According to a recent study, very few adults actually meet the criteria of a healthy lifestyle. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that only 3% of American adults get a perfect score on what the authors say are the four basic criteria for healthy living. Only 13.8% met three criteria; 34.2% meet only two criteria. Women perform slightly better than men.
See how well you measure up on the your healthfulness :
Do you smoke?
Are you able to maintain a healthy weight (a BMI of 18-25), or are you successfully losing weight to attain a healthy weight?
Do you eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily?
Do you exercise 30 minutes or more, 5 times a week?
Everyone knows smoking is bad for health. If you are one of the lucky ones who never becomes addicted to nicotine, lucky you. Smokers, I hope you are working diligently to kick your habit. Because It's impossible to underestimate the importance of a smoke-free life for your health - as well as for the sake of those around you.
Just for fun, I came up with my own personal top list of healthy behaviors that contribute to wellness and satisfaction with one's lifestyle :
- Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of disease.
- Get a good night's rest. Well-rested people not only cope better with stress, but may also have better control of their appetites. Research has shown that a lack of sleep can put our "hunger hormones" out of balance and possibly trigger overeating.
- Enjoy regular family meals. This allows parents to serve as good role models, can promote more nutritious eating, being connected to family and/or friends is a powerful aspect of a healthy life.
- Smile and laugh out loud several times a day. It keeps you grounded, and helps you cope with situations that would otherwise make you crazy. Read the comics, watch a sitcom, or tell jokes to bring out those happy feelings.
- Meditate, pray, or otherwise find solace for at least 10-20 minutes each day. Contemplation is good for your soul, helps you cope with the demands of daily life, and may even help lower your blood pressure.
- Get a pedometer and let it motivate you to walk, walk, walk. Forget about how many minutes of activity you need; just do everything you can to fit more steps into your day. No matter how you get it, physical activity can help defuse stress, burn calories, and boost self-esteem.
- Stand up straight. You'll look 5 pounds lighter if you stand tall and tighten your abdominal muscles. Whenever you walk, think "tall and tight" to get the most out of the movement.
- Try yoga. The poses help increase strength and flexibility and improve balance. These are critical areas for older folks especially, and both men and women can benefit.
- Power up the protein. This nutrient is an essential part of your eating plan, and can make up anywhere from 10%-35% of your total calories. Protein lasts a long time in your belly; combine it with high-fiber foods and you'll feel full on fewer calories. Enjoy small portions of nuts, low-fat dairy, beans, lean meat, poultry, or fish.
- Last but not least, have a positive attitude. Do your best to look at life as if "the glass is half full." You must believe in yourself, have good support systems, and think positively ("I think I can, I think I can…") to succeed.
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