Experiencing a healthy and long life requires several things, including a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep each night, exercise, plenty of water, and eliminating any bad habits that can cause disease, such as smoking and overeating.

Foods

The truth is that many foods that are very rich in vitamins that your body needs everyday are available for your consumption on the go. And with some minor changes, even your fast foods can be healthy choices when you're considering vitamins. With all that is available today, there is no excuse not to eat healthy.

Make or keep a wide variety of healthy foods ready at home to be eaten as snacks. Try to eat as many whole foods as you can as opposed to processed foods.

The reason processed foods are enriched in the first place is because their process has stripped them of virtually all their vital nutrients. By eating natural foods instead of processed you allow your body to have the nutrients it needs to fight disease and allow you to live a longer, healthier life.

If you are the parent of a baby, keep in mind that the first year of solid foods is a very important time for establishing your child's eating habits. Your child is constantly enticed towards foods that are appealing and not necessarily nutritious. By forming good eating habits from the beginning, they are more likely to accept a healthier diet throughout their growing years and beyond.

Exercise

Starting a family fitness routine is a great way to set up your kids with a lifetime love of fitness and exercise, not to mention that it's good for your health and waistline as well.

Although most of us know the importance of exercise and physical fitness, life often gets in the way and exercise is often the last thing on your mind. How many times have you tried to adopt an exercise program, tried to quit smoking or lose weight, or give up junk food.

You don't have to be a professional athlete – just make time for 15-20 minutes of exercise daily. That's the key.

Sleep

Besides exercise you need to have good sleep and rest in order to be healthy. The trick is to receive 7-9 hours of sleep each night as opposed to a few nights out of the week. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night can extend your life.

Water

Drinking enough water every day is extremely important. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Research has shown you can speed up your metabolism by 1/3 by drinking several glasses of ice water each day. There are at least a dozen ways water aids different parts of your body, including your heart, skin and digestive system.

Get Rid of Bad Habits

Do you have any bad habits that keep you from achieving better health? Overeating, smoking, or watching TV for hours each day can lead to many health disorders such as high blood pressure, obesity, and cancer.

Ask your doctor, healthcare provider, friends and family members how you can overcome your existing bad habits and replace them with new ones.

Conclusion

These are basic areas that need to be followed to achieve good health. Exercise, diet, adequate water, enough sleep, and ridding yourself of bad habits such as smoking and overeating will greatly increase your chances of fighting off disease and living a long and full life.

Carol Stack has written numerous articles. She lives in the United States with her husband, three children, and various dogs and cats. Carol and her sister Barbara (who has won contests for her recipes) have combined forces to bring you a website that focuses on good health with healthy and nutritious foods and recipes. You can visit it at: http://www.healthyrecipesandmore.com