You likely hear about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle often. Whether it's on the news or in a magazine, there's no shortage of information about why it's important to be healthy. Still, though, an alarming number of Americans are obese or overweight: more than two-thirds of adults, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle sounds easier than it actually is for many people. Diet and exercise are key, but there are other things you can do as well to live a healthier life.
Step 1
Quit smoking. This alone will drastically improve your health. Smoking greatly increases your risk for developing lung cancer and also can contribute to heart disease, stroke and obstructive lung diseases.
Step 2
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet with the goal of keeping your body healthy and nourished. To maintain a healthy weight, you must balance your total caloric intake with the amount of calories you burn each day. A healthy diet consists of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat and nonfat dairy products. Avoid foods laden with saturated and trans fats and those with a lot of salt or added sweeteners.
Step 3
Get moving and keep moving. Regular physical activity serves as a major component of a healthy lifestyle. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for American recommend that adults get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.
Step 4
Avoid excess drinking and never drink and drive. Drinking too much alcohol can cause irreversible liver damage and increases your risk for several types of cancer as well as pancreatitis and high blood pressure, the CDC reports. The federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Step 5
Practice safe sex. Use birth control every time you have sex provided you are not trying to conceive. If you are sexually active, make sure your doctor is aware and regularly screens you for sexually transmitted diseases.
Step 6
Visit your doctor regularly for a physical and to be screened for certain conditions and diseases. Depending on your age, lifestyle and risk factors, you should get regular checkups to ensure you do not have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain types of cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and various other serious medical conditions.
Tips and Warnings
- Try to vary your meals and the foods you eat so you do not become bored. Similarly, vary your physical activities so you don't fall into a rut and quit exercising altogether. For example, if biking becomes tiresome try hiking, jogging or running. If your aerobics class becomes a chore, try to find a dancing or indoor cycling class. Allow yourself occasionally indulgences so you don't feel as though you are depriving yourself. If you have a taste for some fries or a candy bar, allow yourself the treat, as long as it doesn't become a habit. If you want to sleep in, skip the gym for a day.
References
- Healthfinder.gov: Quick Guide to Healthy Living
- Weight-Control Information Network: Take Charge of Your Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Health Effects of Smoking
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Alcohol and Public Health
- Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans
- Weight-Control Information Network: Statistics Related to Overweight and Obesity
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