Adapted by Jessica Kovarik, RD, LD, former Extension Associate, from materials written by Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Good health includes not only healthy eating, but also exercise. In fact, you can walk yourself to good health with a brisk 30- to 40-minute walk every day. And the best part is, it’s easy. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes!
Exercise such as walking will improve your overall health and has been shown to:
- Boost metabolism and help with appetite control.
- Improve self-confidence and mental alertness.
- Provide stress relief.
- Reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Give an energy boost throughout the day.
- Help with getting a good night’s sleep (but avoid exercising right before bed if you want to fall asleep quickly).
So, why wouldn’t you exercise daily?
An easy way to reach your goals is to keep track of your activity. For example, if you like to walk, track your steps with a pedometer. Set a starting goal of 2,000 steps a day, which is about a mile. Over time, work up to 10,000 steps, or about five miles, each day. Walking every day can help you look better, feel better, and add more life to your years and years to your life.
To get started…
For more tips and encouragement to make walking part of your regular routine, read the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/