The Importance of Exercise and Eating Healthy

Every now and then, we hear how we are supposed to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Some people might even be tired of hearing it and asking, of what importance is this effort? However, you might be surprised by how much eating healthy and exercise can do for you. Most people relate eating healthy and exercise to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. While it is true, this is not the only benefit or effect of exercise and eating healthy. Below are other benefits of these two:

• A healthy heart

The risk of heart diseases is lower in people who engage in frequent physical activity and eat healthy. Other factors affect the risk of heart diseases, but diet and exercises are some of the biggest. Remember, a healthy weight is crucial to a healthy heart and maintaining a healthy weight is directly proportional to exercise and eating healthy.

 

• Improves mental health

Exercise may help improve mental health by releasing chemicals in the brain also called endorphins. These help you feel relaxed and happy. Eating a healthy, nutritious, and well-balanced diet helps keep the brain functioning at the optimal status and helps stabilize your mood swings. With exercise and diet combined, you increase mental alertness, reduce stress, depression, and boost your self-esteem.

 

• Increase Energy

Engaging regularly in cardiovascular exercises helps circulate oxygen throughout your body, helping improve lung and heart efficiency. The more efficient and healthier your heart and lungs, the more energy you harbor. When you eat a diet rich in minerals and vitamins, you supply your body with the energy needed to function efficiently. Choose complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fatty acids to have high energy levels all day long.

• Better Sleep

Are you struggling with insomnia? Increasing your daily activities level and eating a balanced diet might help you get a good night's sleep. When the body consumes the required nutrients needed to function properly and gets the right amount of oxygen, the brain is bound to function better. When the brain is functioning properly, it releases the important chemicals required to induce relaxation and sleep.

Before you start a new exercise program, talk with your doctor first. This is especially if you have concerns about your fitness or haven't exercised in a long time. If you have chronic health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease, get some advice from your doctor before starting on exercises.

Sources

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389?pg=1
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/85138-advantages-diet-exercise/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389?pg=1

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