No matter who you are or where you’re from, health is important to us all. No one is out there going “You know what I have TOO much of? Good health…”
Until I was well out of high school, I didn’t really know much about health at all. Yes, I know what a nucleus is, a mitochondria, a tibia, the lymphatic system. These are little more than factoids for a trivia game night or something to memorize quickly before a test. None of this is fascinating to a student who was more focused on getting out of class than attending it.
For everyone, somewhere down the line, their health is going to be important to them. Whether there’s an accident and someone gets hurt, or someone falls ill, or someone’s overweight, or someone’s underweight – the list could go on for pages and pages. The short statement I want to make is this: the more we’re aware of what our God-given bodies are trying to tell us, the healthier – and therefore happier – our lives will be.
That’s it for my introduction, now follow me to the meat of the topic:
Okay, Yeah, It’s Important
But What Is Important To Know About My Health?
A ridiculous (but correct) answer might be: everything.
But I won’t do that to you.
Why am I stalling anymore? Let’s get into it!
#1 Learn To Manage Stress
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Let’s break it down and make it really simple:
Besides the act of being stressed absolutely sucking, it actually makes you more prone to other conditions.
Things like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression – things we should all try to avoid if we can help it.
The best way to protect yourself from stress is by planning ahead for future stress, and the best way to plan ahead is to learn as much as we can about what stress is, what causes it, and how we, personally, can cope with it.
#2 Observe A Healthy Diet
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All of the major food groups should be in our daily diets.
We should be eating proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
If you’re allergic to any of the above, you’re in luck! In this article I’m going to go into the food groups we need to incorporate into our diets, the ones we should leave out, and the things we can substitute for if we have any allergies.
Let’s talk about grains:
Having grains in your diet has more than just one or two benefits to it. Firstly (and perhaps most importantly) grains, especially whole grains, are rich in complex carbs that give us energy and necessary vitamins, such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc, contributing to overall well-being and metabolic processes.
Grains are good for your heart, your blood sugar – and they offer a wide range of culinary options so that we can enjoy our healthier diets with a much wider set of options.
Now there’s two types of grains (and a wide variety of grains that are in between these two types): there are whole grains and refined grains. There is a lot to be said about whole vs refined grains, but to simplify it: whole grains are filled with the good stuff, and refined grains are filled with the bad. If you want more detail about these grains, here’s a link for a more detailed description on whole and refined grains.
If you’re gluten-free and don’t eat bread or anything like that, I’ve got your answer: you’re gluten free, not grain-free.
Here’s what I mean:
The foods you know to have gluten in them are not the only grains out there. Here is a small but comprehensive list of all your options – some of which, you may already be eating consistently!
Quinoa, rice, oats, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, teff, legumes and pseudograins – and gluten-free flours.
There are plenty of ways to get grains into your diet – whoever you are. The average amount you should have per day does vary from person to person, but a good rule of thumb is that adults should have between five and eight ounces of grain, and children is between five and seven – so not much different.
Let’s talk about proteins:
According to the British Heart Foundation:
“Proteins are known as the building blocks of life as they break down into amino acids that help the body grow and repair.”
Protein is a word thrown around a lot; that’s because it’s a thing everyone should know. Proteins break down into amino acids, which help grow and repair the body.
Basically: they’re pretty great.
The average adult should get anywhere from 45-55 grams of protein per day. The most common way is through meat, which is rich in protein and has many other vitamins and minerals in it. Be careful not to consume so much meat all the time, because over time this could be dangerous for your heart.
Most people aren’t allergic to protein. When I looked into what a person should do if they’re allergic to protein, it said to consult a dietician. The majority of the time, the allergy is with meats.
If you’re allergic to meats, try eating these foods instead:
Legumes, tofu, tempeh, edamame, nuts, seeds, quinoa,
amaranth, buckwheat, millet, plant-based milk, meat substitutes, flaxseed, chia
Let’s talk about fruits/vegetables:
Picture a vibrant, delicious symphony of colors on your plate – that’s the magic of fruits and vegetables, nature’s dazzling gift to your well-being. Bursting with essential vitamins and minerals, these edible gems are the superheroes of the culinary world, quietly working wonders inside your body. From supporting your immune system with a touch of vitamin C to giving your bones a boost with calcium-rich options, each bite is a step towards a healthier, happier you.
But it’s not just about the nutrients – fruits and vegetables bring a dash of joy to your palate and a burst of energy to your day. Their natural sweetness satisfies your cravings, while the fiber content keeps you feeling light and lively. Imagine a symphony of antioxidants gracefully dancing through your system, protecting your cells from the wear and tear of everyday life. And when it comes to matters of the heart, these wholesome wonders play a starring role, with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants forming a heart-healthy ensemble.
In the grand tapestry of a well-balanced diet, fruits and vegetables are the artists, weaving a story of health, happiness, and a touch of culinary enchantment. Whether they’re fighting off the villains of inflammation or taking center stage in the prevention of chronic diseases, each bite is a brushstroke painting a picture of vitality.
So, let your plate be a canvas, and let the fruits and vegetables turn every meal into a masterpiece.
Discovering you’re allergic to fruits or vegetables doesn’t mean waving goodbye to culinary delight; instead, it’s an invitation to embark on a unique gastronomic adventure. Seek the guidance of a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to unveil the mysteries of your allergies and tailor a delightful, allergy-friendly menu. Embrace substitutes like dairy-free yogurt, nuts, seeds, and explore the magic of cooked vegetables or alternative grains, turning dietary challenges into opportunities for delicious discovery.
With a touch of culinary wisdom, your diet can still be a charming masterpiece, carefully crafted to suit both your health and taste preferences.
#3 Chase Down A Healthy Figure!
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They say “Diet is the hardest part of exercise!”
That may be true, sticking to a diet demands a type of mental discipline most of us still lack. But the next hardest part of exercise is the actual exercise.
Maybe it’s because I did it so much as a kid, but exercising is still one of my favorite things. I like the challenge, the struggle, the signs of improvement – it’s all fun and feels nice.
So I’m about to go into the real reasons why we should exercise.
To some people, it might not be enjoyable. To some people, they might have to learn to find some manner of enjoyment in it if they’re wanting to be healthy.
Why do we do it?
The main reasons we exercise are simple:
- It improves brain health
- Helps manage weight
- Reduces the risk of disease
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Helps with everyday activities
The act of exercising improves so many aspects of our lives that it kind of gets ridiculous. Exercising isn’t complicated, what you see is what you get. And you can’t buy a healthy body, you have to put the work into it yourself.
For more information on this subject, here’s a link for you to check out.
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