The Single Healthiest Thing You Can Do for Your Body
The Single Healthiest Thing You Can Do for Your Body
Over the years, people have put me on the spot and demanded I answer this question: “What is ONE thing I can do to be healthier?”
Now as a dietitian, I gravitate to a food-related answer.
I cannot help it.
However, that doesn’t mean that answer is ‘right,’ and my answer has changed over the years. And depending on where I am.
I’ve worked at student health fairs at my university.
I’ve worked with people who want weight loss.
I’ve worked with people who want help managing stress (and stress eating).
I’ve worked with people who are concerned about diabetes.
I’ve worked with people who are competitive athletes.
I’ve worked with people who are under 21 years.
I’ve worked with people over 50, over 70, and over 90.
I’ve worked with pregnant women and women going through menopause.
I’ve worked with teen boys who want to bulk up so much that they want protein shakes two to three times a day.
So, here is the deal: the single healthiest thing? It isn’t a single thing. Sorry.
The student at the health fair? Eat more vegetables.
The person wanting weight loss? Eat more vegetables.
The person wanting to manage stress and stress eating? Minimize added sugars.
The person concerned about diabetes? Eat consistently during the day.
The person who is a competitive athlete? Proper hydration. Proper hydration.
The person who is under 21 years? Eat a vegetable.
The person who is over 50, over 70, and even over 90 years of age? Over 50 – watch your portions; over 70, watch your sodium; over 90, you are welcome to eat and drink whatever you like.
The pregnant woman? Keep snacks nearby.
The menopausal woman? Strength train.
The teen boy who wants to bulk up? Have you ever tried to have a conversation with a teen boy? Of course, they will get that protein shake, no matter what anyone says. But I will still let them know that they can eat food at a much lower cost.
Now, in general, the single best thing you can do for your health?
Don’t smoke. That is for everyone. Everyone.
If you don’t smoke, then exercise – both cardio and strength. If you do that, then great! Both, right?
Don’t want to exercise? Guess what – you need to. Even just starting with walking is good.
And I hear this:
It is too cold.
It is too hot.
It is too windy.
I have allergies.
I don’t live in a safe neighborhood.
I don’t like the gym, or I am not a member.
Seriously, I hear all kinds of reasons not to exercise.
And get more fruits and vegetables. Nearly every person I have worked with, I have said, “eat more fruits and vegetables.”
Those recommendations above are not blanket statements that apply to everyone. Not even close.
I individualize everything to the person. When I work with you, I consider all of you - your age, disease risk, current health status, and so much more. Are you ready to learn more about what you can do for YOUR health? Let’s talk about it. Schedule a free introductory call today.
