Most people define freedom as being able to do something – freedom of speech, freedom of choice, or freedom to live where they want to. But have you ever considered that being healthy means freedom from physical disease or pain?

Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is not that difficult. You can start today by following a few easy steps:

You are what you eat
Most of us love unhealthy foods – burgers, chips, pizza, cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks. However, the truth is overindulging in these foods will lead to weight gain and health problems in the long run.

When you choose to eat a healthy, moderate-calorie diet that avoids added sugars, unhealthy fats and too much sodium, your risk for diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers goes down significantly. And the weight will stay off, giving you the freedom to live the life you want to.

Get moving
An active lifestyle works hand in hand with a nutritious diet to keep your body in tip-top shape. Make the choice to exercise regularly – about 30 minutes of cardio a day, with two strength-training sessions a week – and you improve your chances of living a longer and healthier life.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, benefits of regular exercise include prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes; reduced symptoms from depression and anxiety; better heart, lung and muscle fitness; and better quality of sleep – and it will give you the freedom to live the life you want to.

Sleep tight
When it comes to sleep, it’s all about moderation. You don’t want to sleep your days away, but getting the recommended amount of sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle.

While you catch some ZZZs, your brain strengthens memories, improves on skills you learned and boosts your creativity. You might also enjoy the benefit of weight loss or maintenance, as when you’re tired, certain hormones that drive appetite increase in your blood.

Aim to get seven to nine hours a sleep a night and you will have the freedom to live the life you want to.

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