Healthier living: 10 tips for a healthy lifestyle
Do you want to take the step to live a healthier life? Congratulations! There are several ways in which you can live a healthier life. We give you 10 tips for a healthy lifestyle.
- Eat healthy
An obvious tip, but still a very important one: eat healthy. If you take the Wheel of Five into account, you reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, among other things. In addition, your body receives all the nutrients it needs.
Here is a brief overview of good eating habits:
- Eat 250 grams of vegetables and 2 pieces of fruit daily
- Go for unprocessed/unrefined carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits and whole grain products
- Eat 60 grams of animal and/or vegetable protein daily
- Choose essential/unsaturated fats such as oils, oily fish, seeds, kernels and nuts
- Limit your sugar intake to reduce the risk of tooth decay and weight gain
- Limit your salt intake to reduce the risk of high blood pressure
- Drink enough water
It has been known for longer than today that drinking a lot of water is a must for a healthy lifestyle. 2 liters of water per day is a guideline. If you do not drink enough water, you may experience the following symptoms: dark color of urine, dry mouth, headache and little urination.
- Move
We have been aware of the influence exercise has on the body for some time. Not only do you feel fitter, but you also lower the risk of e.g. obesity and cardiovascular disease. You don't have to go straight to the gym, because walking, heavier household chores, walking the dog and working in the garden are also good ways to get more exercise. Tip: Move outdoors when weather conditions allow. In this way, your body produces vitamin D, which is an important vitamin for the proper functioning of the immune system.
- Relax
In addition to movement, there is also relaxation. Take the time now and then to come to yourself and insert a zen moment for yourself. When your body experiences stress, your immune system does not function optimally. In addition, you are more likely to have to deal with a shortage of vitamins and minerals. So read a good book, watch TV, put on a face mask... in short: anything that relaxes you.
- Go for a good night's sleep
A good night's sleep can do wonders. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night to keep your immune system working properly.
- Pay attention to your posture
It is something we think less about, but still plays an important role. After all, good posture can ensure better breathing.
- Healthy teeth
Take good care of your teeth so that you can enjoy them for a long time. Brush for at least 2 minutes and floss occasionally. Go to the dentist annually for a check-up.
- Do something you like
Sometimes we are in the grind of life and we are in a vicious circle. Working, preparing food, shopping, cleaning … These are all things that come with it, but do not necessarily make us happier. Make sure you do something you enjoy each week. So you can break the vicious circle and get a good mood.
- Maintain your social relationships
Social relationships - with friends, family and loved ones you care about - are important not only for your mental well-being, but also for your physical health.
Studies show that people who have close friends and family are healthier and live much longer than those who don't.
- Meditate
Stress has a negative effect on your health. It can affect your blood sugar levels, food choices, disease susceptibility, weight, fat distribution and much more. That's why it's important to find healthy ways to manage your stress like meditation.
