How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Throughout your life, you've probably heard countless pieces of advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. From eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables to getting plenty of exercises, it's hard to ignore the apparent recommendations for healthy living. There are countless healthy lifestyle quotes you've likely heard from the ones you grew up listening to from your parents or teachers to nuggets of advice shared by wise public figures:

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

"Prevention is better than cure." – Desiderius Erasmus

"Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness." – Edward Smith-Stanley

With all the healthy living resources, the facts associated with living a healthy lifestyle can almost feel like a cliché. Most people know that being healthy increases stamina, longevity, and overall quality of life. But it's essential to dig deeper into the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and research more specific scientific advice that you can convert into actionable steps for keeping you healthy in the long run.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips That Go Beyond Healthy Lifestyle Quotes

Living a healthy lifestyle often seems easier said than done, but an excellent first step is to consult your doctor and research which health solutions work best for you. 

Everyone has different needs, and the only way to develop a plan you can stick with is by determining a personalized goal and making it actionable. Here are a few healthy lifestyle tips, beneficial to anyone, that you can embrace as you embark on your health journey:

1. Cut out sugary drinks.

While fruit juices seem like a staple to any healthy diet, they are also a significant source of added sugar. Even if you have a slender build with no excess body fat, too much sugar, like the amounts found in fruit juice or soda, can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Sugar-laden drinks can also harm children and cause conditions children wouldn't typically experience until adulthood, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and high blood pressure. Instead, drink more water, unsweetened teas, and other beverages without added sugar. 

To ensure your juices and other beverages have no added sugar, check the "includes grams of added sugar" on the Nutrition Facts Label. 

1. Up your water intake.

Water should be your best friend if you want to lose weight, have more energy, or live more healthfully. After all, it makes up between 50% and 70% of your body weight, and your body needs it to function correctly. It helps your body eliminate waste, maintains your temperature, lubricates your joints, protects tissues, and more. Water needs vary from person to person, but a reasonable estimate is over 15 cups a day for men and over 11 cups a day for women

 – ½ your body weight in fluid ounces may be a better estimation.

Your water requirements may be higher if you are very active or pregnant.

      2. Avoid overly processed foods.

Many processed foods may look or taste good, but they also contain modified ingredients that are significant departures from their original form. Canned foods, snack cakes, frozen meals, fast food, and other processed foods often contain added preservatives, sugars, and sodium that can be highly addictive and lead to weight gain. Instead of reaching for the next bagged item on the shelf, plan your meals before hitting the grocery store and select ingredients for dishes you can prepare yourself. Doing so may reduce your risk of chronic conditions and make you feel better in general.

1. Get better quality (and more) sleep.

Everyone knows how great it feels to get a good night's rest. Sleeping between seven and nine hours a night improves memory, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and reduces stress. Also, it's essential to get high-quality sleep, reducing light in your bedroom and keeping temperatures between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

As you've probably noticed, countless pieces of advice are available on living a healthy lifestyle, but not every recommendation may be optimized for your health needs. To make your planning easier, follow the healthy lifestyle tips that work for you and are recommended by your doctor. For more information about healthy living, visit Health Coaching by TechConnect+ at Flagler Health+. Using an innovative technology platform, the Health Coaches at TechConnect+ can make recommendations based on your health markers and preferences. Whether your goal is weight loss, improving performance in your next 5k race, lowering cholesterol, or managing diabetes, your Health Coach will give you tools to address your physical and mental wellness. They also work alongside your physician to ensure you're setting appropriate goals for success.