Nutrition and exercise are two aspects of a healthy lifestyle, and neither works in isolation. A healthy diet complements physical activity and vice versa, so you need both to achieve and maintain your overall health goals.
Good Nutrition for Optimal Health
Healthy eating involves consuming a variety of whole foods and maintaining a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Proteins provide the amino acids you need to build and maintain muscle while also keeping you satisfied, so you don’t binge on unhealthy foods later in the day. Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, fish, avocados, and nuts, provide energy and maintain your cell membranes. Carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits supply a steady source of fuel for athletic activity and keep your blood sugar at an optimal level.
Exercise as a Component of Healthy Living
Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight as well as build strength, dexterity, and flexibility. A regular exercise routine boosts your cardiovascular system and improves blood flow to all of your organs. Weight-bearing exercises build muscle, while stretching keeps muscles and joints limber enough to prevent injury.
Nutrients and Exercise to Boost Performance
Specific vitamins and minerals in your diet can improve your ability to exercise effectively and achieve certain health goals. Calcium and vitamin D work in conjunction with load-bearing exercises that include jumping to build new bone cells and strengthen your skeletal system. Nutrients that maintain your immune system and reduce inflammation work in conjunction with exercise to reduce your risk of cancer and improve your body’s ability to fight off illnesses.
Balancing Nutrition and Physical Activity
Tackling a new diet and exercise program all at once is a better idea than starting just one new health goal. A study from Stanford University found that people who changed diet and exercise habits simultaneously were more likely to meet both the national guidelines for physical activity and food intake than people who tried to commit to just one goal.
Bria Method is ready to help you find an exercise routine that fits into your lifestyle so you can create the optimal balance of diet and physical activity for your needs. Contact us today to learn about our LIT and HIIT classes as well as our fitness memberships.