If it were easy to stay fit and
healthy, there would be less disease in the world and people would live much
longer. Unfortunately, it gets more difficult as one gets older and it may
require serious lifestyle changes. However, this does not mean that it can’t be
done. If anything, there are probably several things you could be doing
differently and there’s no reason you can’t give it a shot.
Here are some things you can do to get
back on track:
1.) Exercise Regularly
Consistency is the key. It doesn’t matter
what type of exercise you do, as long as you enjoy it enough to do it
regularly. Some people enjoy running, while others would rather walk or ride a
bike. Other options include swimming, yoga, skipping rope and calisthenics. If it gets your body moving and
raises your heart rate, you’ll get some benefit from it. Try to get at least
one hour of exercise each day.
2.) Avoid Fast Food
No matter what you order at a fast food
restaurant, it will probably be far less healthy than what you could make at
home. As of that weren’t enough, fast food can actually trigger your body into
desiring even more unhealthy food. If you’re serious about staying fit and
healthy, you’ll strive to avoid it entirely.
3.) Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Although they’re not the first thing
that comes to mind when it comes to your health, your teeth and gums have a lot
to do with your overall health. Most people are aware of the impact on their
breath and appearance, but the bacteria in your mouth can also get into your
bloodstream and spread to other organs. This bacteria has been known to
contribute to heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infertility and dementia.
4.) Set Specific and Measurable Goals
Some goals can be measured and others
cannot. If you set the type of goal that can’t be measured, it will be harder
to achieve and there’s a good chance you’ll set it aside. Adding a deadline and
specifics to your goal gives you something realistic to shoot for, that you can
actually visualize. For example, having a goal to save money for traveling is
common, since lots of people enjoy traveling. However, you’re less likely to
achieve that goal than a more specific one to save $5,000 for a trip to London
in two years.
5.) Keep Good Company
There’s a good chance you’re going to
eat the same foods and spend your time the same way as your friends and family.
So if you want to stay fit and healthy, you’re going to have to
find friends and family members who want the same for themselves. This can be
difficult, since we did not choose our families and many of our friends have
been around for years. However, there are groups and clubs you can join that
promote a fit and healthy lifestyle. With any luck, it won’t be long before
some of your friends and family express a desire to join.
Ultimately, the choice to remain fit
and healthy is up to you. Just because you spent the first few decades of your
life eating bad food and neglecting your body does not mean that you can’t
repair some of the damage. If anything, living well should be one of the most
important goals to strive for in the remaining years of your life.
