A healthy lifestyle means that you live a life that is well balanced both physically and mentally.  Below are a few tips about keeping a healthy and balanced lifestyle:

Healthy Eating

Eat a variety of foods – base your meals and snacks on carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and cereals.  Include lots of vegetables and fruit and also have protein such as meat, fish, pulses and dairy each day.  Try not to eat too much fat, sugar and salt - which is in most ‘junk foods’.  Enjoy your food!

Many people are dissatisfied with their shape, believing they are overweight.  If you decide you want to lose weight then it’s a good idea to do some extra exercise and eat healthily as outlined above.  If you are planning to lose a few pounds in this way, that's fine, but if you are thinking about a serious diet you should talk to your doctor.

Bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders, and can affect young men as well as young women.  Crash dieting can seriously damage your health; bulimia and anorexia can lead to major organ failure.  If you think about what you are eating all the time, or if you feel you aren't in control of your eating, you can talk to your doctor.

Exercise

Exercise is really important for our bodies to stay healthy and keep in good working order.

Exercise reduces stress, strengthens muscles and joints and helps us to control our weight.

There are lots of clubs, gyms and classes you can join if you want to exercise with other people, e.g. football, badminton, squash, aerobics or yoga.

But you don't need to join a club; you can try walking, running, cycling or swimming. Or you can follow a video at home or just put on some music and dance!

Make activity a part of your life – aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days a week.

Stress

Headaches? Tired? Moody? Changes of appetite? These may be signs that you’re overdoing it and need to slow down.

It’s not unusual to feel stressed, depressed, worried or confused.  In extreme cases, such feelings may lead to mental illness or breakdown, but usually, with support from friends, family or professionals, we come through it.

Don’t struggle on your own: get support early before the problems become too big.  Visit your local Connexions Centre or contact Connexions Direct.