Consistency in Healthiness - Why is it Important?



The Complimentary ‘Healthiness’ and ‘Consistency’

The moment we state ‘healthiness’, the first word that comes to our mind is ‘consistency’ because that’s the key. As human beings, staying healthy and fit is our common end goal but what makes it different for each one of us is our habits and lifestyle. The lack of consistency leaves a feeling of discouragement which is the missing piece of the puzzle.

What does ‘healthiness’ mean?

Let’s begin with talking about what ‘healthiness’ actually stands for. For some, being healthy might be exercising daily with a balanced diet filled with healthy products while for some it may be maintaining a certain weight. While the concept of healthiness is different for each individual, mental healthiness is considered a common goal for all. Studies prove that your mental status has the biggest impact on your physical being. Like the WHO, World Health Organisation defines health as ‘ a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity ’.

Change is the key

To maintain health goals, all we need to do is formulate our habits and routines and be consistent with them. If we start and stop, our journey to a healthier lifestyle will also start and stop leading to a waste of previous hard work. However, if you practice with consistency, it helps you stay in routine and in turn be healthy. Not just this, once you are consistent about your habits and lifestyle, it becomes a part of you, and hence, it is easier to continue.

Let’s talk about how to inculcate consistency in your life while maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.

STEP 1

The initial step to living a consistently healthy life is starting to have meals on time. When we say meals on time, we mean to have a fixed eating schedule. This will help eliminate the unnecessary snacking in between meals. Though it sounds hard, being patient is one of the most important factors while living a healthy lifestyle because your body will need time to adjust to a new eating schedule.

STEP 2

Followed by an eating schedule is an eating pattern. When it comes to maintaining a balanced diet, we often think of it as cutting down on our portions, but instead, we need to cut down on unhealthy foods. When we maintain a balanced diet, our body gets used to an eating schedule more easily as it receives the right amount of nutrients required to stay energized and active. Include seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, and quinoa in your diet. Consumption of such seeds acts as a great source of fiber which contains healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When consumed in the right quantity, it helps in reducing blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

There are multiple other healthy food options as well like Sona Masoori Rice & Unpolished Brown Rice. This variety of rice is a rich source of dietary fiber and contains a high level of magnesium. Another quick and healthy on-the-go snack can be dry fruits. They are a rich source of vitamins and protein that not only satiates hunger pangs but also acts as an immunity booster.

STEP 3

Followed by a balanced diet is a pre-planned measured diet chart which is one of the most vital steps. One should be aware of the number of calories one consumes during a day. A measured plan is always a better plan! But always remember to add your favorite meals to the diet chart, of course in appropriate quantities. Living healthy does not mean just staying fit externally but internally as well. When your body does not get the food you love, you’re internally punishing yourself which acts as a red flag.

The most vital health factor

Above all, work on your mental peace. Although the mind and the body are often viewed as being separate, mental and physical health are closely knitted. Good mental health can positively impact your physical health while poor mental health can negatively affect your physical health. Some studies state that depression could lead to chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease making mental health equally important as physical health.

That one-step

It is proven that your body takes only 2-3 weeks to get habituated to any habit- good or bad. That means for the first few days it will require a lot of hard work, perseverance, and a little struggle to adapt to all the changes, mentally and physically, but, once you’ve crossed that mark, you’ve already won it halfway.

It all starts with that one step. That one step of waking up on time, going for a jog, having a wholesome breakfast, is all that you need to take. So get up, grab those shoes, pick up the smoothie mixer, and let’s do this.