Getting enough regular physical activity or exercise, eating nourishing foods, and reducing your intake of sugar and alcohol are just some of the recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There are many ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Tips range from maintaining a moderate weight and eating nourishing foods to getting enough physical activity and quality sleep.
Read on to learn more about some of the ways to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping your weight in a moderate range can protect you from conditions
Your body mass index (BMI) and your waist circumference are two measurements that can help determine if you have a moderate weight, according to the
A doctor will also consider other factors such as your age, ethnicity, body composition, and health history when recommending a moderate weight range for you.
Remember, weight isn’t just about a number on the scale. Everyone is different, so it’s best to work with a doctor to determine a moderate weight for you.
The human body needs a variety of foods for energy. That means eating a balanced diet, which can include foods
- vitamins
- minerals
- fiber
- whole grains
- nuts
- lean protein
- low fat dairy
A registered dietitian can provide more information about balanced diets and help you to create an eating plan based on your dietary needs or preferences.
It’s best to limit consuming highly processed foods, like packaged and frozen foods. They typically have fewer nutrients but more calories, fat, salt, and added sugars.
It’s also best to limit your intake of soda, packaged cookies and chips, candy, and sweetened cereals.
It may help to try slowly swapping out these processed meals and snacks for whole foods. Some people will find it easier to begin by swapping one or two snacks for healthier options.
Staying hydrated isn’t just about quenching your thirst, It also keeps your body and brain running.
Drinking plenty of water can help:
- improve brain performance
- improve digestion
- boost energy
- help lower joint pain
- help prevent kidney stones
- improve heart health
- support weight management
Advice on how much water to drink per day varies, but aiming for around 8 glasses of water per day is a good target.
Moving your body has a host of health benefits, including:
- boosting your mood
- building muscle
- strengthening your bones
- weight management
- improving sleep
Regular exercise can also help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Try to aim for
In addition to getting your heart pumping, spending less time sitting can improve your overall health.
Prolonged sitting and sedentary behavior have links with an increased chance of:
- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- certain types of cancer
Regular exercise doesn’t completely remove the risk of these conditions, but it can help reduce the likelihood.
Speak with a doctor for more information on the benefits of reducing sitting and getting more physical activity.
Being out in nature has a way of putting things in perspective, but it also has benefits for your mental health.
Not only can soaking up the sun ease symptoms of depression, but it can also make you feel more relaxed and focused, particularly when you take notice of your surroundings.
Getting outside can also ease feelings like worry and sadness and promote happiness, optimism, and a sense of connection with the world.
Sunlight is also the best source of vitamin D.
Getting good sleep is
- maintaining bodily functions
- repairing muscle tissue
- restoring energy
- processing new memories and information in the brain
When you don’t get enough sleep, you may be irritable, emotional, and have trouble focusing. If sleep deprivation becomes chronic, it can even increase the chance of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.
For all of these reasons, it’s important for most adults to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night.
Limiting alcohol intake can help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is best to limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men, according to the
There are a few studies that suggest some alcohol could have health benefits, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health. However, more
If you do drink alcohol, it’s best to do so in moderation.
Smoking releases harmful chemicals into your body and can damage lung tissue, heart health, and more. Smoking is also the
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health, no matter your age or how long you’ve smoked. In fact, quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to your life expectancy, according to the
Speak with your doctor if you’d like advice and support on stopping smoking.
Multivitamins may be an important part of your routine, particularly if you have a nutritional deficiency due to:
- older age
- pregnancy
- malabsorption issues
- certain medications
Research is still mixed on whether multivitamins are effective at improving health, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health.
That said, taking a daily multivitamin within the recommended daily allowance may be beneficial. It is best to speak with a doctor before taking any supplements.
It’s important to attend regular health screenings, such as a breast mammogram or a colonoscopy. These can help detect some conditions early.
Keeping up to date with your vaccinations can also help prevent certain infections or conditions.
Scheduling regular checkups with a doctor and dentist can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Tips that can help maintain a healthy lifestyle include maintaining a moderate weight, consuming a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough regular physical activity or exercise.
Other steps you can take include getting enough quality sleep, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding smoking and considering taking a vitamin supplement.
Speak with your doctor for more advice on ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your doctor can also provide information about any regular screenings and vaccinations they recommend.
