Only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy. If that number sounds low, you might be surprised to learn that many studies report even lower numbers. 12% might be generous.
You might think that you’re caring for your health, but are you? Are you taking care of all of the personal responsibilities involved in having a healthy mind and body?
We’re here to discuss a few things that you should be doing to have a good base for a healthy lifestyle. Read on to learn more.
1. Eating a Balanced Diet
You know what they say: you are what you eat. If you’re not eating a healthy and balanced diet, you’re not taking proper care of your body.
This isn’t to say that you can’t ever have “unhealthy” food. We recommend following the 80/20 plan. This means that 80% of your food is nutrient-dense and 20% of your food is, well, whatever you like!
Make sure that you’re prioritizing lean proteins and vegetables. Avoid eating excess sugar and unhealthy fats (but include plenty of healthy fats, like nuts and avocados).
Many health problems can be prevented if you eat well. A healthy body requires nutritious fuel!
2. Staying Active
Does your healthy routine include exercise? If not, you’re not taking the best care of your body. The CDC recommends that you exercise for at least 150 minutes every week.
This doesn’t have to mean that you hit the gym every day. If you go for a medium-paced walk around your neighborhood a few times per week, this is enough to get your blood pumping.
Try incorporating both strength and aerobic exercises into your routine. These will help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your balance, and help you maintain mobility as you age.
3. Prioritizing Rest and Self-Care
Yes, exercise is important, but so is rest. If you’re not giving yourself time to rest and relax, you’re going to burn out.
Excess stress can lead to high blood pressure and even heart disease. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body and brain never have time to self-repair. You might be able to get by on four hours of sleep per night, but you’re not doing yourself any favors.
Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you’re feeling worn down, take a day off. Don’t try to force your way through illness or exhaustion if you can help it.
4. Visiting Healthcare Professionals
How often do you visit your doctor? What about your dentist? If you’re not going to routine appointments, you’re not taking good care of your health!
Even if you think you’re perfectly healthy, you should still keep up with appointments. Medical professionals can catch problems while they’re still undetectable to you (which could save your life).
If your mental health is suffering, see a therapist. If you have spine pain, visit here to see a chiropractor. Don’t try to handle all of your body’s problems on your own.
Are You Really Caring For Your Health?
If you’re not doing these 4 things, you’re not doing a good job at caring for your health. You only get one body. You have to take care of it!
Start exercising, eating well, prioritizing rest, and keeping up with all of your medical appointments to keep yourself in the best possible health.
For more helpful articles about the top trending topics, visit the rest of the site.
