Although the term "good health" can have various definitions, all of the definitions should address a person's physical and mental well being. When I use the term good health, I am referring to the condition of the body and mind.
Good health is a person's overall physical and mental state. I feel that if a person is in good health, he or she is free from any terminal diseases or mental illnesses, and that person is striving to live a healthy lifestyle (eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly and acquiring a proper amount of sleep).
Being in good health can increase a person's self-esteem, which will result in a person feeling good and being happy. Also, living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of acquiring certain diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Maintaining good health requires dedication, time and commitment. You must have the desire to want to live a healthy lifestyle. No one can live your life for you? You must take responsibilities for your own actions.
One important factor in maintaining good health is to eat healthy foods. It is very important to follow a well-balanced diet. By diet, I am referring to your food intake. Basically, what you eat and drink on a regular basis. I'm not suggesting that you have to take part in a particular diet plan that is currently being advertised on television or in magazines. So, please do not misinterpret my use of the word diet. And if you are considering going on a particular diet, other than the one that you are currently following please consult a licensed physician first!
So, what is a well-balanced diet? A well-balanced diet supplies nutrition and energy for the body. You are ensuring that your body is receiving an adequate amount of food to function properly. In order to maintain good health, you must first make healthier food choices. It may be helpful to keep a journal of your daily progress and your food intake as well.
Below, I listed some tips to get you started to living a healthier lifestyle. As a reminder, before making any changes to your diet, you should consult your doctor. The suggestions that I listed below, are simply a few things that can assist you in maintaining good health. It is not an actual diet of any sort.
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Eat three healthy, well-balanced meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Always eat breakfast. Some people will skip this meal, but your body needs nourishment and a healthy breakfast can get your body off to a good start each day.
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Eat healthy snacks
such as fruit, yogurt or rice cakes, instead of foods that are high in sugar (ice cream or candy).
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Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
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Drink eight glasses of water a day.
Your body needs water! Try to avoid drinking a lot of soda. Water and unsweetened or green tea, are healthy drinks. If you want to drink a soda, try a diet one. Again, limit your sodas! I recommend not drinking a soda everyday.
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Use food substitutions when possible.
For example, low-fat milk instead of whole milk; brown rice instead of white rice; wheat bread instead of white bead.
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Use Small portions of fats
(butter, olive oil, etc.), rather than large portions.
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Calcium is good for the body,
so be sure to include dairy products in your diet (milk, cheese, orange juice, etc.)
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Your body needs protein.
You can get protein from fish, lean red meat, eggs, etc.
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Your body needs some carbohydrates,
but you definitely need to limit your carbs. So, limit your bread and sugar intake, (and other foods that are high in carbs such as potatoes) and opt for foods that are lower in carbs and sugar.
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Keep healthy food in your house.
I also suggest preparing your own meals instead of eating out. It's OK to eat out sometimes, but if you make your own meals, you know exactly what's being put in each meal. In addition, try preparing your meals at home and taking your food and snacks to work with you. This may decrease the urge you may get at work to run out and grab some fast food for lunch.
Not only is it important to eat healthy, but you should develop an exercising schedule and stick to it! If you are currently not exercising at all, you may want to start off by walking two or three days a week, for about 30 minutes each day. You can increase your walking schedule as your body adapts to the changes and builds up its endurance.
There are a variety of different ways to exercise. Some people enjoy biking, swimming, jogging/running, aerobics, etc. Your doctor should be able to recommend the best physical activity for you. Remember that everyone's body is different, so you may not be able to partake in the same types of activities as your friend, sibling, parent or spouse does. Do not push yourself too soon. It is best to begin slowly and gradually build up your endurance. Please remember to stretch before and after exercising too.
Also, think of other ways in which you can increase your daily activity level. For instance, when you go to the store, try parking farther away from the main entrance, so that you will have a longer walk to the door. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Get up and change the television channel manually instead of always using the remote control. Stand up and move around when you are talking on the phone. Any kind of movement is helpful to the body, as long as you are not hurting yourself; and as long as your doctor has not restricted you to little or no movement.
In addition, be sure to get plenty of sleep. Most people require seven to eight hours of sleep each night. However, everyone's body is different, so your body may function on fewer hours of sleep. You should be able to tell if your body received enough sleep. If you feel alert in the morning, you aren't sleepy or drowsy throughout the day, and you are able to concentrate and remain focused, then you're probably getting enough sleep.
Maintaining good health means making positive choices that will affect your overall health status. Good health means taking care of yourself physically and mentally. So, make realistic goals and stick to them. And commit yourself to becoming a happier and healthier person!
