How to Be Healthy
Whether you’re trying to manage weight, improve your overall health or deal with
stress, there are steps you can take to be healthier lifevoyageurs. A healthy lifestyle includes five
major areas: nutrition, exercise, mental and emotional wellness, stress management
and sleep.

Diet
Eating a healthy diet is the most important thing you can do for your overall health.
It can help prevent many diseases and keep you at a healthy weight. The best foods
are whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, lean protein and
water. Choose low sodium or salt free versions of processed foods and limit your
intake of sugar, fats, and saturated and trans-fats.
Exercising
Physical activity can greatly improve your overall health and is necessary for weight

loss, healthy bones, heart and blood pressure, cholesterol, sex, and overall well-
being. It can also reduce your risk for diabetes, cancer and falls. Aim for 150 minutes

of moderate-intensity physical activity every week.
Exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Regular exercise can improve
your mood, energy, endurance and strength. It can also decrease your risk for
depression and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Be a role model for your children, teaching them about healthy eating and exercise.
Speak up when your child makes unhealthy choices and encourage them to make
better ones.
EAT HEALTHY Snacks
Snacking on snacks is another great way to stay healthy. Snacks that are healthy
can include raw vegetables, fruit, low fat yogurt or cottage cheese dip, whole grain
crackers or pretzels, and unbuttered popcorn.

COOK AT HOME MORE OFTEN
Cooking at home is one of the best ways to eat healthy, especially if you prepare
meals using fresh ingredients. This is because most restaurant food contains high
amounts of saturated fat and other unhealthy ingredients that are not good for your
overall health.
Use a stovetop or oven rather than a microwave to heat your foods, and try cooking
small portions at a time so you don’t overeat. If you do eat out, choose a meal that
is lower in kilojoules and fat by choosing a salad or soup with reduced-calorie
dressing or a roast beef sandwich instead of a pizza.
Aim for a variety of different coloured veggies and fruits at each meal. This will
ensure you get a range of different nutrients to nourish your body.
Avoid fast foods like French fries, fried chicken and fish sandwiches because they

are often loaded with fat. If you must eat out, select healthy options such as a salad
or soup with reduced-calorie or fat-free dressing and avoid burgers.
CHOOSE LEANER VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and
phytochemicals. They are also high in fiber, which can help to prevent a variety of
health problems.
REMOVE MOST PROCESSED FOODS AND PACKAGING
Processed foods are usually full of salt, fat and other ingredients that are bad for
your health. If you must eat these kinds of foods, cook them at home with extra
virgin olive oil and less salt.