In the age which we
live there is an unprecedented focus on getting and staying healthy. As more
and more research points to the effect of fitness and nutrition on our overall
health, the findings become more difficult to ignore. There is no doubt that
the food that we eat and the physical activity that we perform significantly
impact our weight and our body's overall health and longevity.
When you look at
fitness and nutrition and the consequences of ignoring their importance, it is
not difficult to see how large a role they play in our health. First and
foremost, it is important to understand how powerfully diet can affect us.
Natural, whole foods - such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean
proteins - give our bodies the vitamins that it needs to function effectively.
We have energy when we eat right. And when we have energy we burn fat. Eating
properly allows us to maintain a healthy weight and keep undue stress off of
our hearts; it also allows us to keep our blood pressure and cholesterol levels
in the healthy range. Most importantly, good nutrition keeps our bodies stocked
with antioxidants that fight off a range of illnesses including cancer.
But nutrition does go
it alone; fitness and nutrition go hand in hand for achieving good health. When
we keep our bodies active through a consistent exercise program, we are adding
to our body's ability to metabolize food and keep weight down. Further, good
fitness means strong and limber muscles and a strong cardiovascular system.
Exercise also lowers blood pressure and reduces stress levels.
Learning how to pair
fitness and nutrition for optimum health means a commitment to a particular
lifestyle. It is essential that you revamp your diet to eliminate fatty,
high-sodium, and processed food and replace it with fresh, natural - and even
organic - choices. But remember, fitness and nutrition work best as a team.
Implement a consistent regime of physical activity into your daily schedule
including cardiovascular work, stretching, weight training, and even yoga or
Pilates.
When you truly
understand the importance of fitness and nutrition in your life, you will
understand how crucial these lifestyle changes are in order to live a long and
healthy life.
