The recipe for optimal health isn't complicated. You need to eat well, exercise and get enough sleep. But what that means for each person can vary greatly. If you are following a healthy lifestyle, but certain goals remain elusive, the answer you need may lie in the individualization of each of these tenants. What works for other people won't always be the solution for you.
Eat What You Need
There are many healthy diets out there. All of them will suggest eating lean proteins, good fats, and a wide variety of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. But the similarities end there. If you've adopted a healthy diet but are finding it difficult to maintain or simply not enjoyable, don't give up. You have options.
If you're a big meat eater, the Paleo diet is a healthy way to satisfy your cravings. Those who prefer lighter fare might enjoy the Mediterranean Diet, which has received high praise from the medical community. A clean vegetarian diet is a great choice for those eschewing animal proteins. If you absolutely hate to cook, a healthy meal delivery program could be a worthwhile investment. Matching your eating style to your tastes, needs and values will help you reach your health goals.
Along with a healthy diet, targeted supplementation can offer additional support. A curated regimen of personalized vitamins and minerals can optimize your diet.
Choose Exercise You Can Do
The best fitness program for you is the one that you will follow every day. Not only should you seek out an exercise program that is effective and safe, but you should also pay attention to whether you find it enjoyable. That challenging, high-intensity workout that your best friend is getting such great results from won't do you any good if you hate it so much you avoid doing it.
Take your interests and personality into consideration when choosing a fitness activity. If you love rhythmic movement, maybe you would be best served by a dance class. If you hate going to the gym, bodyweight exercises can be done in the privacy of your own home. If you want to keep things slow and gentle, maybe floor pilates or power yoga would be the best choice for you. If you take the time to find the right exercise for you, it's much more likely that you'll engage in it consistently.
Design Your Perfect Sleep Routine
Sleep is essential to good health, but millions of people go through their day dealing with chronic sleep deprivation. There are many ways to increase the quantity and quality of your sleep, but what will have the greatest effect depends on why you're not sleeping now.
Your sleep issues might be simply fixed with a new mattress, but for the new parent with a crying baby, the help of friends and family will do a lot more. For the person who works the graveyard shift, a set of blackout curtains is a game-changer, but if stress is what's keeping you awake you're better served by a cup of chamomile tea and a foray into meditation.
There are common techniques for good sleep hygiene such as setting a regular sleep schedule, engaging in relaxing activities before bedtime and avoiding blue light in the hour before you sleep, but these steps alone may not be enough. Take a moment to think about why you're not sleeping well and then take steps to rectify the problem. Quality sleep is important enough to make it a top priority.
You know what to do to be healthy, but getting there is a personal and individual journey. Choose a way of eating that is both healthy and appealing, fits your lifestyle and reflects your values. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy engaging in. If sleep is an issue, find out why and address it. A personalized approach to a healthy lifestyle is far more effective than a one-size-fits-all solution.
