Start a Healthy Lifestyle with These 5 Simple Steps

Everyone certainly wants to live health. However, there may be some who are confused about where to start. Maybe not many people even understand what a healthy lifestyle actually is According to WHO , a healthy lifestyle is a principle, method, or lifestyle that aims to reduce the risk of serious illness or premature death due to chronic disease. Not all diseases can be prevented, but most deaths, especially those caused by chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and lung cancer, can be avoided. However, a healthy lifestyle is not only done to avoid disease. Living a healthy lifestyle will also maintain mental health and build social awareness . When you adopt a healthy lifestyle, it is not impossible that the people around you will also be moved to do the same.

What are some examples including a  healthy lifestyle?

Many people claim to have lived a healthy lifestyle with their own standards. In fact, the standard of a healthy lifestyle has been measured and determined based on research by health experts, one of which is the World Health Organization (WHO). Harvard Medical School, for example, categorized healthy lifestyles into five areas based on their effect on the risk of death at a young age. The five areas included in a healthy lifestyle are:

1. Healthy diet

A healthy diet is assessed based on the person’s consumption of vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. Your intake of healthy foods will be compared to the amount of unhealthy foods you eat, such as processed meat, sugary foods or drinks, saturated fats, and salt (sodium). An example of a healthy diet is defined as the habit of eating nutritious foods and consuming less carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats, and avoiding unhealthy foods such as  junk food. It’s also important to pay attention to how often you eat. Eating too much or with inappropriate portions will increase the risk of obesity and obesity.

2. Maintain cleanliness

Maintaining personal hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and running water, brushing teeth, and maintaining the cleanliness of intimate organs, is one of the principles of a healthy lifestyle that is often underestimated. However, don’t forget this. In addition, always make sure to process food in the right way. Wash food ingredients before cooking.

3. Physical activity

People who lead a healthy lifestyle are those who exercise moderate or heavy intensity at least 30 minutes 3-5 times a week. The duration of exercise can be longer if you do light intensity activities. However, the increase in exercise intensity must of course be adjusted to the physical condition and abilities of the body, so that it can be increased again over time. Don’t imagine that exercise can only be done in a fitness center and requires complex sports equipment. Walking or doing household chores, such as sweeping, mopping, or gardening, can also be categorized as sports as long as they keep the body active.

4. Reach for the ideal body weight

Having an ideal body weight does not mean you have to be thin. Instead, you should have an ideal body mass index (BMI), which is between 18.5 and 24.9.

5. Not drinking alcohol and smoking

Drinking alcohol must be severely restricted or completely avoided if you are to live a healthy lifestyle. The limit of alcohol consumption for people who live a healthy lifestyle is 5-15 grams per day (for women) and 5-30 grams per day for men. However, it would be even better if you do not consume alcohol at all. Meanwhile, cigarettes should be completely avoided. There is no haggling. Immediately find ways to quit smoking so you can start a healthy lifestyle. Because even if you regularly exercise, maintain a health diet, have an ideal body weight, and don’t drink alcohol, these things don’t matter if you smoke. Researchers agree that smoking does not have the slightest benefit, quite the opposite. Cigarettes have a myriad of dangers to health.

Do activities that you enjoy so that you are not “forced” to live a healthy lifestyle

In practice, a healthy lifestyle is a lifestyle that is simple and easy to do. But sometimes, applying it can feel like “punishment”. Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean you can’t be happy as long as you do it. A healthy lifestyle is not only about physical needs, but also mental needs. So that, move on slowly. If you feel like you can’t do it all at once, try applying them one at a time, whichever feels easiest to you. You are also strongly advised to do things that refresh your mind, for example traveling , reading books, listening to music, or other things that are your hobbies.In addition, make sure you hang out with people who give you positive energy so that you feel motivated to live a healthier life. However, keep listening to criticism and suggestions from your peers in proportion for your own progress in the future. Anyone can live a healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to start shifting to this meaningful lifestyle so you can live a longer and happier life with your loved ones.