Your Guide to Nutrition, Fitness, and Mental Well-Being

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Welcome to SU1.life’s wellness guide! Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t about perfection—it’s about sustainability, balance, and making choices that support long-term well-being. This page offers practical, evidence-based advice on eating well, staying active, and nurturing your mental health, with special considerations for those managing Type 1 diabetes.

1Balanced Nutrition: Eating for Energy and Well-Being

What you eat fuels your mind and body. The goal is to focus on nutrient-dense foods while maintaining flexibility and enjoyment in eating.

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Build a Balanced Plate

A healthy diet isn’t about restriction—it’s about balance. Use the 80/20 rule: 80% of your meals should be nutritious and whole-food-based, while 20% can include indulgences.

50% Vegetables & Fiber 🥦🥕

  • Leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, cruciferous veggies
  • Benefits: Keeps you full, stabilizes blood sugar, and promotes gut health

25% Lean Proteins 🥩🐟

  • Chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, salmon, eggs
  • Benefits: Helps muscle growth, keeps you full longer

25% Smart Carbs & Healthy Fats 🍠🥑

  • Quinoa, sweet potatoes, whole grains, avocados, nuts
  • Benefits: Provides energy, supports brain function

For those with Type 1 diabetes:Choosing complex carbohydrates and pairing them with protein or healthy fats can help prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.

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Hydration & Smart Beverage Choices

How much water should you drink?

General Rule: Half your body weight in ounces (e.g., if you weigh 140 lbs, aim for 70 oz of water per day).

Best Options:

  • Water infused with lemon or cucumber
  • Herbal teas
  • Electrolyte-balanced drinks (coconut water, homemade electrolyte water)

Avoid excessive sugary drinks! This applies to everyone, but especially those with blood sugar concerns. Opt for unsweetened options or natural flavor enhancers.

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Mindful Eating & Meal Timing

When and how you eat is just as important as what you eat.

  • Avoid skipping meals – Eating at regular intervals (every 3-4 hours) prevents energy crashes and stabilizes blood sugar.
  • Listen to hunger cues – Eat until satisfied, not stuffed.
  • Slow down while eating – Take at least 20 minutes per meal to allow digestion and prevent overeating.

For those with Type 1 diabetes: Consider carb-counting and insulin timing to ensure blood sugar stability before meals

2Movement & Exercise: Keeping Your Body Strong

Exercise isn’t just for weight loss—it improves mood, energy, and long-term health.

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How Often Should You Move?

  • 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (~30 minutes, 5 times a week).
  • Strength training 2-3 times a week to build muscle and improve metabolism.
  • Daily movement: Stretching, yoga, or even a 10-minute walk helps!

For those with Type 1 diabetes: Exercising lowers insulin resistance, but be mindful of blood sugar fluctuations. Always carry a quick snack, like glucose tablets or a banana, for safety!

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Best Types of Exercise for Energy & Longevity

🏃‍♀️ Cardio (Heart Health & Stamina)

  • Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, dance workouts
  • Benefits: Boosts heart health, burns calories, and improves endurance

💪 Strength Training (Muscle & Metabolism)

  • Bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, push-ups), resistance bands, weightlifting
  • Benefits: Strengthens bones, boosts metabolism, prevents muscle loss

🧘‍♀️ Flexibility & Recovery (Mental & Physical Health)

  • Yoga, pilates, mobility exercises
  • Benefits: Improves posture, reduces injury risk, enhances mental clarity

3Mental Well-Being: Happiness from the Inside Out

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Prioritizing your mind helps create a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

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Sleep: The Ultimate Reset Button

  • Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
  • Reduce screen time 1 hour before bed to improve sleep quality.
  • Develop a wind-down routine: reading, journaling, or listening to calming music.

For those with Type 1 diabetes: Sleep deprivation can impact blood sugar levels. Consistency is key!

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Stress Management & Emotional Wellness

  • Mindfulness & Meditation – Just 5-10 minutes daily can improve mood and reduce stress.
  • Journaling & Gratitude – Writing down 3 things you're grateful for can shift your mindset.
  • Connecting with Others – Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people.

For those with Type 1 diabetes: Chronic stress can impact blood sugar levels—finding healthy outlets is essential.

4Sustainable Living & Small Daily Habits

Healthy living is about small, consistent actions that build into lifelong habits.

4Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are!

Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t about following a rigid plan—it’s about finding what works for YOU.

Eat nourishing foods.

Move your body in ways you enjoy.

Prioritize mental well-being.

Make small changes that add up over time.