5 simple tips you need to know

1. Get off to a good start

The morning is the most significant part of the day when it comes to living healthy. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and will get you off to a good start. While it needs to be satisfying, it doesn't have to be a stodgy carb-fest, and your meals should get progressively lighter throughout the day. Similarly, the morning is one of the most effective times to exercise and will leave you energised for the rest of the day.

2. Cool carbs

Carbohydrates aren't all bad. In fact, they provide much of our energy and should make up about a third of our diet. Just remember to go for wholegrains, whether that's wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, as they're far healthier than the refined white options. Potatoes, eaten in moderation with their jackets on, are also healthy.

3. Get out and about

Try to exercise briskly at least three times a week for at least half an hour to keep you healthy. Whether it's simply an invigorating walk or clocking up laps in the swimming pool, a session at the gym, competitive sports – and even dancing – there are numerous options to choose from. It takes only a couple of weeks before you really begin to feel the benefits. As you get fitter, push yourself harder – your body will thank you and reward you well!

4. Eat your greens (and your blues, reds and oranges)!

Fruit and veg are good for you – but you know that! However, it's important to eat a good mix of different coloured fruit and vegetables, as different ones have different health-giving properties. For example, many blue-coloured fruits, including blue-black grapes, blueberries and blackberries, contain potent anti-oxidant properties that can offer protection against cancer and help with anti-ageing.

Every day, try to have five portions of different coloured types of fruits and vegetables a day. For example, over a day eat a combination of red foods, such as strawberries, tomatoes and red peppers; purple or blue foods such as beetroot, eggplant and red cabbage; orange or yellow foods such as carrots, oranges and pineapples; green foods such as broccoli, spinach and peas; and white or brown foods such as onions, garlic and cauliflower. This combination will give you increased protection from a number of life-threatening health risks, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and more.

5. Regular heath checks

When it comes to your health, ignorance isn't bliss! Monitoring your health when you're younger gives you a better chance of keeping healthy in old age. So make regular appointments for the family to have eye and dental appointments and general health screening.

Read on for three fascinating facts about living healthily, and take control of your health now.