Improved Health Through a Lifestyle Change

As we age we realize "We would have taken better care of ourselves had we known we would live this long". Funny but true. After years of attending to everyone else's needs it is time to once again take care of ourselves. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are keys that help lower your risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer as well as keeping your mind sharp and giving you a clear mental outlook for yourself. With support of family and friends we have found through moderate changes in our eating habits and physical activity we can get our lives back on track.

With willpower and determination we have started to change our life. Daily walks and watching what we eat are having beneficial effects. At our last check up our blood pressure was lower and the cholesterol numbers have improved. The doctor felt that we are in better condition all around.

We understand that as we get older the chances of a heart attacks or strokes increases and the advantages of being active and eating well will relieve stress and depression as well as reduce the risks of chronic health problems. If we do what we can to reduce the risks to our health it can improve our life, give us more energy to do the things we want to do and have fewer aches and pains as well as feel better.

Following the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans we are eating a healthier diet of more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products. We have added more fish and seafood to our diet and are trying to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats. We cut back on desserts to lower our intake of refined grains and added sugars found in cakes, cookies, ice cream and the like. Cutting back on junk foods like pizza, hotdogs and fast food helps keep us healthier.

It becomes easier to eat healthier if you make one-half your plate fruits and vegetables, eat beans as a natural source of fiber and protein. We have learned to limit our meat and poultry to small lean portions. We take the time to read labels to cut down on sodium and sugar intake. When we eat out we look for healthier choices and smaller portions.

It is important when starting out that you balance your calorie intake with physical activity. You should consult your health care provider before making changes to your regular routine. Don't overdo it, start slow and make things fun, it's easier to stick to the changes you make.

We have found that with this new revitalizing chapter of our life the encouragement of people around us helps in many ways. We have less stress, more energy a clearer thought process and in general we feel more confident. We sleep better wake up more refreshed and ready to face whatever the day has to offer.

We realize that it is hard to break with years of inactivity and poor eating habits. It is a continual effort for us. We all have things we like and are used to but it is our hope that you can find some inspiration in this, our effort to improve our lives. We are sure that if you can find a way to incorporate some of these things into your lives you will benefit as we have. poetry