What does “Healthy” mean to you? Health is a state of complete physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. You can achieve it by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking or drinking alcohol. It’s a process and not something you achieve overnight. Here are some ways to stay healthy throughout your life:
Health is a state of complete physical, emotional, mental and social well-being
The World Health Organization has defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing”. People have a right to health, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is fundamental to achieving this. However, it is important to keep in mind that maintaining health requires the co-operation of individuals. While the World Health Organization focuses on the promotion of physical and mental health, the state of health is a multifaceted concept that varies in its definitions.
It’s an ongoing process
The first step toward healthier eating is identifying unhealthy habits and replacing them with healthy ones. Reflect on your daily habits and identify what triggers unhealthy eating. Replace these habits with new, healthier ones and reinforce them by changing the way you eat. Then, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier eating lifestyle. Developing healthy eating habits may seem difficult, but it is not impossible. By following some simple guidelines, you can find a balance between healthy foods and convenience foods that meet your individual needs.
It’s not just about weight
Eating healthier is about more than just losing weight. It can lead to healthier habits, which will increase your overall health. Instead of reaching for the sugary cookies and chocolates that are high in calories, try replacing them with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Instead of replacing animal fats with refined carbohydrates, choose healthier fats such as avocado or nuts. Simply swapping animal fats for refined carbs will not lower your risk of heart disease or improve your mood. Most processed foods are packed with sugar and unhealthy fats that you’ll never find on a label.
It’s about a balanced diet
A balanced diet is a well-balanced combination of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, and proteins. The USDA’s MyPlate Plan interactive tool can help you figure out the perfect combination for your specific needs. A balanced diet includes plenty of fresh plant-based foods while limiting the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as processed snacks. In general, the USDA recommends a diet consisting of about half fruits and vegetables, half whole grains, and half dairy products.