Eating well and being active work together to provide health as well as psychological and emotional benefits that enable us to live a fulfilled life. A lifestyle with proper nutrition and physical activity improves overall well-being, including better health, positive thinking, increased energy and restful sleep.
Good nutrition includes a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and dairy products. The healthiest diets are low in fat and sodium, high in fibre and include carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables as well as vitamins and minerals.
Bermuda’s Daily Dietary Guidelines suggest using fruits and vegetables as half of your daily food consumption and a quarter of your daily food intake should include starches and grains. You should also include meat/meat alternatives in your diet such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dried beans, nuts and seeds as well as low fat dairy or calcium-rich alternatives. It is important to limit foods with added fats, sugar and salt.
Adhering to nutrition guidelines such as these has short-term and long-term benefits. Good nutrition can reduce diseases including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and cancer. Healthy eating improves energy levels and can help with weight loss or t maintaining a healthy weight.
It also keeps our bodies fueled for an active lifestyle. Regular exercise leads to better posture, increased self-esteem, weight management, improved strength and flexibility and reduced risk of disease. Being active can be fun and social too!
Whatever your idea of getting the most out of life, do it! Eat well, exercise regularly and take full advantage of what life has to offer!