Facebook-f Instagram
FOR BEST WELLNESS

Blogs

How an unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to diseases?

Lifestyle has a significant influence on physical and mental health of human beings.
An unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to cardiac conditions, metabolic disorders and bone issues.
A Healthy lifestyle can protect you from conditions like obesity and diabetes.

What are the main causes of lifestyle diseases?

As people are working for longer hours, there is less time available for the selection or preparation of food leading to increased reliance on fast food, ordering in, and eating out. There is less control over quantity and quality of food that we eat. Consequently, we consume more calories, more saturated and hydrogenated fat, more salt. Nowadays we burn fewer calories at work or after work.

Many spend leisure time in front of the T.V or computer. Few people walk or engage in physical activities. Kids nowadays ride in a bus or car to school and stay inside after school.

Why self-evaluation is necessary?

Ask yourself the following questions.

  1. How many servings of fruits or vegetables do you eat?
  2. How many calories do you consume?
  3. How many times a week do you eat out, order in or eat prepared foods?
  4. Do you regularly eat desserts, fatty meat, or foods with rich sauces?
  5. How often do you exercise, walk or workout?
  6. Do you fall sick frequently? Need medications frequently?

Making the leap from thinking about change to taking action can be hard and may take time. Ask yourself about the things that get in your way of making a healthy change and work on it.

Once you make up your mind start making a strategy and start the change. Remember “One must eat to live…not live to eat”.

How to start the change?

Making major changes in your diet can be overwhelming. Instead, start making small changes with simpler choices.

  1. Stay away from foods labeled as “diet food”, “low-fat” or “fat-free” as these so called foods can be deceiving. Consume whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
  2. Limit the use of food apps like Swiggy and Zomato Choose steamed, grilled foods over fried or sugary foods.
  3. Replace your fast food joint with a new healthy restaurant.
  4. Limit refined foods and choose whole grains, and protein.
  5. Try atleast one new healthy recipe.
  6. Become more active. Go for frequent walks.
  7. Choose popcorn or makhanas also called lotus seeds for snacks instead of chips.

What is a balanced diet?

It is a diet that consists of a variety of different types of foods that provide adequate amounts of nutrients for good health.

  • Select from all 5 vegetable groups (dark green, orange (carrots etc), legumes, starchy vegetables, and others per week.
  • Consume a variety of nutrient dense foods and beverages.
  • Choose fiber rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
  • Limit the intake of saturated, trans fats, added sugars, salt and alcohol.

What are the benefits of healthy eating?

  • Improvement in energy and overall health.
  • Stronger bones and good immunity.
  • Better complexion, mood, and sexual health.
  • Improvement in the digestive system and metabolism.
  • Healthy pregnancy and breast feeding.
  • Lower risk of cardiovascular issues.
  • Following a healthy lifestyle to some extent can help lower the disease burden.

Who can guide and help me in making a healthy change?

Nutritionists and dietitians will help you create personalized meal plans. These plans are designed to the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and health goals.

Nutritionists create diet plans and advice about unhealthy eating habits. They teach strategies for healthier eating. 

Doctors who choose to become certified in the field of nutrition can relate to overall wellness. A combination of medical knowledge and food science works best.