Healthy Living

Do you aspire to live a healthy lifestyle? Being healthy requires more than just going for an occasional short walk once every two weeks or eating an occasional salad. Like any other success in your life, living healthily means putting in some time and effort but it is well worth it. In order to live a healthy lifestyle consistently, you can begin by choosing healthy foods, fitting more exercise and physical activities into our daily routine, and practicing good hygiene. Increasing healthy habits means you must be prepared to reduce unhealthy ones such as refraining from engaging in fad diets and neglecting your sleep. Making these lifestyle improvements will require some gradual adjustment, but once you have made the commitment; living a healthy lifestyle is readily accessible.

How do you achieve this? Begin by choosing healthy foods that contains minimal amount of unhealthy fats. Healthy fats such as mono-saturated, poly-unsaturated, and omega-3 fats are all good lifestyle choices but they should also be consumed in moderation. Select foods that are low in highly refined carbohydrates and sugar such as whole fruits, freshly squeezed juices, and whole grain bread; these are all healthy choices. Whole foods offer a balance of healthy carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and other nutrients, which are healthier choices. Fruits and vegetables contain high vitamin and mineral content so increase your fruit and vegetable intake by trying to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables instead of canned ones that often contain added sugar or salt.

Choose lean meats, beans, and tofu; these are high in protein and healthier choices than processed meats. Incorporate whole grains such as whole wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, bulgur wheat, and quinoa into your diet; these are healthier choices than white processed food such as white flour and white bread. Reduce your fat intake by eating low-fat dairy products such as skim milk and reduced fat cheeses; ensure you are receiving enough calcium by consuming these low fat dairy options.

Incorporate organic foods into your diet: Shop at local markets, this effort will ensure that you support your local farmers who produce organic foods. Organic foods are not more nutritious for you, but they don’t contain as much pesticide residue or food additives. They are generally more eco-friendly, too.  If price is a factor, consider purchasing only certain foods organic, such as apples, mangoes, oranges, bell peppers, greens, potatoes, callaloo, cabbage, and lettuce. These foods often have much higher pesticide use than other produce when grown conventionally.

“Variety is the spice of life” may be cliché but true, so eat a variety of different whole foods instead of processed foods. Remember: Your Health, Your Body, Your Life, so take the best care!