To become fit and healthy you need to take positive steps towards changing your lifestyle. This involves increasing the amount of physical activity you do and eating the correct foods. Eating a healthier diet can reduce the possibility of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, whilst keeping physically fit can strengthen your immune system and promote bone density which in turn reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
First, you need to measure your current health level and the amount of exercise you perform each day. For example, do you walk to work every day? What do you eat for your lunch each day? The answers to these questions will help you assess your current health level. Once you have assessed yourself you can start making positive lifestyle changes. It is advisable that before you actually implement any changes you go see your doctor because you may have diet or health limitations that you are unaware of currently.
The positive lifestyle changes you make do not have to be huge. You can use the stairs instead of the lift when you are at work. Maybe try and park further away from your destination when you are in the car and then walk the extra distance. Perhaps try and take a planned brisk walk three or four times a week. These small changes will add up and you will start to see positive results.
Another good idea is to take up a physical activity that interests you and then perform it regularly. If you do not enjoy the activities then you will lose motivation very quickly. Think about the sports you like and then take one up. Alternatively, you may enjoy the gym, swimming or running. Choose whichever you prefer and try to participate in the activity at least three times per week. If you do not like exercising alone get a friend to start exercising with you. Not only will you get some company but you can both motivate each other.
If you decide to take up weight lifting make sure that you only do it every other day so that your body has adequate time to heal. If you still want to exercise on your rest days do a cardiovascular activity instead such as running, cycling or playing sports. It is a good idea to vary your exercise routines and by doing this you can get the variety you need.
After you have added some exercise to your lifestyle you also need to look at your diet. It is essential that you are getting enough vitamins and nutrients. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh food and vegetables and make sure that you avoid overly processed foods where you can. Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water during the day. It is particularly important for you to have a healthy snack before and after you work out so that you can maintain your energy levels.
Another thing to make sure you eat more protein. High amounts of protein can be found in lean meats or if you really want you can purchase special protein shakes to increase your daily consumption. Also, try to cut down the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you are consuming. Increasing your protein intake and reducing carbohydrate consumption will help you shed body fat and improve the appearance of your body. However, make sure that the changes you make are not too drastic. Whilst reducing your intake of carbohydrates will help you burn fat your body still needs some carbohydrates to function. Furthermore, eating more protein can help you burn fat but eating only protein can be damaging.
In conclusion improving your diet and incorporating more exercise into your daily routine is the key to achieving your fitness goals. Remember even small changes will yield positive results over time. Before you make any lifestyle changes consult both your doctor and dietician as they will know which changes will be best for you. Once you make the changes, stick with them, and you will start to see results and reap the rewards.