Healthy BMI: Simple Steps for a Healthier You

Keeping your Body Mass Index (BMI) in a healthy range comes down to the daily choices you make. After my diagnosis with Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease (HCVD), Dyslipidemia, and Fatty Liver, my heart doctor stressed how crucial it was for me to change my diet and exercise regularly. It made a real difference for me, and these tips can help you too!

Key Steps for a Healthy BMI

• Move Your Body Regularly: Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of intense exercise (like running) each week. The best way to stick with it? Choose activities you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, biking, or dancing!
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on filling your plate with good stuff! This means lots of **fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats**. Try to cut back on processed foods, sugary snacks, and drinks that are high in calories.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is super important for your body to work its best. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water throughout your day.
• Watch Your Portions: Be mindful of how much you're eating. Try not to overeat by listening to your body's hunger signals and stopping when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.
• Limit Sugary Drinks: Sugary sodas, energy drinks, and too much alcohol can add a lot of hidden calories. Stick to water, herbal teas, or unsweetened drinks instead.
• Check Your Weight Often: Keep an eye on your weight and BMI. If you notice a big change, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. I personally use the BMI Calculator - Ideal Weight for Android to keep track of my weight data, and you might find it helpful too!

Remember, a healthy BMI isn't just about the number on the scale; it's about your overall health and how you feel. Focus on a balanced lifestyle that includes moving your body, eating well, and taking care of yourself.

Everything here is for educational and informational purposes only. It's not a substitute for professional advice. If you choose to act on any information from this post, you're doing so at your own risk. Please read my full disclaimers.

Sources:

1. CDC. (2022, October 20). All about adult BMI [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html
2. How to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://apps.hf.org/ahap/members/documents/hra_documents/Maintain%20a%20healthy%20BMI%20AHAP%20r042222.pdf
3. Bariatrics, M., & Surgery, A. (2016, July 12). Tips for maintaining a healthy BMI [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.drmalladi.com/tips-maintaining-healthy-bmi/
4. How to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) [Blog post]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hioscar.com/blog/how-to-maintain-a-healthy-body-mass-index-bmi/
5. Nutrition Division. (n.d.). Body mass index (BMI) [Graphic Design]. Retrieved from https://nutrition.health.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BMI.png