Small steps to a healthier lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is not just about having a balanced diet. It's a way of life - adopting the right food choices, enjoying physical activity and avoiding bad habits.

At Sodexo, we focus on all lifestyle issues to help our customers be more aware of the all-round health benefits they can achieve.

No thanks to email, internet and teleconferencing there's no need to walk around the office so frequently. Driving is the easy option. And why take the stairs when you can use the lift?

Small changes in routine, together with a moderate increase in physical activity, can be a great benefit. Small actions, such as adding less salt, watching alcohol consumption or simply walking to the shops, can make a big difference to your overall health and well-being.

How exercise increases calorie needs

Regular exercise combined with a healthy balanced diet is critical for good health and well-being.

Being active can help maintain a healthy weight, keep bones, muscles and joints healthier, and improve your flexibility and core stability. Regular physical activity can also decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Exercise burns calories so, combined with a healthy diet, it can be part of a weight loss programme. For example:

• Dancing for 5 minutes burns 31 calories

• Walking for 20 minutes burns 90 calories

• Cleaning for 30 minutes burns 151 calories

Sodexo's Healthworks business recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday will help you stay fit and healthy. However, it is important you choose an exercise which is appropriate for your age and lifestyle and that you enjoy.

Of course, if you don't need to lose weight, you might need to increase your calorie intake to compensate for what you burn during exercise.