Healthy eating and exercise are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Both play an equally large role in maintaining overall health. Keeping up a healthy diet and exercise regimen will be important factors not only for short term health, but also for long term well-being and a better quality of life. Combining these elements lays a healthy foundation on which to build a healthy life around.
Healthy eating habits are very important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The nutrients that you take in from a healthy and balanced diet are important in everyday activities and providing you with enough strength and energy to accomplish day-to-day tasks. They also protect and repair cells from any environmental damage (“health eating”). A diet is not the same as having a healthy eating habit, a diet is temporary and a healthy eating habit is long-term. Healthy eating habits are much more effective, satisfying and long-lasting than diets are. Having healthy eating habits gives you the correct balance of nutrients that the body needs and also helps in being able to cope with stress better ("Healthy Eating: Benefits of a Healthier Diet"). Eating healthy can also reduce your risk of developing major health risks such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Healthy eating is also important in maintaining a healthy weight. Healthy eating includes consuming a wide range of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Also it is essential to minimize your intake of processed foods and saturated fats, as well as alcohol. Carbohydrates and heart-healthy fats are important for fueling the body. Vitamins and minerals help control and regulate your body’s processes; calcium helps to maintain bone health and strength, and nutrients such as sodium and potassium help in transmitting nerve signals. Without the consumption of these essential nutrients that come with maintaining
Cited: "How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 01 Dec. 2011. Web. 26 July 2013. <http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html>. Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Aerobic Exercise: Top 10 Reasons to Get Physical." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Feb. 2011. Web. 26 July 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002/NSECTIONGROUP=2>.