It’s never too early (or too late) to start paying more attention to your body’s health. There are many things you can do to live in a way that keeps health a priority, and making small changes now can prevent you from having to make bigger changes later on.
After the age of 40, the lifestyle you’ve led previously can show up in some concerning ways if you haven’t taken care of yourself, as the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes increases every year. Here are some things you can do to contribute to a healthy lifestyle, which will ultimately give you more energy, leading to a longer life.
Maintain a healthy weight
As your age increases so does the potential for the body to store more fat than it did previously. It is important to check your weight every couple weeks to monitor your weight and if you realize you are starting to carry a little extra around, increasing exercise and embracing a healthier diet can help you get back on track. Keep in mind that fluctuating a few pounds is completely normal, but keep an eye out for any excess gain.
Stop eating when you’re full
Nutritionists have been saying for years that a Mediterranean diet is the best diet for heart health. That being said, it is important to make sure you’re not only eating the right foods- but portioning them correctly. Overeating causes the body’s metabolism to slow down and hold on to excess weight. Before going up for seconds, make sure you ask yourself if you really need it.
Get social
It may sound surprising, but isolation can affect the heart in a negative way. It is perfectly normal to say no to going out every once in a while to relax at home but too much of it can affect your heart just a negatively as smoking can; potentially leading to heart disease or stroke.
Exercise regularly
We all know that exercising is important but what’s the right balance? It turns out, 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise a day can greatly benefit the heart, whereas not working out at all has obvious consequences, as does pushing yourself too hard and too often in the gym.
