How to Keep a Healthy Body Shape

A healthy body shape represents optimal health on the inside and out. To maintain your healthy physique, incorporate regular exercise and a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and lean protein. Through diet and moderate to vigorous exercise, you can trim excess weight, keep your internal organs functioning efficiently and maintain a slim, healthy figure. It takes patience and dedication, but once you adopt a healthy lifestyle you'll be well on your way.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid foods high in saturated fat, sugar and refined carbohydrates. These foods include deep fried food, white pasta or bread, cookies, pizza, etc. These foods are high in calories and low in nutrition.

• 2

  Focus your daily diet on whole grains (e.g. oats, quinoa, barley, spelt), vegetables, fruit, lean protein (e.g. tofu, fish, beans, poultry) and healthy fats (e.g. nuts, avocado, salmon).

• 3

  Exercise for at least 30 minutes, three to five times each week. Moderate to vigorous activity will burn excess calories and keep your figure trim while improving your cardiovascular system. Try jogging, playing sports, swimming, hiking, biking or hitting the gym.

• 4

  Tone your body using simple, strength-training exercises. Maintain a healthy upper body by performing up to 30 push-ups, three times a week. Lay flat on your stomach with your palms beneath your shoulders. Press up on your palms and the balls of your feet until your arms are completely straight. Keep your abs tight to prevent your back from sagging. Return to the starting position and repeat up to 25 times.

• 5

  Keep your abs strong and flat by performing up to 30 crunches, three times a week. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Fold your hands behind your head then lift your upper body toward your knees, contracting your ab muscles as you lift. Lower your upper body back down to the floor then repeat.