Are you looking to take control of your health and wellness? If you are, it’s not a bad idea.
Health issues like obesity are becoming a real problem in the United States. As of 2018, more than 42% of the American population was obese. Later on in life, obese people often develop conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The easiest way to get a healthy body is by tracking your health. And, contrary to what diet plans and marketing campaigns might have you believe, living your best life is easier than you may realize.
Let’s look at how you can track your health and work on your health management.
Be Consistent
The problem with diet culture is that it leads to whiplash. Diets pressure you into radically changing your life. However, at a certain point, that becomes unsustainable.
This, in turn, leads to people diving back into their poor health habits.
The easiest way to be healthy is by being consistent. Understand that a balanced life is full of healthy and unhealthy days. Try to ensure that the healthy days outnumber the unhealthy, but don’t resent yourself if you fall off the wagon once or twice.
Consistency is key.
Know What Healthy Looks Like for You
Remember that healthy means something different for everyone. Your natural weight might be higher or lower than that of your friends. Don’t let that bother you.
Everyone’s body is different, so don’t try to imitate someone else’s health management plan. Often, it’ll only end up stressing you out—physically and mentally.
Instead, make a point to learn what healthy looks like for you. Once you realize that, you’ll know what you need to work towards in the times when you’re off the health wagon.
Don’t Rely Exclusively on BMI
Speaking of everyone’s bodies being different, it’s also important not to rely too heavily on metrics like the BMI. While they can help give you a general sense of where you’re at in terms of health, even physicians admit that they aren’t perfect.
According to health experts, a BMI between 25 and 30 is considered “overweight.” Likewise, health experts consider anything over 30 to be “obese.” However, not everyone falls perfectly into those categories.
Often, healthy people with a lot of muscle get ranked as “overweight” or “obese.” For example, this includes the internationally renowned tennis star, Serena Williams.
Use your BMI as a health benchmark and as a way to track your health, but make sure it’s not the only system you use. It might just classify you as something you’re not.
Visit Your Physician
While you can take steps to understand and monitor your health on your own, remember that you don’t have a medical degree. Your primary care physician, on the other hand, does.
Make a point to see your doctor at least once a year. Even if you don’t have any pressing health issues, they can help ensure that your body is operating as it should.
Physicians can also help you with preventative care. They can help you take control of problems before they come severe and difficult to resolve.
If you don’t feel like visiting your physician, you can even do an at-home test. Just make sure you do a total health test check up to ensure there aren’t any problems.
Turn to an App for Help
Technology makes it easy to track your health over periods. Modern apps can help you with everything from calorie counting to ensuring you get enough steps during the day.
For example, if you have an iPhone, check out the Health app. It tracks your fitness levels over periods, and you can also configure it to track how much sleep you get.
If you start to veer away from a healthy routine, apps like Health can help you make lifestyle adjustments.
Invest in a Wearable Tracker
If you want to make full use of modern technology, consider investing in a wearable tracker. Products like Apple’s iWatch and Fitbit can help take your health tracking to the next level.
In addition to tracking your steps, sleep, and other standard health measurements, these products can also help monitor your heartbeat. You can also tell them when you’re exercising, allowing you to measure how active you are over time.
However, while wearable trackers can be helpful, they can also lead to obsessive tendencies. Remember that everyone has healthy and unhealthy days. Try your best not to let them rule your life!
Remember That Fluctuations Are Normal
As mentioned, part of tracking your health means accepting that fluctuations are, to some extent, normal. Nobody can prioritize their health every second of every day, and there will be days when you aren’t your healthiest.
Recognize that, and don’t get bummed out when you find yourself feeling lazy or wanting to do nothing but eat potato chips on the couch.
Instead, accept that you’re a human being with natural cravings. Move on, and make a point to be healthier the next day!
A Healthy Body Made Easy
As we progress through life and handle stress and other external factors, it’s normal for our health to fluctuate a bit. That said, it should stay consistent most of the time.
If you’re looking to get a healthy body, it might be a good idea to track your health. Use the tips mentioned in this guide to help you do that.
Are you looking to learn more about health management? If you are, make sure to check out the rest of our site for all things health and wellness.
