Why Be Fit & Healthy?
Health and fitness is a general sense of physical and mental well-being that allows you to function at an optimal level throughout your life. It is an important factor in longevity of life as well as your enjoyment and quality of life. Different methods for achieving and maintaining health exist, and you have to choose the formula that works best for your lifestyle. On a basic level, start with good
nutrition habits, daily exercise and take measures to prevent chronic conditions like obesity or cardiovascular disease.
Prevent Disease
The concept of health is easily equated with referring to your physical organs including your heart, lungs and brain. The foods you eat and your level of daily activity is directly related to how well your body functions. Nutritious food supplies your body with fuel from calories, carbohydrates, protein and even fat. But there is a difference between healthy food like fruits or vegetables that add protective antioxidants to your body and unhealthy fast food burgers and french fries, which add cholesterol and saturated fat. Occasional junk food may not devastate your heart, but over time consistent consumption of saturated fat, high sodium and extra calories increases your risk of heart disease, blood clots that can lead to stroke, and weight gain. Be fit and healthy to prevent poor health and nutrition-related disease.
Feel Good
Exercise and a healthy diet increases your chances of feeling energized and happy throughout the day. Complex carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables supply your body with natural sugars for energy and boost brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine to keep your mood positive. Daily exercise also stimulates your mood and energy level as well as helps you expend energy so you can sleep peacefully at night. Be fit and healthy so you can feel good about yourself mentally, emotionally and physically.
Look Good
Feel good on the inside and look good on the outside because you take the time to care about your body. Aging is inevitable, but you can control the speed of the aging process by avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol use and poor nutrition habits. Keep your appearance intact and your weight managed by eating the amount of calories you need per day for regular functions. For most, this is based on a 2,000 calorie a day diet but varies depending on your activity level, weight and gender. Exercise to keep your muscles and heart strong. Eat a nutrient-rich diet full of grains, fruits and vegetables to protect your skin from premature aging.
Participate in Life
Take care of your body and mind so you can participate in the enjoyable aspects of life longer. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity, a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle habits improve your chances of living longer. Longevity of life is important if you want to watch your children grow up of if you want to stay connected with loved ones. You can even maintain your health with your family or friends and have them participate in your workouts or meal planning. As you age, your desire to enjoy the simple facets of life like travel or retirement become realized when you are able to actually physically do activities. Be fit and healthy because you want to fulfill your goals for enjoying all that life has to offer.