Looking to improve your health this year? There are many factors to living a healthier lifestyle and it’s not all about losing weight. In fact, according to a recent study published in iScience, a person can be both fit and obese. Researchers found that overall wellness and longevity cannot be predicted by a number on a scale, and that exercise is more important than weight loss when it comes to heart health and living a long life. Minimizing the stigma of weight improves mental health, which is just as important to overall well-being as physical health.
Nutrition
Trying to eat right with the amount of unhealthy choices available is hard even for the die-hard health nut. There are many credible resources you can turn to for advice on heart-healthy eating and shopping.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Eatright.org is filled with information about food, health, fitness, food safety and more for all ages. In addition, it includes the option to find a nutrition plan.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture – Myplate.gov provides nutrition information for all ages, recipes, shopping tips and links to many other resources. If you create a free account, you can even save recipes.
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health – This Department of the CDC provides a helpful infographic for 7 Strategies to Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle that include links to many resources.
Exercise
Physical fitness can help you sleep, feel, think and manage your weight loss better. It can also energize your mind and body. Just a quick walk around the block can rejuvenate your body and mind. Get moving and inspired with these resources.
- VeryWellFit – Monitored by certified professionals and experts, this site is a great place to start whether you're looking for information about specific exercises like walking, running, or swimming or general health issues.
- National Institutes of Health – A great place to keep up with what’s new. Your Healthiest Self: Wellness Toolkits covers everything you need to know about health, fitness and much more.
- JumpStart by WebMD – This site provides the tools and resources you need to live an active lifestyle.
Mental Health
Mental health is an important part of one's overall health. Poor mental health increases the risk for long-lasting chronic physical conditions like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Managing stress and anxiety can help reduce the chances of developing these conditions. The following reliable organizations can help you do just that.
- National Institute of Mental Health – Presents concise informational documentation on stress.
- Mental Health Alliance – Gives 31 useful tips to help boost your mental health.
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Provides general information, coping strategies, fitness tips and other useful resources.
- Mental Health Foundation – Filled with great resources to help you look after your mental health.
Beyond healthy eating and exercising, balance and moderation are also two things to keep in mind. Give yourself permission to cheat once in a while. With all the literature telling us to follow strict regimes to be healthy, it’s easy to forget that the ultimate goal of being healthy is to feel good and enjoy life.
Motivate yourself to become healthier with this list of resources available at the Canton Public Library.
When you start living a healthy life, many benefits await including better sleep, feeling less stressed, a stronger heart, and a clearer mind. Get motivated and inspired by these titles.
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