker you need to get on a cessation program. There are medications in patch, pill and gum form that can assist you in stopping. Getting help by finding a quit smoking buddy or talking to a counselor have both been proven to improve your chances of quiting smoting. Side effects of smoking include rapid heartbeat, decreased circulation, and shortness of breath and more serious chronic diseases such as cancer, emphysema and heart disease can eventually develop.
Drinking some types of alcohol in moderation such as red wine has actually been shown to benefit the heart. However, drinking more than one or two glasses a day can lead to liver damage. The liver acts as a giant filter system of the body. When the filter is clogged, the body does not function properly. Jaundice, gallstones, blood clotting difficulties, organ failure and death can result when the liver is compromised.
Knowing your body mass index (BMI) can help you calculate what a healthy weight is for your body type. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight by the square of your height or go online and use a BMI calculating tool. Regulating your diet and adding health fitness weekly can help stabilize your weight.
You've stopped thinking about your body and what you put into it. You're listless and you lack energy. Serious health issues may run in your family. Overwhelmed by what lies ahead? You can adopt a health fitness lifestyle by adding healthier food to your menu, integrating daily exercise into your routine, stopping smoking and drink a glass of red wine with a meal. To maintain a normal weight, you must increase your level of activity and eat a balanced diet. Set your goals and remind yourself that small changes add up to big results over time.