When you think of a healthy lifestyle, do you picture a man in a tracksuit on a mountain doing yoga? Many people resist making the switch to a healthier lifestyle because they believe it involves cutting out the foods they love best and doing exercise they aren’t interested in doing, or becoming a health nut obsessed with bizarre exercise fads and extreme diets.
Staying active and healthy is actually easy to do and the benefits well outweigh any apprehensions you might have. In addition to looking and feeling your best, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can cut the risk of heart disease, reduce stress, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, fight illness, promote healing and help maintain strong teeth and bones. With so many benefits, you're running out of reasons not to get fit, and by making a few simple changes you can get yourself off the couch and back on the right track.
The first things you might want to tackle are your diet and exercise regime. Staying fit doesn't necessarily mean getting up at dawn and running until your feet hurt, and you can find ways to stay active that suit your schedule now. Aim to get exercise 3-4 times a week, and set aside an hour on your designated exercise days to walk, run, hit the gym or even play your favourite sport.
Fitting exercise into your busy schedule is actually easier than you might think. For example, instead of driving to and from work, you might want to walk or ride your bicycle. One simple change can mean big results and will help keep your blood pumping and your heart healthy. Grab a friend and go for a brisk walk on a forest trail while you catch up on all the latest, or phone a family member and invite them for a game of tennis. If you have any favourite sports, consider joining a recreational sports team, or try something new.
Eating healthy is a vital part of keeping your body in tip-top shape, and it doesn't mean you have to turn your back on your favourite foods and drinks. Instead, cut back on portion sizes and remember to have your favourite guilty pleasures in moderation. Keep sweets out of the house and plan ahead for when you'll eat dessert instead of sneaking into the kitchen late at night, and when you make dinner look for ways to incorporate healthy foods into your dishes and do your best to eat from all the four food groups.
Once you've got your diet and exercise regimes under control, look for other small ways you can keep yourself at your best. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and report any changes in your body to your GP as soon as you notice them. That way, you'll be able to catch anything early and get back to doing the things you love.
People tend to take their health for granted until they don't have it anymore, but by being proactive you can make sure you're feeling your best all day every day no matter how old you are. Speak to friends and family members about what they're doing to stay fit and healthy, and ask them about health insurance and any other related questions you might have. With your health in check, you'll be ready for anything and everything that comes your way and can get back to doing whatever it is you do best.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice. The views of the writer are not shared in anyway by Bupa. This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.
