Living A Healthy Lifestyle

We keep hearing a lot about living a healthy lifestyle or adopting healthy lifestyle habits, so much so, that the phrase 'healthy lifestyle' may be one that some of us would like to permanently forget. The issue is that the phrase describes the lifestyle we should all be living if we want to continue to look good and feel good in our later years. So, what actually does the phrase 'healthy lifestyle' mean? There are many obvious characteristics present in a healthy individual – For example, he or she is maintaining or managing their weight by using a healthy balanced diet and regular physical exercise, and usually does not smoke. It all sounds quite simple, but it is incredible just how hard it is to do in these modern times.

Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy balanced diet is vital in gaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only can a balanced diet assist with weight management, it will also improve your overall health and quality of life in your later years. You can use the diet plan guide to determine what food groups to focus on, or if you are just seeking smaller changes to begin with, you can use these simple tips to change how you eat:
* Eat More Fruit - Add fruit to your cereal or salads.
* Include More Vegetables - Keep canned or frozen vegetables handy for quick snacks.
* Switch Salad Dressing - Switch to something lighter and you will immediately eat less calories.
* Low Fat or Fat Free Dairy. Switching to skim milk or fat free yogurt is a simple way to consume less calories.
* Make Substitutes - Check your pantry or fridge and pick 3 foods you eat often. Note the nutritional content and the next time you are shopping, find lower-calorie substitutes for just those 3 items.

Adopting healthy eating habits does not have to mean drastic changes. In fact, drastic changes will quite often lead to failure. The good news here is that you do not have to make huge changes to your everyday routine to achieve a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the trick to acquiring a healthy standard of living is by making small changes. Gradually increase your efforts each day by adding fruit to your cereal for breakfast, pack a salad for lunch every second or third day, or declining on that extra helping of creamy mashed potatoes. So, what else should you focus on to achieve that healthy lifestyle? As soon as you realise the importance of a healthy balanced diet, your second order of business is to start a regular strength training routine.

Physical Exercise
One of the main reasons there is a weight problem amongst the general population is because we sitting for long periods of time. We are all aware of the fact that we need to exercise regularly, but we keep inventing excuses not to do it. Too busy, can’t get motivated, don't know where to start, or we are afraid of injuring ourselves. The truth is, exercise does not have to be vigorous for it to be of benefit, every little bit counts and the more active you are, the healthier you will be. Even moderate physical exercise like gardening, chores, and walking are all beneficial.

Just adding physical activity to your life can:
* Reduce stress
* Improve mood
* Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
* Enhance self esteem
* Maintain bone mass
* Improve joint stability
* Increase and improve range of movement
* Help maintain flexibility as you age
* Prevent osteoporosis and fractures
* Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes
* Improve memory in elderly people

Even if you opt for minimal lifestyle changes, the benefits are still fairly good. Research studies have noted that just a 10 percent reduction in weight assisted obese patients by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and increasing longevity. In fact, you do not even have to have to set a goal for weight management, why not first focus on being healthy to begin with, and then worry about losing weight once you have some healthy lifestyle habits under your belt! Accepting small changes in your daily habits can lead to huge rewards, so do what you can today to be healthier for tomorrow!