Fitness, health and nutrition are important components of overall wellness that are associated with a variety of benefits. Although each of these may be fairly daunting to some, they can be quite simple and easy to achieve and maintain. Small steps can lead to lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference.
Fitness
According to The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, physical fitness is defined as "a state of well-being with low risk of premature health problems and energy to participate in a variety of physical activities." Physical fitness involves several dimensions, including body composition, flexibility, metabolism, muscular endurance and muscular strength. Regular exercise and physical activity can address each of these components and can help maintain physical fitness.
Health
The President's Council on Physical Fitness also provides a definition of health: "a state of being associated with freedom from disease and illness that also includes a positive component (wellness) that is associated with a quality of life and positive well-being." Many chronic diseases are associated with factors such as obesity, eating habits and other lifestyle factors. These factors can easily be altered and controlled to promote health. The Cleveland Clinic provides a set of guidelines that can help make controlling these factors and keeping up with regular health maintenance appointments easier.
Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the most important components associated with health and wellness. The foods you eat provide energy for daily activities and body functions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides dietary guidelines for an overall healthy diet. A diet that follows these guidelines is rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Lean meats, eggs, poultry, fish, nuts and beans are also included. It also recommends that the diet be low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
Benefits
Several individual benefits are associated with fitness, health and nutrition, and the combined benefits are astounding. Eating right, being physically fit and maintaining overall health can result in increased energy levels, increased resistance to colds and flu, and a general state of well-being. Stress management is another major benefit associated with a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can function as a stress reliever, and maintaining health can help keep stressors associated with chronic health issues at bay.
Making It Work
Busy lifestyles can make staying physically active, eating right and general health maintenance difficult. Planning is a simple but important technique that can make a healthy lifestyle run smoothly. Setting time aside at the beginning of the week to plan meals and shopping lists for the remainder of the week can save both time and money. The same technique can be applied to exercise. Taking a look at weekly schedules can help identify the best times to incorporate physical activity and schedule health maintenance appointments such as dentist and eye appointments.
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