The numbers are astounding, take a look:

* In clinical studies, lifestyle changes have resulted in almost a sixty percent reduction in the number of people with diabetes.1
* The American Cancer Society estimates that about one third (or more) of cancer deaths are related to lifestyle factors.2
* The American Heart Association also touts lifestyle changes as a major factor for preventing heart disease.3

But what exactly are these lifestyle changes we hear so much about and which give you the most bang for your buck? After all, you don’t want to stop drinking wine or eating ice cream unless you really have to.
Lifestyle Factors that Count

If you are reading this, then you are probably interested in health and know enough to not smoke or drink too much alcohol. You also probably know to not spend too much time in the sun (when you can find it) allowing your skin to burn. So what else should you focus on to improve your health?

Here are the three most important health changes you can make.

* Nutrition: You might be confused by all the dietary recommendations around how much protein or fat to eat. To make you dietary choices simple, turn your focus from those foods to fruits and vegetables. Every step you take to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet will increase your health. Make sure that every meal you eat contains at least one (if not a few) of these nutritional power plants.
* Weight: Every pound you add over your ideal body mass index places you at higher risks for heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and more. The importance of your weight cannot be overemphasized. Find a program for weight loss that works for you.
* Exercise: Your body was designed to be used and when you don’t use it, your health suffers. Exercise impacts many aspects of our health including cardiovascular health, mental health (reducing anxiety and depression), improving blood sugar control, and helping us feel our best. Choose an exercise program that is both fun and something you can commit to.

These three lifestyle changes can go a long way to reducing your risk factors for common illnesses. The beauty of these three is that they work together. Eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising will help you to lose weight. Losing weight will help your exercise routine. And, when you feel better, you’ll want to eat better.