A firm foundation of diet and exercise is the most integral part of building a healthy lifestyle. Without that foundation, everything else will eventually crumble. Adopting a healthy lifestyle might seem overwhelming for someone who thinks of it as one massive undertaking, but a better way to think of it is as many small steps you can take one at a time until you are well on the road to good health.
Look for Food Bargains
Think of your daily caloric intake as an allowance. Budget calories the way you budget money. Salads, low-fat pudding or berries are very affordable. Calorie-costly foods aren't off limits. Be budget-conscious at other meals and save so you can afford them occasionally. Nutrition and public health advocate Charles Stuart Platkin recommends seeking calorie bargains. In an article for Fitness Magazine, he advises people to seek lower-calorie versions of favorite foods the way they would shop for bargain brands. For example, a whole grain English muffin topped with sauce and part-skim mozzarella is a comparable product to takeout pizza.
Eat a Rainbow Every Day
The closer to nature your food is, the more likely it is to be good for you. No food is closer to nature than fresh vegetables and fruits. They're rich in nutrients and low in calories, and with such a wide variety to choose from, you need not bore your palate. Choosing a variety is not just beneficial for your taste buds, notes Helpguide.org. Different fruits and vegetables have different benefits. Leafy greens like kale and broccoli are high in vitamins A, C and K. Apples are high in fiber. Berries help fight cancer. Sweet corn and sweet potatoes help satisfy your sweet tooth and curb sugar cravings. According to Helpguide, the brighter or deeper the color of your produce, the more beneficial it is. Strive to eat a rainbow of choices each day to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.
Always Be Ready for Exercise
The United States Department of Agriculture has changed the food pyramid in recent years to include physical activity. Adults should strive for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, and children should get a minimum of 60 minutes. In order to reach these minimum goals, Foodpyramid.gov recommends being ready to go at all times. Needing to go home to change, get equipment or make a side trip to the gym can be discouraging in the midst of a busy day. Carry sneakers, shorts or sweat pants with you in your car or stash some at the office. That way, if the opportunity presents itself for a walk on your break or a quick game of racquet ball after work, you'll be ready.
Choose Fun Activities
If "boring" is the term that pops into your mind when you think of exercise, it can be hard to commit yourself to habits you can stick to long term. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports advocates that you be more adventurous and try different sports and activities until you find one you enjoy. Perhaps you'll find martial arts training more stimulating than aerobics, or shooting hoops before dinner with the kids more engaging than using an elliptical machine. Get your friends, family or co-workers involved so that you can motivate each other. Look for things to do together that everyone enjoys and exercise will feel more like quality time or a social engagement than a tedious chore.
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