‘Health is wealth’ is one proverb that seems to be completely forgotten these days. We value something only when we yearn for it. And the same applies to health. When we are fit and fine, we ignore our health. This ignorance leads to poor health, which eventually starts thwarting our happiness. Later, we pine for our good old days. Instead of getting into the vicious circle of an unhealthy lifestyle, why not take preventive measures and stay healthy rather than falling ill and pay heavy bills? You don’t have to completely change your habits or lifestyle to have a healthy body; just a few changes in your day-to-day activities will put you on the right track.
- Eat natural supplements
Why get expensive multivitamins and protein packs from the pharmacy when you have tons of healthy supplements available in natural foods? Make it a habit to eat a few almonds, walnuts, figs and dates everyday to get a natural supply of iron in your body. Iron plays an important role in the formation of hemoglobin and increases our immunity. Nuts are a rich and delicious source of iron.
- Exercise regularly
Every nutritionist, doctor, magazine, health expert and fitness instructor in the world recommends regular exercise but some of us pay no heed to it. Exercise plays an important role in keeping the body fit. Hence, it is essential to have a daily exercise routine. There are various forms of exercises like yoga which promise a healthy body and a stable mind. What’s more, you can also join a gym or simply climb stairways up and down. Our body is like a machine which needs regular oiling in the form of exercise, otherwise it will start rusting. Get into a routine before it’s too late.
- Guzzle fluids
You must guzzle 8 glasses of water in a day, in addition to various fluids like juices and milkshakes. Innovate with milkshakes, lemonade, coolers and mocktails. Keep yourself well hydrated before and after exercise. Even in winter, when you don’t tend to feel thirsty, drink liquids such as tea. A constant supply of fluids in your body will ensure that your body never lacks energy and it is always free of toxins.
- Eat fresh produce
The first rule of staying healthy is to completely abstain from tinned and frozen foods on a regular basis as they contain extra preservatives and emulsifiers. Follow the cycle of nature. Eat fruits and vegetables according to their season so that they are best in taste and nutrition. If you don’t have good access to organic produce, make sure you buy fresh vegetables from the farmers’ market instead of grocery giants. Keep a mix of white flour, wheat and rice in your diet.
- Eat lots of fruit
When people feel hungry during the evening, they tend to relish on junk food which is totally unhealthy. Instead of grabbing a packet of nachos, cut some fruits and mix the pieces in a bowl. Add some yogurt and honey for flavor. This will keep you satiated for at least three to four hours. Make it a habit to substitute junk meals with a portion of fruit when hunger strikes mid-day or in the evening.
- Have timely meals
Many people often undermine the importance of timely meals. They skip meals and often binge at the wrong hours. Are you one of them? Well, the fact is having timely meals can reduce the chances of health problems that arise out of a sedentary lifestyle by almost fifty percent. Hence, start your day with a heavy breakfast so that your body can produce energy for the whole day. Have a light salad or sandwich during lunch, follow it with a fruit snack or an energy drink and have a light dinner. If you prefer to have alcohol once in a while, wine is a good option since it is considered as an antioxidant. But make sure you have it only before or after supper and in proportion.
- Go for regular Medical Checkups
Medical checkups are, indeed, getting more and more expensive by the day. But getting one in two or three years isn’t a big deal. Having a regular health check-up can keep you alarmed about excess insulin, high or low blood pressure or excess cholesterol in the body. If you are prone to any disease, you can always consult a doctor for advice. As it is rightly said, forewarned is forearmed!
- Drink lukewarm water
Although this practice gives many people a nauseous feeling in the beginning, it is only a matter of time that the body will get used to it and you will be at ease. Have a glass of lukewarm water with a tint of honey, for flavor, right in the morning. This will cleanse your system of all the toxins produced during the earlier day.
- Think positively
Apart from physical fitness, mental fitness also plays a pivotal role in fostering good health. For a healthy mind, practice meditation and deep breathing techniques. A stable mind will ensure that everything else is in place.
If you start implementing these habits from your teenage, you can expect a healthy life during adulthood. Even if you have already crossed middle age, it is still not too late to start inculcating healthy habits. Most of us work hard to maintain an extravagant lifestyle, earn money, dine out and have fun but most of us forget the fact that one can enjoy all of these pleasures only if one is in good health – and that is critical!
