Healthy living is a general term that can be applied to a number of habits and behaviors that contribute to optimal health. The dictionary definition of healthy living is “exercise of physical fitness and well-being.” Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is, “a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of illness and disease.” A variety of other definitions have also been used over the years. An attempt has been made to standardize definitions so that the most commonly used definitions are easier to access and understand by individuals living in the United States and around the world.
Generally, healthy eating means eating foods that are in their most natural, unadulterated state. That is, they are food in their most nutrient-dense state. These foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, unprocessed dairy products, and seeds and nuts. Specific foods may be included or excluded from a diet as determined by a particular provider. Most nutrition programs require the inclusion of a wide variety of these foods.
Eating healthy can prevent the onset of many diseases. Many of these diseases are associated with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer. In addition, being overweight can lead to a variety of other serious medical conditions, such as joint pain, sleep disorders, and arthritis. Being overweight also increases a person’s risk for a variety of other health problems, including osteoporosis, stroke, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. A healthy diet helps overweight individuals to lose weight, keep the weight off, and improve their health. It also helps them to maintain a healthy body mass index ( BMI ) level, which reduces the risk of developing a number of other health problems.
Another way in which healthy diets help to improve social well-being is through the reduction of depression symptoms. A healthy diet can help reduce stress and the negative impact that it has on mood, energy, and other functioning areas of the brain. It can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For those who are suffering from social anxiety, a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and whole soy products may provide the most benefit.
The American Heart Association recommends that Americans eat a diet that is low in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar (for example, refined sugar). This type of healthy diet includes foods such as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat foods, and unsaturated fats. Low-sugar foods (no more than 5 grams of sugar per serving) are essential for maintaining a healthy diet, as sugar serves as an important source of energy. Foods that have high levels of salt should be avoided, because sodium reduces blood pressure.
Experts recommend that adults learn to read food labels to learn the amount of saturated and unsaturated fats, trans fats, and sugars they are getting in their diets. Consuming foods in their recommended portions may help them to live longer and avoid the medical problems that come with these unhealthy fats. Many individuals have enjoyed great success by eating the Eat Stop Eat plan, a nutrition guide developed by registered dietitian and nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios. It provides healthy eating guidelines based on scientific research. Her book is available in book stores and online.