You have one of those natural, slender bodies that most people can only look at with both longing and envy. If this is you, and you have not had to fight tooth and nail to achieve this body, then you are very lucky. Think being so slim means that you do not have to be careful about your diet and exercise? Try again. Having a healthy body requires more than just being slim or thin.
The Importance of Exercise
Regular exercise is vital in order for you to maintain a healthy body and mind. Depression and other mental illnesses respond well to regular exercise. Maintaining a healthy heart, strong bones and toned muscles is a must but it will require some work on your part.
Women, especially, need to regularly perform weight bearing exercises in order to strengthen their bones for the future. If not, women who are post-menopausal may find that they suffer from osteoporosis or brittle bones. A good, well-rounded exercise program should also be a cardio-vascular workout. Your exercise regimen should be enough to leave you a little out of breath.
Good and Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential ingredient of your blood. However, if the level of your cholesterol is too high you could end up with heart and circulation problems. Cholesterol is made up of HDL, high density lipids, which are good for you, and LDL, low density lipids, which are not so good for you.
In order to get a healthy balance, specific foods and exercise are needed. Eat too many foods that contain trans fatty acids or hydrogenated fat and you could send your LDL through the roof. A balanced diet that is low in fats and high in fruit, vegetables, and omega rich fish, is a much better option. Digestive systemYour digestive system works hard constantly. It will benefit if your diet is fiber rich, as well as having plenty of fruit and vegetables, very few processed foods and plenty of nuts and whole foods.
A strong skeleton
Your skeleton supports you and without it you could not survive. Eat a diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D to maintain and protect strong, healthy bones. If necessary you can take a food supplement. However it will be better if you can get what you need from your diet.
Risk factors
There may be a risk of developing certain conditions because of your family's medical history. However, you can improve your chances and stack the odds in your favor if you use common sense. A diet full of fat and sugar could lead to diabetes. Medical research also indicates that poor diet choices increase a person's risk of developing certain cancers.
Lean Muscles
The quality of your diet will also affect your muscles. Lean meats will provide you with good levels of protein without the damaging fats and help keep your muscles lean.
A thin person who eats a bad diet runs the risk of developing poor complexion, dry or oily skin, dry or greasy hair, spots, constipation or loose stools, bad breath, weak muscles and bones, high cholesterol, blocked arteries, diabetes and heart problems.
If you keep slim by smoking cigarettes when you feel hungry, stop immediately. Smoking causes so many health problems it is not worth the risks.
If you don't exercise, eat and drink properly you could end up with what is essentially an obese person's body hiding inside your slender outer frame.