According to data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third, or over 78 million adults in the U.S. are obese. That staggering number accounts for the majority of people in our country. Obesity is a disease that can no longer be ignored. It is associated with many leading causes of death such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, strokes and some forms of cancer. The good news is obesity can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle.
Are you making healthy choices? Here are five key elements to living a healthy lifestyle:
1) A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is easier and more beneficial than a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet for most people to maintain. It should include lean sources of protein, plentiful amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables and limited quantities of processed foods and added sugar
2) Regular Physical Activity
Any amount of physical activity is better than none, but the recommended about is 150 minutes per week (or two hours and 30 minutes) in at least 10 minute intervals. A pedometer is a great way to help monitor your physical activity levels and stay on target.
3) Maintaining a Regular Sleep Pattern
Believe it or not, sleep is probably one of the most important activities of the day, yet it is the one we most often sacrifice. Those who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to have weight issues and other health. The National Sleep Association recommends adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
4) Stress Management
Stress will get in the way of your health and life goals. It can lead to emotional eating, poor sleep and the adoption of more sedentary behaviors. In order to achieve a healthier lifestyle, you must be able to manage stress levels. Creating your own stress-management strategy is a great place to start.
5) Supplementation
Even some of the most balanced diets are filled with nutritional gaps. Consistently eating healthy food is the desired goal to help promote health, but food alone may not provide the total daily Recommended Dietary Allowances you need for sufficient nutrition. Nutritional supplements can be made with ingredients that assist with healthy aging, metabolism, weight management, stress management, sleep and athletic performance.