Living a healthy life style naturally calls for a healthy body, free from disease and illnesses. It also means that you enjoy a positive outlook about your life, the people in it, and the world.

A healthy lifestyle is one full of energy, without constant stress about aches and pains, and what tomorrow will bring. It’s about living in a healthy body, and enjoying the world around you.

Living a healthy lifestyle is built on these foundational steps:

Staying healthy calls for a healthy diet

A diet rich in fresh, whole foods is essential in a healthy lifestyle. When available, always choose foods found in its natural state. Fruits and vegetables have high vitamin and mineral content. Whole grains like quinoa and whole wheat bread should be consumed instead of less nutritious white varieties.

Vegetables need to make up 50-60% of your total intake of food each and every day. The more vegetables you eat, the less sugar and white flour you will crave and your immune system will help you fight off illness and give you all the energy you need.

Drink plenty of water. The old suggestion of 8 glasses as day is still what you need to keep every cell in your body healthy.

Exercise keeps your heart healthy and your body agile.

Just 30 minutes a day of movement can benefit your health by improving joint stability, increase your range of movement and flexibility, help prevent osteoporosis and fractures and improve your mood while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym. It can be simple things like turning off the TV for an hour and playing outdoors with your kids or taking your dog for a walk.

If you already exercise regular, add an extra lap in the pool, walk an extra turn around the block, do one more set of reps before quitting. Small increases can make a big difference.

Chores like shoveling snow, gardening, raking leaves or vacuuming and sweeping the floor are all considered a form of exercise.

Emotional Health makes all the pieces come together

Your emotional health plays a big part in a healthy lifestyle. Tune into your body to learn what causes you stress. Have a healthy social life by avoiding negative people and situations. Relaxation and meditation help release negative emotions. Listen to soothing music, meditate, breathe deep to help reduce stress.

A healthy lifestyle makes life full and large

In addition to an overall good feeling, a healthy lifestyle has many benefits. A healthy lifestyle makes life worth something to you. When you’re living conscious of your diet, sleep, exercise, and the other people you share the world with, life will take on a new and profound meaning.

A naturally healthy lifestyle can lead to a longer more productive life. You’ll feel less pain, ward off diseases and have energy like you did when you were young.