By: Mollie Dean
There is currently a rising focus among the American populace to lead a healthy lifestyle. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that one-fifth of the adult population in the United States are engaged in exercise each day. In line with this, there is also a growing demand for healthier foods with enhanced nutritional properties. These behaviors characterize what is popularly known as “healthy living”— or lifestyle choices that help avoid or manage serious health consequences like heart disease, stroke, and cancers.
Remaining in shape positively affects almost every aspect of our lives, from preventing needless hospitalizations to feeling better mentally and emotionally. Experts have much insight to share on staying healthy and fit, and today we’ll discuss some pieces of advice we should pay attention to:
1. Consume less salt and sugar – World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that consuming twice the recommended amount of sodium, or about two teaspoons daily, puts one at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. WHO recommends reducing your salt intake to 5 grams per day. It’s important to remember that sodium comes in the form of salt and seasonings and condiments such as soy sauce and fish sauce. WHO advises controlling your salt intake by removing high sodium condiments from your dinner table and choosing low-sodium snacks during your next grocery run.
WHO also points out that consuming excessive amounts of sugar increases the risk of unhealthy weight gain in adults and children. It recommends reducing sugar intake to less than 10% of your total energy intake by limiting the number of sugary snacks, candies, and sugary drinks in your cupboard.
2. Be careful with fad diets – WeightWatchers experts
Fad diets are antithetical to sustainable weight loss and long-term healthy living. Fad diets fail to capture the individual needs of each body. As the fitness experts behind WeightWatchers’ weight loss plans explain, a fitness plan needs to be personalized to target a person’s specific strengths and weaknesses and help them reach their fitness goals. An individually-tailored fitness program helps map out a daily routine that fits your schedule, improves your food choices, and minimizes cravings. This allows your diet and exercise plan to become less of a chore and more of a choice, which makes it much easier to commit long-term.
The fitness experts emphasize that feeding your body the right food and nutrition will bring lasting results. A customized diet plan helps provide the necessary nutrition for your body type while making your fitness journey pleasurable and exciting.
3. Stay hydrated – CDC
Staying hydrated couldn’t be emphasized enough by experts at the CDC. Getting enough water daily is critical to prevent dehydration and regulate your body temperature. Because water has no calories, it can help manage body weight and reduce calorie intake when substituted for sugar-laden drinks such as sweet tea, processed fruit juices, and soda.
Some of the CDC’s tips to drink more water include carrying a water bottle with you and refilling it throughout the day, choosing water over sugary drinks, and drinking water as you eat your meals. They also emphasize that everyone should consume water from beverages and foods, such as those with high water content, like fruits and vegetables.
4. Manage your pain – Cornerstone Physiotherapy
Managing pain is an essential aspect of mobility and fitness. Failure to do so impairs one’s ability to stay active and continue doing physical activities for fitness. Physiotherapist Adam Brown of Cornerstone Physiotherapy highlights that pain management and rehabilitation are necessary to improve overall health or prevent habits that lead to or further bodily injuries.
Exercise is a common way to manage chronic pain. A combination of cardio, relaxation, stretching, and strength exercises can ease pain and decrease inflammation. Successfully managing any tension in the body can dramatically increase your mobility without any additional medication.
Heeding these expert-backed insights can go a long way in helping you stay fit and healthy. Living a healthier life is a journey, and small changes to your lifestyle definitely amount to significant impacts on your overall health.
For more tips on healthy living, visit the Fitness Solution blog.
