Written by Tommy Fisher
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult, especially if you have grown in an environment of junk foods, crash diets, and no exercise. It can be both intimidating and discouraging, so much that you stop in the middle of it and go back to your old ways, or you do not even try in the first place. A healthy lifestyle can improve your overall physical and mental health. By choosing a healthy lifestyle, you are choosing to be a better you. Your physical health will be on its optimum level because you are able to shrink or gain into your ideal weight. Being skinny is different from being healthy; and being obese is not a good choice either.
Living a healthy lifestyle naturally calls for a healthy body, free from disease and illnesses. It also means that you enjoy a positive outlook about your life, the people in it, and the world. A healthy lifestyle is one full of energy, without constant stress about aches and pains, and what tomorrow will bring. It's about living in a healthy body, and enjoying the world around you.
Also, in choosing a healthy lifestyle, you are able to improve your mental health. Your brain cannot function well if you deprive yourself from food or you are not consuming the right amount of calories needed to fuel your body. But with a proper diet, you will be assured that you are getting all the necessary nutrients needed by your body. Also, a good cardio exercise will improve the circulation of blood in your system and will improve your immune system, making you stronger and more focused on each day. Just a brief 30 minute jog or run, or an hour of yoga or Pilates will even help you focus and help fight depression and anxiety.
Here are some tips for healthy living for both parents and children;
1. Get active each day
Regular physical activity is important for the healthy growth, development and well-being of children and young people. They should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including vigorous activities that make them breathe deeply and sweat out. Parents should be good role models and have a positive attitude to being active.
2. Choose water as a drink
Water is the best way to quench your thirst – and it doesn’t come with the added sugar found in fruit juices, soft drinks and other sweetened drinks. Reduced fat milk for children over two is a nutritious drink and a great source of calcium. Give kids whole fruit to eat, rather than offering fruit juices that have a lot of sugar.
3. Eat more fruit and vegetables
Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps children grow and develop, boosts their vitality and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Aim to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. Have fresh fruit available as a convenient snack and try to include fruit and vegies in every meal.
