Lifestyle Diseases: The Ultimate Health Hijackers
The bad news
Lifestyle diseases are like the unwanted guests that hijack our health and well-being. These conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, PCOD/PCOS, certain types of cancer and many other smaller issues like low stamina, hair fall, skin outbreaks, etc., are becoming increasingly prevalent.
The Good News!
The best part?
Lifestyle diseases can be prevented or managed by making simple changes to our daily habits. By incorporating regular physical activity, a balanced diet and stress management techniques into our lives, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing lifestyle diseases.
So who are the Culprits Behind these conditions?
And how can we prevent them from hijacking our body mind and soul?
-Physical inactivity: Sitting is the new smoking! It’s time to get moving. Take the stairs, walk to the grocery, cycle to work, join the gym, lift more weights, play a sport!
-Unhealthy weight: Keep your waistline in check! Aim for a waist measurement that’s less than your hip girth.
-Mindless eating: Ditch the junk and focus on whole grains, fresh veggies & fruits, good quality proteins, nuts & seeds and filtered oils.
-Tobacco & alcohol consumption: We know, we know – it’s a well-known fact that smoking and excessive drinking are bad news for our bodies. So, let’s avoid them like the plague!
-Chronic stress: Find ways to reduce stress, like meditation, yoga, or dancing/ even a sport!
-Disturbed sleep: Sleep is essential! It repairs and flushes out toxins from our bodies. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep.
Time to Take Control!
So, let’s take the reins! Make a commitment to yourself to take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Your body (and mind) will thank you!
Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection. Start with one change and build from there. You got this!
Focus on | Avoid |
Whole grains | Refined flour |
Fresh Vegetables & Fruits | Packaged juices/ Sodas /Canned fruits/ Ready made sauces |
Good quality proteins | Sugars & Sweeteners, Chocolates & Candies |
Nuts & Seeds | Chips /Fried Snacks/ Pastries/ Muffins/ Cupcakes/ Doughnuts/Biscuits |
Filtered Oils/ Cold Pressed Oils/ Butter/ Ghee | Margarine/ Refined Oils |
Nidhi Mehta
Nidhi Mehta is a seasoned dietitian and nutritionist with 23 years of experience, known for her personalised approach to meal planning and health-focused nutrition. Based in Pune, she runs her own clinic and collaborates with doctors to support individuals and families across all age groups. Her expertise includes developing health food products such as baby foods, breakfast options and weight loss aids. A member of the Indian Dietetic Association and a visiting lecturer at Sancheti College of Physiotherapy, Nidhi also contributes regularly to Firstcry.com and conducts health workshops. In addition to her nutrition work, she is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and teacher, leading classes for women and preparing students for arangetram through her dance school, Sadhana Nrityala.
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