The topic of healthy living is surrounded by myths and complications. But we believe that it is possible to be healthy in simple and delicious ways. For us at Bold, health is more than just not having diseases. And even those who have some condition, such as diabetes, for example, can be healthy.

Strange?

No! It's surreal and simple. By the end of this article you'll agree with us.

After all, what is a healthy life?

This is a debate that is very moving. We assure you that a healthy lifestyle is not limited to thin or toned bodies, nor does it fit into the advertisements we are used to seeing or Instagram posts that say that the path to a healthy lifestyle is a list of restrictions.

More than the absence of disease

We agree with the World Health Organization (WHO). According to them, a healthy life is:

“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease”

In other words, it encompasses the mind, the body and your social life. Have you ever stopped to think about these three aspects? The definition is from 1964 and remains current, as it is complete and considers people holistically, as a whole.

“Any little bit of love is health”

The writer Guimarães Rosa said that “Any love is health, a rest in health”. The Minas Gerais native knew about this. After all, many things can take away our peace in our daily lives, thus compromising our mental health, as defined by the WHO. But if we love something or someone, we find rest, a safe haven to recharge our batteries.

Sometimes the how is complicated, but the whys help us to keep fighting. “Those who know the why can handle any how.”

When we talk about a healthy life, we are not referring to a perfect life, but rather one in which we find balance and strength even when everything seems a little chaotic.

Components of a healthy life

Health is much broader than common sense imagines. Therefore, to be healthy we need to take care of several aspects.

Food

You are what you eat. However, don't get hung up on it. Anyone who has tried several diets knows that restrictive eating is not the way to go. It is already known that cutting out nutrients and dishes completely can lead to binge eating, which is the opposite of health. This condition compromises not only your body's health, but also your mind's.

Therefore, the best path is balance. Eating also has emotional and social dimensions. Therefore, we must learn when to nourish our affective memories and emotions and recognize when food is important in moments with family and friends.

Of course, your routine should be as free of processed foods as possible. Include fruits, vegetables, whole and varied foods.

Learn how to include ingredients, dishes and other items that are both tasty and healthy. Here on the blog we have several surreal recipes with the best quality ingredients.

Physical Exercises

Practicing some sport or physical activity is essential for a healthy life. Our tip for this pillar is to find something you enjoy and that suits your body. The WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week. If you like intense activity, this time is half that, 75 to 150 minutes per week.

Learn to recognize when you need a break, rest is also important for muscle regeneration and various processes for building lean mass.

On busy days, try to include movement in your routine. Instead, walk or cycle, get up from your chair every now and then and walk around the streets near your home or work, or do some stretching.

Mental health

Burnout, depression, anxiety and other conditions are much discussed these days. These are mental disorders that can compromise not only your mental health, but your physical health as well. Mental health problems can drain your energy to live a full life and even take care of yourself.

Therefore, if you have noticed that you are suffering from mental illness, seek specialized help.

For those who consider themselves mentally healthy, know that we need to invest in activities that preserve our sanity.

Balance your work and leisure hours, keep in touch with people you like. Also, invest in activities that provide you with well-being and self-knowledge.

Healthy relationships: family, partner and friends

The WHO cites social life as one of the components of a healthy life. This mainly concerns your relationships, whether with family, your significant other, your friends or acquaintances. Setting aside time for them in your schedule will make you healthier.

In addition to living surrounded by people you like, make sure your relationships are healthy.

If you have identified that you are in a toxic relationship, you may need to analyze it. Be aware that toxic relationships can occur with family members, romantic relationships, or friendships. There are also professionals who have specialized in this type of problem.

Ok, but how do you start a healthy life once and for all?

The best way to live a healthy life is to test what works for you and be patient. Try different physical activities until you find one that you enjoy, as this will make it easier to include in your routine.

Also test recipes with healthy ingredients, be open to new flavors and understand how you can nourish your emotions and body in a balanced way.

Remember that the 8 or 80 strategy tends to fail. It is better to start slowly and gradually increase the pace. This tip applies to everything: training, diet, self-awareness activities and adapting your work and leisure routine.

Look for inspiration in people who show a more realistic healthy routine, like Júlia Ribeiral, an influencer who shows how she changed her lifestyle without stress. She also shares tactics for being healthy in the midst of life as a mother, student and wife.

Inspired to start a healthy lifestyle? Stay strong, you'll see how your routine changes for the better.