With so many diet fads and new fitness suggestions inundating us in everyday life, it is hard to know which is the best way to get fit and healthy. Many of these plans can work, but they are generally faddish and not long lasting. The key to being fit and healthy is to work out lifestyle changes that factor in regular obtainable levels of diet and exercise. If you work on an everyday diet and exercise plan, that is easy to implement, you will find yourself getting fit and healthy naturally over time. Read on for three important steps for achieving a fit and healthy body, not just for the short term, but for your long term health and wellbeing.
1. Diet
There is a saying that ‘you are what you eat’, and there is fact in that statement. A diet which is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and proteins, will keep the body fuelled and a diet lacking in these elements will have an impact on your health. Always ensure that you consume plenty of plants foods such as vegetables and fruits. If you find plant foods uninteresting, then learn how to cook with them in new and interesting ways, such as vegetable kebabs and fruit smoothies. Always ensure that you limit the amount of saturated and trans fats you consume, such as fast food burgers, chips and buns. Try not to over indulge as even overeating on healthy foods can cause unhealthy weight gain. Only consume enough calories for what your body needs. For those with a very active lifestyle the calories count should be higher than those who live a more sentry lifestyle, in order to feed your body the calories it needs. Over time, a healthy diet will help to reduce cardiovascular disease, improve moods and keep the body strong. But don’t forget to add at least 2 liters of water a day to your diet, on average. Plenty of water helps keep your body hydrated.
2. Exercise
Always try to introduce some form of exercise into your everyday life in order to keep your body healthy and in good shape. Exercising need not mean running every day, it can simply be a moderate activity, such as 30 minutes of walking. You should aim to exercise in some way approximately three to four times a week. For a more toned and healthy body, you should develop your cardiovascular system and build muscle. This means introducing more strenuous activities such as jogging or running and participating in weight bearing activities, such as weight training at the gym. For those with little access to a gym or little time, home gyms can help. Or consider starting to walk home from work rather than using transport. You could always take up classes to help you get fitter, such as aerobics classes or martial arts classes such as kick boxing classes or muay thai classes.
3. Rest
Don’t forget that resting is part of a fit and healthy lifestyle too. Good rest and decent sleep is essential for good health. Aim to have around 7 to 8 hours good quality sleep each night.
With so many diet fads and new fitness suggestions inundating us in everyday life, it is hard to know which is the best way to . . .
