5 Simple Rules for Optimum Health

There are so many misleading information about achieving optimum health and fitness. We live in an information-loaded world that it is hard to identify fact from fiction. To achieve better health, it’s best to stick to simple rules. Simple rules will definitely simplify your life. In today’s post, we are listing down tips to help you stay healthy forever:

1. Eat Whole Foods

No matter how busy life gets, do not depend on processed foods to lose weight and maintain your figure. These foods are either high in sodium, in fat or both. Even certain diet or low-calorie foods are high in sugar and that’s not a good thing if you are trying to stay healthy.

Instead of noshing on packed or processed foods, turn to real food. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed grains. Get your meats from organic farms and stay away from fruit juices and fizzy drinks. Opting for whole foods makes weight management a breeze. When the body is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, it will work harder to turn food into energy!

2. Go Outside

Although you can exercise inside the comforts of your own home (via treadmill, elliptical, etc.) or go the gym, nothing beats going outside to stay fit. Go biking, swimming, skating or surfing. Play basketball or soccer with your friends. Go hiking or with the family during the weekends or do all your chores. You do not have to go to the gym to achieve a sculpted frame. Sticking to a body-building program is not healthy either. Staying active and being on the move all the time is the best way to strengthen the bones and muscles. Go to the gym only to support your weight loss efforts.

3. Get Enough Rest

You don’t have to be 100% active to achieve a strong physique all the time. Do not underestimate the power of a high-quality night’s sleep! Healthy adults need at least 7 solid hours of sleep every night to achieve optimum health. Apart from regulating the hormones and repairing damaged tissues, a good night’s sleep also eliminates bad bacteria in the gut. When the body is at rest, the cells regenerate. A good night’s sleep also strengthens the immune system. This makes you resistant to common ailments.

Studies show that a good night’s sleep reduces stress hormones in the body. It also reduces belly fat while keeping the body energized in the morning.

4. Balancing Exercise with Stress Management Workout

Exercising regularly is the best way to stay fit. But despite its many health benefits, it exposes the body to stress. When engaged in an intense workout, the body produced adrenaline, which is a stress hormone.

Instead of engaging in an intense workout every day, try to practice stress management workout too. Yoga, tai-chi, meditation and breathing exercises calm the mind and soothe the body. You want to incorporate one or two of these activities into your daily or weekly fitness routine. These stress management exercises alleviate stress, anxiety and tension.

5. Drink Up

A well-hydrated body is key to optimum health. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily if you lead an active lifestyle. Drink more if you exercise daily. Drinking water ensures your body has enough fluids to flush out toxins, lubricate the muscles and joints as well as replenish lost fluids through perspiration.