The start of a new year brings forth resolutions to improve your health by embracing healthier lifestyles. However, living a healthy life may seem challenging if you don’t know basic health and fitness tips.
There are several advertisements and diverse expert opinions on what constitutes a healthy lifestyle, which can provide conflicting wellness advice. Thankfully, all you have to do is follow simple rules like those below to lead a healthy life and feel good every day.
Avoid taking harmful things into your system
Many people expose themselves to health dangers by putting toxic things into their bodies. These include cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, which can be addictive. If you have addiction issues with these potentially toxic products, you may want to address them for better health. Moderate alcohol may be fine if you can tolerate it. However, tobacco and abusive drugs can be harmful to almost everyone, making it advisable to avoid them as much as possible. Another habit that can harm your health is eating unhealthy and highly processed foods. Cutting back on such foods is one simple rule you can follow to improve your diet. Avoiding these foods is tough because they come with an irresistible taste. However, moderation is key, as excessive intake could expose you to various diseases and conditions. And this leads to the next point.
Eat less sugar and salt
Excessive sodium consumption can put you at risk of hypertension, which can, in turn, increase heart disease and stroke risks. High blood pressure is regarded as a silent killer because the symptoms don’t show early. Therefore, it will help if you prioritize routine blood pressure measurement to prevent and manage hypertension. You often get sodium through salt, but make sure you limit your intake to a maximum of 5 grams per day – this quantity is roughly equal to one teaspoon. Consider removing seasonings and condiments from your dining table and opt for low-sodium products instead.
Furthermore, too much sugar is not good for your health, as it can increase your risks of developing tooth decay and unhealthy weight. Added sugars can impact your metabolism when eaten in excess. Experts advise that adults and children should reduce sugar intake to less than 10% of their total energy intake. That is equal to 50 grams or 12 teaspoons for adults. The World Health Organization also recommends eating less than 5% of total energy intake for extra health benefits. A practical way to decrease sugar consumption is to reduce sugary snacks, candies, and sweetened beverage intake.
Stay active
Regular physical activity offers incredible health benefits. You can do exercises in different ways, such as working out in the gym, walking, running, doing household chores, and engaging in recreational activities. The amount of exercise you require to stay fit may depend on your age group. But generally, adults aged 18 to 64 should undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. You can enjoy additional health benefits if you increase this to 300 minutes of exercise per week. Regular exercise helps reduce depression and the risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. Apart from that, you can lose fat with exercise and a healthy diet. Physical activity burns calories and improves overall body health.
