Do you think you lead a healthy lifestyle? In addition to deviating from time to time, most of us believe that we do a fair job of maintaining our health through good (or at least acceptable) eating habits and physical activity when we can adapt them. But is this enough for a "healthy" appearance?
According to a recent study, very few adults meet the criteria for a healthy lifestyle. The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that only 3% of American adults scored perfect on what the authors say are the four basic criteria for healthy living. Only 13.8% met three criteria; 34.2% met only two criteria. Women scored slightly better than men.
See how to measure well the four keys for health researchers:
- Do you smoke?
- Can you maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18-25) or are you successfully losing weight to a healthy weight?
- Do you eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day?
- Do you exercise for 30 minutes or more, 5 times a week?
The good news is that these behaviors shouldn't be foreign to you, as all but one are an integral part of a weight loss clinic. Numbers 2 through 4 are the foundation of WLC and the habits that we constantly discuss, write and recommend.
Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to health. If you are one of the lucky ones who has never been addicted to nicotine, get out. Smokers, I hope you work hard to kick your habit. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of a smoke-free life for your health and for the good of those around you.
Read more: How to Bifferentiate Between Healthy and Unhealthy Foods?
4 steps and more
While these four habits are indisputably important to a healthy lifestyle, some might argue that more factors must be taken into account. What will be on your list?
Just for fun, I come up with my list of the top 10 healthy behaviors (plus the four essentials) that contribute to one's well-being and lifestyle satisfaction:
- Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy and disease-free.
- Get a good night's rest. Well-rested people not only cope better with stress, but are also better able to control their appetite. Research has shown that lack of sleep can cause an imbalance of "hunger hormones" and possibly lead to overeating.
- Enjoy regular family meals. This enables parents to be good role models, can promote nutritious eating, and pave the way for lively conversations. Connecting with family and / or friends is a powerful aspect of a healthy life.
- Smile and laugh out loud several times a day. It keeps you grounded and helps you deal with situations that would otherwise drive you crazy. Read comics, watch sitcoms, or tell jokes to bring out those happy feelings.
- Meditate, pray, or find comfort for at least 10 to 20 minutes each day. Meditation is good for the soul, it helps you cope with the demands of daily life, and it can also help lower your blood pressure.
- Get yourself a pedometer and let it motivate you to walk, walk, and walk. Forget how many minutes of activity you need; Just do whatever you can to accommodate more steps in your day. Regardless of how you got it, physical activity can help relieve stress, burn calories, and boost self-esteem.
- Stand up straight. You will look 5 pounds lighter if you stand up and squeeze your stomach muscles. When you walk, think "long and narrow" to get the most out of the movement.
- Try yoga. The poses help increase strength, flexibility, and improve balance. These are areas that are especially important to older adults and can benefit both men and women.
- Boost your protein. These nutrients are an essential part of your eating plan and can account for 10% to 35% of your total calories. Protein persists for a long time in your stomach. Combine it with high-fiber foods and you'll feel full when you eat fewer calories. Enjoy small servings of nuts, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, poultry, and fish.
- Last but not least, be positive. Do your best to view life as "the cup is half full." You have to believe in yourself, have good support systems, and think positively ("I think I can, I think I can ...") to be successful.
Comments
Post a Comment