Exercise and Eating Healthy lead to a healthier body

Health experts agree - in addition to exercise, cutting calories is the single most effective way to lose weight. ANY AMOUNT of exercise you do in addition will help to increase the amount of weight loss. But exercising 60 minutes a day is the amount of exercise needed to prevent WEIGHT GAIN. What this means is that while you are losing weight, it is best to focus on learning about portion control and choosing a healthier diet. Once you have gained mastery over those skills, you can think about aiming at the Surgeon General's recommendation of 30 minutes a day

Eating the right foods and the right amounts of foods can help you live a longer, healthier life. Research has proven that many illnesses—such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—can be prevented or controlled by eating right. Getting the nutrients you need, such as calcium and iron, and keeping your weight under control can help. Try to balance the calories you get from food with the calories you use through physical activity (select for more information about physical activity). It is never too late to start eating right. Here are some helpful tips.

Eat a variety of foods, especially:

Vegetables. Choose dark-green leafy and deep-yellow vegetables.

Fruits. Choose citrus fruits or juices, melons, and berries.

Dry beans (such as red beans, navy beans, and soybeans), lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts.

Whole grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, corn, and barley.

Whole grain breads and cereals.

Eat foods low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, especially:

Fish.

Poultry prepared without skin; lean meat.

Low-fat dairy products.

Keep building muscle, exercising, and eating healthy and watch your waistline shrink and your health improve!