Setting Goals for the 5 Main Pillars of a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can be simplified into 5 main areas:

1. Sleeping well

2. Eating nutritiously 

3. Being physically active

4. Thinking clearly

5. Supportive networks to promote the above

Let's talk about points 2, 3 and 5:

Regular exercise and a healthy diet boosts your overall energy levels and can help improve a large list of health conditions, such as:

• Healthy ageing

• Strength

• Balance

• Body weight (increase or decrease)

• Pain (knee, hip, back, neck, shoulder)

• Hypertension

• Hyperglycaemia

• Hypercholesterolemia

• Hyperlipidaemia

• Artery disease

• Lung conditions / COPD

• Liver disease

• Diabetes

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Prostate Cancer

• Kidney disease

• PCOS

• GORD

• Male low testosterone

• Menopause

• Coeliac disease

• Mental health (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

• Amputation or congenital limb loss

• Genetic conditions that result in permanent intellect or physical impairment

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Cerebral Palsy

• Alzheimer's Disease

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Dementia

• Post stroke

• Hemiplegia

• ASD

• ADHD

When it comes to diet, it is important to focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods that provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It is also important to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats. 

Exercise comes in the form of muscular strengthening, aerobic (heart and lungs), flexibility (stretching muscles) and mobility (range of motion through the joint). These aspects can be enhanced through one particular activity or combining several. It is also important to decrease the amount of sitting time and not stay in one position for too long. 

Incorporating a combination of both exercise and a balanced diet can help you achieve your health goals, whether they be weight loss, improved fitness, or simply feeling better overall. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

1. Set realistic goals: Start with achievable goals that you can work towards, such as walking for 30 minutes a day or cutting out sugary drinks.

2. Find an exercise routine you enjoy: Whether it's running, cycling, swimming, or yoga, find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it. This will make it more likely that you will continue to exercise regularly.

3. Incorporate healthy eating habits: Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

4. Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to exercise and diet. Make a habit of regular physical activity and healthy eating, and stick with it.

5. Get support: Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you, whether it's friends, family, or a personal trainer.

Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to be patient with yourself and to listen to your body. With time and dedication, you can achieve your health goals and feel great!

The Allied Health Team provides a supportive community when it comes to helping you achieve your nutrition and physical activity goals.