Healthy eating and regular exercise go hand in hand toward living a happy and productive life. One without the other is essentially ineffective, making it important to strike a balance between the two. The link between healthy eating and regular exercise is important for many reasons.
The Biggest Benefits
The biggest benefits of a healthy active lifestyle include an overall increase in your energy and good moods. The ideal combination of diet and exercise not only puts you in a better mood, but it also makes you more aware of your surroundings. Without healthy foods, you won’t be able to maintain proper physical or mental health.
While clarity comes from eating a healthy diet, regular exercise is the best way to keep your mood positive. When you exercise, it stimulates the chemicals in your brain and you will automatically begin to feel happier and more satisfied with your life.
The adage “variety is the spice of life” is closely related to your overall health. By engaging in a healthy diet as well as exercise, you open yourself up to opportunities you likely wouldn’t have otherwise. Healthy eating opens the door to enjoying preparing meals at home with your loved ones and even frequenting local farmer’s markets. In terms of exercise, you can benefit by participating in activities with your friends and family that keep you active and constantly moving.
Quality of Life
The combination of exercise and healthy eating often results in having to take less sick time from work. Those who work out and eat right have a stronger immune system and are more likely to be able to fight off illnesses. A stronger immune system means you won’t have to take days off work and risk losing pay. It also means that when you aren’t working, you will be healthy enough to engage in the activities you enjoy.
Another benefit is that proper nutrition and exercise may decrease your likelihood of being diagnosed with certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. In those already diagnosed, exercise and healthy eating may help control the symptoms and make the illness less intrusive on your life.
Stress Reduction
Stress is something everyone suffers from, but many people have found diet and exercise makes it easier to manage. Even something as simple as avoiding caffeine can be enough to relieve a lot of stress you experience regularly. By eating balanced meals and exercising, you are more likely to have the same level of energy all day, every day. If your diet and/or exercise are sporadic, your energy levels will probably drop at certain times, often when you need the energy the most.
Conclusion
Without regular exercise, healthy eating isn’t as beneficial and vice versa. The two work together to keep you in good condition physically and mentally. When you achieve this kind of balance you will likely have a happier and more productive life.
