by Michelle Strozykowski

Created on: March 16, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

It's easy to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Simple changes in diet, exercise, even the way you think can help improve fitness and promote all round well-being. Follow these 10 simple steps for a healthier, happier life.

Eat More Fruit and Vegetables
Experts recommend eating 5 different portions of fruit and vegetables every day to improve health. Packed full of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, fruit and vegetables are so satisfying they can actually help encourage weight-loss. Try adding chopped fruit to your breakfast cereal, drinking fresh fruit juice or smoothies, and replacing sugary snacks with raisins or carrot sticks.

30 Minutes Exercise Every Day
We should all aim to build 30 minutes exercise into our daily routine. Simple lifestyle changes can help, such as choosing to walk or cycle instead of taking the car. Housework and gardening also count as great ways to exercise. As long as you get your heart rate up, any exercise will help maintain health and drastically reduce your risk of heart disease.

Reduce Salt Intake
Too much salt causes high blood pressure and is bad for the kidneys. Try reducing the amount in your diet by avoiding processed foods and removing the shaker from the table. Add flavor to your cooking by using herbs and spices instead.

Cut Down on Sugary Snacks
Sugary snacks such as fizzy drinks, sweets, biscuits and cakes should be occasional treats. Yes, they taste nice, but they are calorie heavy foods, full of added sugar, and contain little or no nutritional value whatsoever.

Think Positive
Studies show that people who 'think positive' are healthier, happier and more successful. The mind is a powerful tool, and thinking positively about your health can have a tremendous impact. Whether you are on a diet, working towards a promotion or just feeling low, banish negative thoughts and instead try to visualize the place you want to be. Utilizing positive thinking will help you to reach your goals much sooner.

Find an Exercise You Enjoy
Exercise helps maintain your ideal weight, reduces the risk of premature death and, as an added bonus, releases endorphins into your body that make you feel good. The trick is to find an exercise you enjoy doing. If you enjoy competition consider sports such as squash, tennis or football, but if you prefer to exercise alone think about swimming or jogging. Alternatively, t'ai chi or yoga classes offer the chance to exercise with other people in a non-competitive environment.

Make the Most of the Sunshine
Exposure to

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