Regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet are the basis of the lifestyle of people who care about health and longevity.
In addition to helping to maintain a regulated immune system, control, prevent diseases and take care of mental, emotional and physical health, physical activity and healthy eating add even more quality of life to people.
Physical Activity
Practicing physical activity increases the production of hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, GH, adrenaline and others important for health. Endorphin, for example, is the hormone responsible for promoting the feeling of reward. This hormone is produced in the body during physical activity, helping with well-being.
Commonly attributed as synonyms for sport or exercise, physical activities are voluntary and intentional movements of the body and are present more widely in everyday life with energy expenditure above the resting level, which can be light, moderate or vigorous. This way, it is possible to be physically active even without consciously doing an exercise, such as washing clothes or cleaning the house.
Light physical activity affects breathing, and moderate to vigorous physical activity increases heart rate depending on the intensity. Exercises with weights, walking, climbing stairs, dancing, and cycling are some examples of physical activities.
Among the benefits for those who practice regular physical activity are reduced mortality risks, increased immunity and lower chances of developing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
But in addition to the physical benefits, physical activity also brings benefits to emotional health. Physical activity can generate benefits, such as taking the person out of a sedentary lifestyle, stimulating social interaction when exercising in a group, or even improving self-esteem. Practicing physical activity has been proven to improve the functioning of the nervous system and cognitive functions, reducing stress and anxiety.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating consists of a diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, fruits and a good distribution of macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and proteins). A healthy diet provides energy for the body to regenerate defense and life-sustaining systems. Among the main strategies for healthy eating are:
- Decreased intake of refined sugars;
- Change in fat consumption, changing the profile from saturated to unsaturated fats;
- Limitation in sodium consumption;
- Increase your consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes.
A diet based on a healthy diet guarantees the maintenance of a healthy weight, more energy and stamina, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved mood and sleep, among others.
Physical Activity And Healthy Eating
Together, physical activity and healthy eating correspond to the pillars of health promotion and safe weight loss. But the benefits continue beyond there.
As well as promoting the reduction of excess weight and helping to increase lean mass when practicing these habits, it adds more vitality to your daily life.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity are identified as the leading global health risks.
Therefore, finding the relationship between physical activity and healthy eating, the formula for maintaining comprehensive health, helping to improve sleep, and improving the immune system, among other benefits, are the advantages of living a healthier and more active life. Together, these two factors are responsible for reducing and even preventing diseases.
What Is The Relationship Between Healthy Eating And Physical Activity?
Food is the raw material for health, and one of the leading causes of disease is malnutrition. To be able to carry out daily activities, you need to be healthy, as the body is built according to what it assimilates in food and habits.
Nutrition based on vegetables fruit in moderation, rich in good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and protein sources suitable for your digestive individuality is the basis of what everyone should eat. This is the only way to perform daily activities with more energy and commitment.
Importance Of Healthy Eating For Physical Activity
A healthy diet acts on the body by increasing the immune system and keeping the body strong and energetic.
Each meal acts as a replenishment of energy balance, which is the relationship between what is consumed and what energy is expended during physical activities.
Therefore, it is essential to be well-fed and nourished so that the body has enough energy to perform physical activities. Another issue that food helps with is muscle recovery during and post-workout, reducing the risk of injury.
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