Living Healthy Life

Most of us want to be fit and look good. But, sometimes, life gets in the way. With the chaos of the city and stress from work, diet and exercise often take the backseat. However, when a special occasion comes up, people believe they’ll be able to drop 20+ pounds within two weeks with a crazy diet and workout routine. But, that is far from the truth. In fact, it is far easier to adopt healthy habits to follow everyday, and stick to them for a while, than dumping hundreds of  ‘quick tips to lose weight’ in two weeks.

Let’s understand these healthy habits in greater detail.

The six nutritive elements that the body absorbs through the diet are

• Carbohydrates

• Fats and fatty acids

• Proteins 

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Water 

These nutrients can further be divided into Macronutrients and Micronutrients. Carbohydrates, fats, protein, and water are Macronutrients i.e. the body requires them in abundance to perform bodily functions. Vitamins and minerals are Micronutrients i.e. the body requires them in smaller quantities.

The human body depends on these nutrients for energy, growth, and development. Each nutrient serves a different purpose. For example, carbohydrates, fats and fatty acids, protein are the ‘energy-providing nutrients’ as they provide energy in the form of calories. Vitamins and minerals, also called ‘essential nutrients’ restore the body after wear and tear, repair cellular damage, and bolster the immune system.

Perhaps, the most important nutrient is water. This is because more than half of the human body is composed of water. It is used in every single bodily function, and hence is required in abundance. Optimum hydration maintains a healthy digestive system, regulates body temperature, and is crucial for survival.

Keeping this in mind, let’s look at healthy habits to follow everyday for optimum health.

Balanced diet over fad diets

Fad diets are those that promise that you’ll lose weight very quickly. They usually advocate complete avoidance of certain food items, and a very restricted diet. On the surface level, they seem like a great idea for quick and easy weight loss. But, that could not be further from the truth. The truth is that fad diets are not sustainable for the long term. And, following one, even for a week, can do more harm than good. As they severely restrict your food intake, they can slow down your metabolism, cause nutrient deficiency, and may lead to eating disorders and other serious health issues.

Reduce processed food

Our fast-paced lifestyles often lead to poor food choices. For the sake of convenience, we opt for processed packaged foods over healthy alternatives. This brings with it several adverse side-effects as processed food contains chemicals, preservatives, and artificial ingredients which are not natural to the human diet. The ideal diet should be a balanced one with a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. These should ideally come from natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, grains, etc. Processed foods can be eaten from time to time, but should definitely not be a part of the daily diet. In fact, it has been clinically proven that those who eat processed foods on a daily basis are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle disorders.

Eat your greens!

Nutritionists across the world recommend salads. And, for good reason. They are packed with antioxidants, and rich in vitamins and minerals.They help keep a check on weight and blood sugar level, promote heart health, prevent high blood pressure, and reduce your risk for some forms of cancer. They also contain soluble fibers which come in handy during digestion. Plus, pre-meal salads keep you fuller for longer and prevent binge eating! A cheat code for those night-outs.

Hydration is key

More than half the human body is composed of water. Water is required in every bodily function, and plays a major part in maintaining equilibrium in the body. In fact, you lose a significant chunk of water through the day by perspiration and urination. If not replished adequately, this can severely dehydrate the body, causing headaches and urinary infections, and can lead to a general sense of exhaustion. On the other hand, keeping yourself sufficiently hydrated has a myriad of health benefits. It replenishes the body, rejuvenates skin and hair, and aids digestion and absorption of nutrients by the body. Fruit infused water also makes a great alternative to traditional fizzy drinks that are packed with sugar.

Get moving

As important as it is to eat right, it is equally important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. This may be easier said than done, but it is important for you to squeeze in physical activity every day. This may be only for a few minutes, but you’ll immediately notice a difference in your overall health. In fact, it can also uplift your mood and energize your body from within.

These five tips will give you a good base to begin adopting healthy habits to follow everyday.

Trained nutritionists across the world understand the need for a balanced diet. When you have a good mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, your body can perform to its highest potential. Such a state helps bodily functions occur optimally, boosts metabolism, and energizes the body. The food we eat also directly impacts our mood. Eating clean, healthy, and naturally sourced food keeps lethargy at bay and uplifts our spirits.