by Eulalia Bello

Created on: March 12, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

Lack of exercise, poor dieting, and addiction are just some of the issues that revolve around an unhealthy lifestyle.I have provided some tips on building better day-to-day habits that can increase your health.Being healthy and staying healthy is not just some simple diet,it is a journey to feel better,live longer, and be happier!

Exercising daily can prevent diseases as well increase metabolism. Being active should be seen as an opportunity instead of an annoyance. Simple 30 minute walks after lunch or using the stairs instead of an elevator can be favorable to your health.Healthy hobbies like swimming and dancing are not only healthy but also stress-relieving.Choose activities that are fun,not boring or exhausting.Having easy to reach and simple fitness equipment like dumbbells,Jump ropes,skates,and a bicycle can increase your chances of exercising.

Water intake is also vital to your health.Drinking eight glasses of water a day can hydrate your body and speed up your metabolism.Try flavored water if plain water does not appeal to you.

Eating nutritious foods like Vegetables and fruits provide a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants needed for your body.Adults should eat more than two servings of fruit and veggies a day.

Fats should generally not exceed 30% of the days food intake.Certain fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are beneficial because they help with blood clotting and inflammation,but should also be taken in moderation.Trimming the visible fat from meats,using less processed meats such as hot dogs and eating reduced fat dairy foods are simple ways to lower the fat intake in your diet. Salt should also be used in moderation;but we on average consume 10 to 20 times more salt than we actually need. Tasting food before adding salt and adding substitute flavors like spices and seasonings can greatly decrease your salt intake.High percentages of Alcohol is another hazard to health;women should drink no more than 2 standard glasses and men should drink no more than four.

The life expectancy gap between men and women is increasing and men should pay more attention to their bodies. Many health conditions generally affect men,such as prostate cancer,low testosterone levels and colon cancer.Regular screenings and check ups are necessary to determine your health,and the same goes for women.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in females.Women are more vulnerable to the carcinogenic effect of tobacco as smokers and nonsmokers. Women are also more likely to gain weight than men. Many women's fitness clubs like Curves and Lady of America help women with their fitness and food choices.

Making small switches to your daily diet can immensely improve your health.Instead of drinking one glass of whole milk a day,you can switch to 1% milk and cut off six grams of fat.Instead of eating regular pizza,eat vegetarian pizza with low fat cheese instead of pizza with the "works" and extra cheese.Skipping meals might sound ideal for weight loss,but it results in an increased caloric intake than if we just ate more throughout the course of the day.When snacking, choose healthy alternatives like raisins,apple slices, and unsalted nuts instead of salty chips,snack cakes, and ice cream bars.

And why is Sleep so important?Most healthy adults are built for 16 hours of activity and need an average of six to eight hours of sleep every night. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine four to six hours before bedtime,and maintaining a simple wake and sleep schedule can help you with sleeping.Sleep is needed for energy and prevents any sort of fatigue.

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