We’re venturing into the second half of the year. It’s time to re-evaluate where you are with your physical health.

Are you living a healthy lifestyle?

Living a healthy lifestyle means staying active and eating the right foods to fuel your body. By living a healthy lifestyle, you’ll minimize your health care expenses, especially as you age.

Here are five questions to ask yourself to ensure you’re living a healthy lifestyle.

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1- How many hours during the day are you sitting?

If your work demands you to sit most of the day, find short breaks during the day to walk. Even getting up and stretching every hour will make a difference.

If you find yourself sitting in front of the television or your laptop when you get home, shift your routine. Sign-up for a class to help you become more active. Try a dance class. Another idea is to recruit a friend and go for a walk.

If it’s still too overwhelming to find time, use a fitness tracker and challenge yourself to achieve a certain number of steps daily. Be creative and have fun shaking off a sedentary lifestyle and engaging in physical activity.

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2- Do you fit easily into your clothes?

If your clothes start becoming snug, then it’s time to take immediate action. If you wait too long, you’ll need to buy new clothes. And not to mention it’ll take longer to get back into shape.

Start by tracking your food and alcohol intake. Also, pay attention to your physical activity.

If nothing has changed but you’re still gaining weight, your body metabolism may have changed. Many times if you change your physical activity and try something different, such as interval training, you’ll see a difference.

If you’re still noticing weight gain, visit your doctor just in case you have a medical condition.

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3- Are you eating well-balanced meals?   

Well-balanced meals give your body the proper nutrients to function at its best. It’s having enough water, protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and grains while minimizing sugar and fat.

An easy way to determine if you’re eating well-balanced meals is to gauge how you feel. If you’re consuming a lot of processed foods, you’ll feel more fatigued with lower performance. You may be agitated, sickly, and tired more often than usual.

Try increasing your water consumption and gradually eliminate sugary drinks, such as energy drinks and sodas. You’ll start noticing a difference which will motivate you to make other changes towards eating well-balanced meals.

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4- Have you scheduled your annual physical exam?

Annual physical exams allow you to detect health issues earlier. It’s being preventative with your health care.

With annual blood work, you’ll track your sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. You’ll be aware if you’re at risk for heart disease or diabetes. It’s a good way to be cognizant of your lifestyle and encourage you to take your health seriously before there is an issue.

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5- Have you scheduled your dental cleanings (preferably every six months)?

Dental cleanings are important to detect any oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. And it also can detect your overall health.

Research has shown a link between oral health and diseases such as endocarditis and cardiovascular. Certain conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis can also affect your oral health.

Most insurance companies cover dental cleanings every six months. It will also help you pay attention to the sugary foods you consume and ensure you practice good oral hygiene daily.

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Living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be difficult. With many self-help guides and awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you can make changes. Start gradually and stay persistent. You’ll eventually achieve feeling your best daily. Stay PEF (positive, enthused, and focused) and make 2018 your best year ever!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”