5 Key Elements to a Healthy Lifestyle

As a mother of four it’s nice to get out of the house once and awhile and have some “me time.” Last month, I went out to dinner and met up with one of my girlfriends to play catch up. As I was sitting and talking with my friend, Terese I noticed that something about her looked different. She always looks nicely put together, with her hair done and nails freshly painted. After trying to put my finger on what was different, I finally said, “Something about you has changed? “

Terese replied, “Yes, I have actually lost 15 pounds since the last time I saw you and I feel great!” I then remembered that she had told me that she had started a 24 Day Challenge awhile back. Terese explained to me that she started working out regularly and taking Advocare supplements and eating a clean diet, free from processed foods.

Terese explained to me, “I didn’t go on a diet, I get to eat real food. I am not starving myself, I just make healthy food and cooking choices.” Terese also added, “People might think that clean eating can be hard with everyone having such busy schedules but it’s really not if you make the time one or two evenings a week to do the prep work for a few days at a time.” After Terese shared her story with me I told her that I have been really trying to watch what I eat and watch my waistline.

Whoever came up with the phrase, “aging gracefully” didn’t bother to explain the reality, that once you hit forty it’s all downhill from here. As I am getting into my forties, I know that I can’t do and eat the same things I did in my twenties. I was telling Terese, “Nowadays, I am a label reader. I take vitamins and I try to eat foods that are organic, and not processed. I buy chicken and extra lean red meat than contains no hormones, whole grain breads and cereals and gluten free pastas. I also try to mindful of how I prepare and cook my food, replacing butter and sauces with healthier options.”

I thought I’d share the little story of our girl-chat with you in case you have been thinking, especially since the New Year, that you’d like to make some healthy changes in your life. The choices I make for my family have been based on TV shows and articles I’ve read, which works for me. Terese, on the other hand, sought out the information on making the changes she desired and since has become an Independent Distributor for Advocare. Terese actually gave me an Advocare magazine last time we met and I thought I’d pass along these tips that I read about a few weeks ago. According to Advocare’s Impact magazine, these are five key elements to a healthy lifestyle change that can help to keep your body healthy into your golden years.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is easier and more beneficial than a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet for most people to maintain. It should include lean sources of protein, plentiful amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables and limited quantiles of processed foods and sugars.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Any amount of physical activity is better than none, but the recommended amount is 150 minutes per week (or two hours and 30 minutes) in at least a 10 minute intervals. A pedometer is a great way to help monitor your physical activity levels and stay on target.

3. Maintaining a Regular Sleep Pattern

Believe it or not, sleep is probably one of the most important activities of the day, yet it is the one we most sacrifice. Those who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to weight issues and other health problems such as anxiety disorders and depression. The National Sleep Association recommends adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

4. Stress Management

Stress will get in the way of your health and life goals. It can lead to emotional eating, poor sleep and the adoption of more sedentary behaviors. In order to achieve a healthier lifestyle, you must be able to manage stress levels. Creating your own stress management strategy is a great place to start.

5. Supplementation

Even some of the most balanced diets are filled with nutritional gaps. Nutritional supplements can be made with ingredients that assist with healthy aging, metabolism, weight management, stress management, sleep and athletic performance.

Remember, you don’t need to give up your favorite foods to be healthy, but you do need to make sure that you eat unhealthy foods in moderation. You also want to make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and supplement your diet with important vitamins and minerals.

I feel like I should add, that after Terese shared her success with her family, her son decided to join his mother in making a healthy lifestyle change. Terese said that her 17 year old son, started on Advocare a little over a year ago and has lost 85 pounds.

If you would like more information on making a positive lifestyle change like eating and cooking healthy, Advocare, Advocare supplements, or the 24 Day Challenge you can contact Terese Deneweth, Independent Distributor, at (810) 300-3219 or you can visit her website for more information.