Cardiovascular diseases are known to be the leading cause of death. One might wonder about the main cause of such a disease. When it comes to risk factors, the two main causes of cardiovascular disease are lack of physical activity and poor dietary habits. “You are what you eat” is a common expression used to emphasize the importance of a healthy diet as the key to better health. For example, if a person consumes unhealthy meals daily, he will accumulate fat in his body and will be unhealthy. Exercising and consuming healthy foods daily not only improves the health of an individual but also extends their lifespan. The main benefits of exercise and nutrition include weight control, increased energy, better health, better mood and stronger bones. A combination of healthy eating and exercise plays an important role in controlling an individual's weight. By exercising, one is not only able to avoid excessive weight gain but also maintain weight loss. People tend to gain weight when they burn fewer calories than the foods they eat, as well as including calories burned during physical activity. An individual is able to control their weight simply by consuming nutrient-dense foods and low-calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and proteins. According to experts, you need at least 150 minutes of vigorous activity to maintain your weight. For those who don't have time or can't do a real workout, they can lose weight by taking the stairs instead of using the elevator. Thus, the integration of physical activity and a healthy diet play a major role in weight control. Additionally, when an individual consumes healthy foods...... middle of paper ...... recipes/features/how-diet-affects-your-moods>.3. Warner, Jennifer. “Exercise fights fatigue, increases energy.” WebMD. WebMD and Web. November 29, 2013. .4. “How Food Affects Your Sleep.” JoyBauer.com. Np, and Web. December 2, 2013. .5. Komaroff, A.. Np. Internet. December 1, 2013..6. “You are what you eat: how food affects your mood.” DUJS online. Np, and Web. December 2, 2013. .7. "Dietary sodium, heart disease and stroke - Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada". heartandstroke.ca. Np, and Web. December 1. 2013..