What Our Bodies Really Need to Be Healthy

First of all, in order to be truly healthy, we need to eat foods that are rich in certain nutrients. In fact, there should be very little junk food in our diets, but unfortunately, most of us eat way too many of the foods that are bad for us, and not enough of the healthy foods we really need. We need to make sure that we are getting plenty of protein in our diets, as well as foods that are loaded with healthy carbohydrates, and good fats (not saturated or trans fats).

While the debate is inconclusive as to whether one should eat meat or be vegetarian or vegan, the truth of the matter is that there are very healthy individuals who follow any one of the above eating programs, so some of the foods that are delicious and could be a part of every healthy diet include:

• Lean red meat, fish and poultry
• Whole grains
• Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Nutritional supplements and vitamins

One way to help slow the aging process is to try to always maintain a healthy weight. Eating a diet that is loaded with the above foods is a great way to start, of course making sure that you eat them in moderation.

You can easily maintain your weight by following a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. Of course, this often sounds a lot easier than it really is, especially for  those who are living an unhealthy lifestyle.

Once you get into a routine, it won’t be so difficult to eat healthy and exercise, and, you can still enjoy an unhealthy treat now and again, as long as you do it in moderation.

Being at your ideal weight is not just so you can look good.  Many people only lose weight because they want to look better, but you would be surprised at how great you are going to feel when you are eating right and exercising. Another bonus about living a healthy lifestyle is that it is going to add many years to your life. With so many benefits, it doesn’t really make any sense to not have a healthy lifestyle, with healthy foods and plenty of exercise.

Next, along with eating healthy foods, it is important that if you want to stay vigorous and fit that you be active. We all need to exercise every day, but a lot of us really hate to exercise. Thank goodness that there are loads of things we can do that keep us active, but don’t seem like exercise. No, you don’t have to go jogging or join a sports team.  You can do all kinds of fun things. Play games like tag with your kids.

Go out and fly a kite. Take a walk through the woods. Go for a swim when the weather is good. If you have any activity you enjoy that involves movement, this is a great way for you to start getting into great shape, and staying that way for life.

Don’t forget to drink lots of water. This is something that can really keep you fit and vigorous. Water flushes a lot of toxins from our system, and it keeps us hydrated. When we drink enough water, it helps to provide us with energy, and it enables us to lose weight, because it aids digestion as well as contributes to satiety to fill us up without any fat or calories. Most likely, you should try to drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day, but even though this is a cliché, it is true and your body will be in better condition because you do so.

In addition to eating well and exercising, I have previously mentioned it before and I will mention it again here, proper sleep of at least 7 hours a night will do wonders for your body.  Multiple scientific studies have proven that we should all get at least 7 hours of sleep every night to give our bodies’ metabolic processes a chance to rebalance themselves.  If we do not, then chronic sleep deprivation sets in and a number of undesirable consequences follow including paradoxical weight gain, mood alterations and increased stress and anxiety. This lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect, no matter how much you maintain a healthy diet or exercise.

So, eating healthy, exercise, and adequate sleep are three pillars that will help you have the healthiest body possible so that you can enjoy doing the things that you like most in life.  Commit to working on these today!