Tips for Healthy Living

Ideally, we all want to live long, happy lives. You only need to spend a few minutes browsing magazine covers or watching television commercials to realize that health is a big business that has captured our attention. Ultimately, we all want to be fit and active; so it's fortunate that just a few minor changes in your lifestyle can get you on the road to healthy living. The tips presented in this article will help you increase your fitness so you can get more enjoyment from life.

The Basics

Generally speaking, a healthy person doesn't smoke, maintains a healthy weight, eats well, and exercises regularly. In principle, this all seems very easy, but in practice many North Americans today struggle to find the balance between a healthy life and their hectic schedules. Still, healthy living is attainable through small, gradual changes. Swapping sugary snacks for natural fruits, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or drinking water instead of juice are just a few examples of easy changes you can make to start living healthy.

Exercise

As technology has advanced, the activity level of humans has declined significantly. Whereas we once farmed our own foods, we now drive to the supermarket to buy pre-cooked, processed meals. Instead of walking to school, children take the bus. And rather than enjoying outdoor family activities, we sit stationary around a television. But the benefits of regular exercise are wide ranging:

Reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

• Improved joint health.
• Improved flexibility.
• Enhanced self esteem.
• Reduced stress levels.

These are just a few of the benefits of an active lifestyle, but how can you easily introduce more activity into your life?

• Turn off the TV and go for a walk.
• Walk to work or school.
• Clean the house.
• Walk while you talk.
• Stretch at your desk.
• Join a sports team.

Diet

When we talk about diet, we should not think about "going on a diet." Instead, healthy living and healthy eating need to be a lifestyle choice. You can still enjoy a treat from time-to-time, but your goal should be to introduce healthy, natural foods to replace unhealthy alternatives.

• Eat fruit for breakfast.
• Add vegetables to your favourite dishes such as pizza or pastas.
• Avoid processed, pre-made meals by cooking extra portions and freezing them.
• Substitute water for juice.
• Avoid sugar-filled sodas and snacks.

Changing the way you eat can be a challenge, so experts often recommend you keep a food diary. Sometimes, evaluating the foods you eat on a daily basis can be all the motivation you need to make a change. But remember, you don't need to eliminate all the foods you love from your diet; instead, choose healthier options or limit how much junk you consume.