What does it mean to live a healthy lifestyle? Generally it means you eat a healthful diet, you engage in a moderate exercise program, you don't smoke, you limit alcohol consumption, and you maintain a normal weight. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Not really? For most people, trying to balance an active lifestyle with a healthful lifestyle may seem impossible due to time constraints, job and family commitments or just simply lack of motivation. Maintaining your health does not mean living miserably.
Having a good diet doesn't have to be a chore. Some rudimentary alterations to your shopping list for the next time that you go to a grocery store will help you get onto the right path to eating more healthy. Small substitutions like eating more fruit and veggies and eating less refined and processed foods over time saves calories and increases nutrient content. Don't force yourself to shelve your entire way of eating and start with something restrictive. Feeling deprived leads to failure. Go slow and enjoy each new item you add to the menu.
The word exercise doesn't have to be a dirty word. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, start slow and increase your activity level as you reach small goals you set for yourself. It may be just using the stairs at work instead of using the elevator. Over time, you might decide to walk for part of your lunch break. As time goes by you might want to think about going to a fitness center to increase your rate of progress. Go at a pace you are comfortable with and enjoy.
If you smoke, consider a smoking cessation program. There are medications in pill, patch and gum form that can assist you in stopping. Talking to a counselor or adopting a quit-smoking buddy has been shown to help smokers quit smoking at higher rate than trying to go it alone. Side effects of smoking include rapid heartbeat, decreased circulation, and shortness of breath and more serious problems like cancer, emphysema and heart disease can eventually develop.
Drinking alcohol in moderation has actually been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system. Nonetheless, taking in more than one 8 ounce glass or even two has the ability to result in damage to yur liver. The liver acts as a giant filter system of the body. When the filter is clogged, the body does not function properly. Jaundice, gallstones, blood clotting difficulties, organ failure and death can result when the liver is compromised.
Knowing your body mass index (BMI) can help you calculate what a healthy weight is for your body type. You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight by the square of your height or go online and use a BMI calculating tool. Regulating your diet and adding health fitness weekly can help stabilize your weight.
So you've let yourself go. You don't feel fit. You lack energy. Serious health issues may run in your family. What to do? It is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Integrate more healthful food choices into your diet. Add health fitness to your routine. Quit smoking and have a glass of red wine with dinner. Eating better and increasing your activity level helps you maintain a normal weight. Each little change gets you closer to the lifestyle goals you set for yourself.
If you like to walk as exercise then you know how important a role weather plays in your walking schedule. Most people will not bother to go walking if it is too hot outside, too cold or if it is raining. Treadmills are the best solution to this problem. You never have to worry about bad weather and you can exercise in the comfort of your own home. If you have never tried out a treadmill then the time has come to give this exercise machine a try! Click here to get more information: Muscle Fitness also Bally Fitness and at Womens Fitness Magazines
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