In our world there lives a strong fast and convenience food culture and obesity is commonplace. There has never been any other time where the phrase "healthy lifestyle" has been used so frequently. however one persons idea of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle can be quite different to someone else's. We are all different with varying body shapes and medical histories, there can be no one definitive healthy lifestyle.
Generally a person who does not smoke at all or drink too much, has varied and sensible eating habits, takes regular exercise and is not classed as too much under or overweight can be classed as having a healthy lifestyle. You may be looking at that list and thinking that hardly any of those things describe you or your lifestyle, but do not panic as it is never too late to improve your lifestyle and become healthier.
Whatever place you are starting from and no matter how unhealthy you believe your lifestyle is, you can start to improve it by taking a few basic steps. The important thing is that you are honest about your lifestyle, recognise the need for change and crucially start taking action (no matter how small) to improve your lifestyle. This is not something that can or should be done overnight, too many drastic changes all at once will be impossible to maintain and will leave you feeling defeated and frustrated. Improving your lifestyle and then maintaining it should always be a work in progress, something you live by day after day. If you feel too daunted or overwhelmed then you will simply never get started, remember that any journey always starts with a single step. Also beware of the dream killer known as procrastination which lurks behind every good intention. I'll do something about my lifestyle when I'm 40, I'll cut back in the new year or I will start exercising when I have more time. There is never a better time to do something than today.
Here are a few simple things you could start doing now: -
Turn off the TV and go for a brisk walk.
Cut back on the fried food and takeaways.
Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
Reduce the portion size of your meals.
Go for a swim or a bike ride.
Drink less alcohol and more water.
Gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Walk to work more often, or park further away from the office.
Go for a brisk stroll during your lunch hour.
Take up a new hobby that involves physical activity.
Cut out a few of your salty and sweet snacks.
Set the alarm half and hour earlier and go for a walk or jog.
Stop eating when you feel full, not bloated.
Play sports with family or friends.
Incorporating a handful of small changes on a daily basis will add up to make a huge difference with your lifestyle. Start thinking more healthy, start doing more healthy things and you will soon have a healthier lifestyle