Do you consider yourself to be a healthy person? Apart from straying from the road now and then, most of us believe we do a decent job of preserving our health through excellent (or at least adequate) eating habits and physical activity whenever we can. Is this, however, sufficient to be deemed “healthy?”
According to a recent survey, just a small percentage of persons satisfy the requirements for leading a healthy lifestyle. Only 3% of American people scored perfect on the four essential criteria for healthy living, according to the research, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Barely 13.8 percent satisfied three of the requirements, while 34.2 percent only met two. Women outperformed males by a smidgeon.
See how you fare on the researchers’ four health-related criteria:
Do you smoke?
- Are you able to keep a healthy weight (BMI of 18-25) or are you able to lose weight in order to achieve a healthy weight?
- Do you consume a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day?
- Do you work out five times a week for 30 minutes or more?
The good news is that all but one of these habits are part of the Weight Loss Clinic, so you should be familiar with them. Numbers 2–4 are the cornerstones of the WLC program, behaviors that we discuss, write about and advocate on a regular basis.
Everyone is aware that smoking is harmful to one’s health. Pat yourself on the back if you were one of the fortunate ones who never developed a nicotine addiction. Smokers, I hope you’re making strenuous efforts to quit. It’s hard to overestimate the value of a smoke-free lifestyle for your own health and that of others around you.
There are four steps in all
While those four behaviors are undeniably vital for living a healthy lifestyle, others may argue that more aspects should be considered. What would you put on your wish list?
Just for fun, I made my own top ten list of healthy activities (beyond the four fundamentals) that contribute to overall wellbeing and lifestyle satisfaction:
Your daily routines have a significant role in your overall oral health.
Brush and floss your teeth and gums on a daily basis to maintain them healthy and disease-free. But, even the most dedicated brushers and flossers need to visit the dentist on a regular basis. According to a dental office in Chandler, cleanings and checkups with your dentist should be done at least twice a year. A dentist can not only remove calculus and check for cavities, but they may also detect possible problems and provide treatment options.
Make sure you get a decent night’s sleep.
People who get enough sleep not only manage stress better, but they may also have greater control over their appetites. Sleep deprivation has been demonstrated to throw our “hunger hormones” out of whack, perhaps leading to overeating.
Regularly have meals with your family.
This helps parents to be excellent role models, encourages healthier eating habits, and creates a conducive environment for active discussions. Connecting with family and/or friends is an important element of living a healthy life.
Several times a day, smile and laugh aloud.
It helps you stay grounded and deal with events that might otherwise drive you insane. To bring forth those cheerful sentiments, read comic books, watch a comedy, or deliver jokes.
Every day, spend at least 10-20 minutes meditating, praying, or otherwise seeking consolation. Contemplation is excellent for your spirit, it helps you deal with the stresses of everyday life, and it may even help you decrease your blood pressure.
Get yourself a pedometer and use it to inspire you to walk, walk, and walk some more. Forget about how many minutes of exercise you require; instead, do all you can to increase the number of steps you do each day. Physical activity, no matter how you obtain it, may help you relax, burn calories, and increase your self-esteem.
Straighten your back.
Standing straight and tightening your abdominal muscles will make you appear 5 pounds lighter. Think “tall and tight” whenever you walk to get the most out of the action.
Take up yoga.
The positions assist to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. These are important areas for elderly people in particular, and both men and women can benefit from them.
Boost your protein intake.
This vitamin is an important element of your diet and can account for anything from 10% to 35% of your total calories. Protein keeps you full for a long period in your stomach; mix it with high-fiber meals to feel satisfied with fewer calories. Nuts, low-fat dairy, legumes, lean meat, poultry, and fish are also good choices.
Last but not least, have an optimistic frame of mind. Make an effort to see life through the eyes of a “half-full glass.” To achieve, you must believe in yourself, surround yourself with supportive people, and think positively (“I think I can, I think I can…”).
Everything revolves around you.
It’s possible that your list of healthy living habits differs from mine. The most essential thing to keep in mind is that you have control over your health and well-being. Take control of your life and be aware of modest behavioral adjustments that can help you live a healthy existence.