diet-exerciseOne of the paradoxes of modern living is that we are becoming increasingly unhealthy in spite of the better nutrition and medical care that is available to us these days. People, especially in the United States, are getting more obese and unhealthy and are also increasingly complaining of ailment such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc. One of the main reasons for this is that they do not understand the need for the right diet and exercise.

It is impossible to lead a healthy life unless we follow the right diet and exercise regularly. We need to eat a balanced diet as far as possible, so that we get all the nutrition that our bodies require. Food should be eaten in moderation so that we do not overeat and neither do we starve ourselves. The average woman needs to consume between 1800 to 2000 calories every day in order to stay healthy. The average man requires 500 – 700 calories more than a woman.

Meals should consist of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and beans. Fish, poultry and dairy products are also very important constituents of a proper diet. Meals should also be washed down with lots of water. It is best to avoid processed foods because they contain lots of preservatives and chemicals.

Exercise is also very important for a healthy life. It is sufficient to exercise in moderation as long as one does it regularly. Cardio exercises ensure that one’s blood circulation is at a heightened rate and this helps to get rid of impurities from the cells as well as distribute nutrients throughout the cells. The right combination of diet and exercise ensures that a person can lead a long and healthy life without suffering from various lifestyle diseases. Interestingly, it can even help keep cancer and other unwanted diseases at bay.