As we get older, we often complain about our knees cracking, being stiff or just feeling rundown. Aches and pains should not be a common occurrence. These grievances are usually the result of our sedentary lifestyle that includes lack of exercise, poor eating habits and being overweight. Do remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all standard, so if the pain is not going away and you dread it is something chronic, then seek medical treatment.
So, when your body speaks, listen up! Being healthy is more than simply being pain or disease-free. It is about becoming attuned to your body, changing your lifestyle in order to develop and incorporate the highest level of wellness within. So, how do you achieve this? Sometimes, knowing where to start is half the battle. Below are some tips to help you on your way to healthier you!
Diet
In 2015, the World Health Organization suggested limiting sugar intake to less 10% a day and to cut to 5% for added health benefits. Cutting down on sugary foods and beverages is not the only way to go. You don’t have to drastically overhaul your diet, a modest change will go a long way toward improving your health. So start by eating more whole grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits, and fish and avoiding foods with a high glycemic index, which cause water retention, swelling of the joints, and discomfort. Cutting back on processed foods and the consumption of red meat may also reduce the risk of premature death.
So, swap sugary foods and beverages with a piece of fruit and a tablespoon of peanut butter. You will satisfy your sweet tooth and fill that hunger pang at the same time. Swap out a single daily serving of red or processed meat for a serving of nuts or legumes, and you will add years to your life. Adding dietary supplements is also an easy way to add nutrients and vitamins to your body. For our recommendations, click Research Verified reviews here. Stick to small changes that you will be able to commit to for a long time.
Exercise
Start your day by stretching and exercising. You will be glad you did since by doing so, you will ease your muscle pain and stiffness. You will also be able to maintain your body mass index within normal limits and avoid becoming overweight or obese, and avoid putting stress on your back, legs, and other body parts from those extra pounds.
Getting yourself to the gym is a good way to start and a great way to form a habit. Exercise should be a part of your day, like brushing your hair. If it is routine, you will be more unlikely to skip out on it. You don’t have to be a gym rat and live there, you can do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that are based on this “less is more” philosophy. Just remember to do at least 30 minutes of exercises, at least 5 days per week for a total of 150 minutes.
Hydration
Staying hydrated throughout the day is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. A healthy person needs about 30 to 50 ounces of fluid per day, which can be derived from drinking liquids or by eating water-rich foods, like cucumbers, cauliflower, eggplant, red cabbage, peppers, and spinach.
However, drinking fluids is very important in order to eliminate toxic substances, produce digestive enzymes, maintain healthy skin, hair and organs, and to help your body absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils are not just nice for producing pleasant aromas. They are organic compounds extracted from natural plants (barks, flowers, fruit, leaves, seeds or roots) with tremendous healing properties and health benefits.
Just adding some of the most common essential oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint, and tea tree oil can you fight colds and flu symptoms, improve digestion, alleviate pain, balance hormones and relax your body and soothe sore muscles, just to name a few things.
Whatever you do, you will greatly benefit and you will be closer to achieving health and wellness. Be good to yourself by taking care of your body and soul.
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
Lots of great reminders here, thanks Jacque. It’s so important to look after ourselves isn’t it?
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Excellent advice here. Cutting white sugar from my diet is still the best thing I ever did.
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Sugar, sugar, sugar. A big, sweet culprit that we can do without.
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True, sugar is a big culprit. But we don’t really have to cut it down completely. there are better alternatives like jaggery which is very healthy for the body. Just check this post about jaggery that I wrote. 🙂
http://www.optimizedhuman.co/blog/jaggery-the-healthier-sugar/
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I’ve never used jaggery. Let me nip across and read your post. I love knowing stuff like this. Thanks for stopping by.
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Well that’s great 😋 love to share new stuff like this too 👌🏻
Please give me any feedback when you got the time, I’d really appreciate it 😇
Thanks
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Great blog! My husband is constantly telling me we need to take care of our bodies now so we can enjoy our old age.
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True talk. He’s right. I wish I had started a whole lot of stuff earlier than now, but it’s never too late 🙂
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I love this post Jacqueline. I agree, your body can tell you a million things. Its up to us to listen to it. I’ve been looking into incorporating essential oils into my health and wellness routine. What essential oils do you use personally?
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Hello, so sorry for the late response. I just saw this comment. I mainly use Eucalyptus oil, Tea Tree, Lavender and Peppermint especially when I’m stressed out. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
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Great advice, I need to step it up, daily I am trying a little more on getting healthier, I have awful anxiety so I am taking it step by step but praying for a long, healthier, happy life, great blog.
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This is an amazing post! I love all the information and the mentioning of essential oils! Xo
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Great advice for general wellness! Everyone should know these basic principles.
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Thank you Keisha.
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Good read. Thank you.
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Thank you too 🙂
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Good one!
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Thank you
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Nice write up. And very relevant
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Thank you
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Great Post!
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Thank you
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Awesome post dear!
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Thank you 🙂
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Thank you Sue 🙂
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Yes! Health, nutrition and fitness are my best friends.
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They should be ‘our’ best friends especially as one is getting on in age 😉
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So true! All things I love and try to apply more and more. As a type 1 diabetic I made the radical change of cutting off carbs completely (for a while even fruits) and going natural. The craving and self pity were there at first, but after a few years of sticking to that, I can say that they dissapeared! All we need is to get through that window of craving time, and it will subside!
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Wow! That’s awesome discipline. Many times I give into my cravings and admire such spirit like yours. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Thank you for reminding and great suggestions to be compulsory followed by all
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It’s a pleasure and than k you too.
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Very true!
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Thank you Evie
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