In the time we live in, there is an unprecedented focus on getting and staying healthy. As more and more research points to the effects of fitness and diet on our overall health, the findings are becoming harder to ignore. There is no doubt that the food we eat and the physical activity we engage in have a significant impact on our weight and our body’s overall health and longevity.
When you look at fitness and nutrition and the consequences of neglecting their importance, it’s not hard to see the huge role they play in our health. First of all, it is important to understand how much food can affect us. Natural, whole foods — like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins — give our body the vitamins it needs to function effectively. We have energy when we eat right. And when we have energy, we burn fat. Eating right allows us to maintain a healthy weight and keep excess stress away from our heart. it also allows us to keep our blood pressure and cholesterol levels in healthy ranges. Most importantly, a good diet provides our bodies with antioxidants that fight a range of diseases, including cancer.
But the diet goes by itself; Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand to achieve good health. When we keep our bodies active through a consistent exercise program, we increase our body’s ability to metabolize food and keep weight down. Good fitness also means strong and supple muscles and a strong cardiovascular system. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and relieves stress.
Learning how to combine fitness and nutrition for optimal health means making a commitment to a certain lifestyle. It’s important to change your diet to eliminate fatty, high-sodium, and processed foods and replace them with fresh, natural — and even organic — choices. But remember, fitness and nutrition work best as a team. Incorporate a consistent program of physical activity into your daily routine, including cardio, stretching, strength training, and even yoga or Pilates.
When you truly understand the importance of fitness and nutrition in your life, you will understand how important these lifestyle changes are to living a long and healthy life.
Thanks to Michelle Bery