Raise your hand if you were one of those who committed to living healthier at the beginning of 2017? Thing is, healthy living is a common goal, but somehow, life gets in the way! Sound familiar?
Funny how springtime triggers our instincts to make positive changes, don’t you think? So, how do you want to look and feel by summer? Are you looking forward to a happier, healthier way of life, but not sure where to start?
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to start with big dramatic changes. It’s not about avoiding certain foods and eating others as much as it is about awareness and choices. The trick is to make small, healthy changes every day; such as taking the stairs instead of the lifts, increasing your fruit by one, or drinking that extra glass of water. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean hours of training at the gym and eating only salad leaves. It’s about turning easy-to-manage healthy choices into your new normal.
Think that a few small changes to your lifestyle won’t get you anywhere? Think again! You CAN be healthier than the day before. Everyone has a moment of weakness from time-to-time, but it’s what you do habitually over time that will have the biggest impact on your overall health and wellbeing. (Tweet worthy!)
We have a few tips on taking the first steps towards a healthier you:
Change your mind. No sweat – literally! You have the power to change your life by changing your mindset. Examine self-destructive behaviours and work on negative self-talk. You CAN do this.
Add two “goods” and remove two “bads.” Pick two foods that you know are bad for you and replace them with two superfoods. Increase your vegetable intake and decrease your white foods. (white breads, rice, pasta)
Skip the guilt. Replace “I should” with “I choose.” Restock your fridge and your pantry. Make room for nutritious, energy-boosting fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Have healthy snacks close by.
Eliminate fizzy drinks. Even “healthier” fizzy drinks made with organic cane sugar are still loaded with sugar, and sugar consumption is a major cause of degenerative diseases, obesity, and Type-2 Diabetes. Diet and sugar-free fizzy drinks are no better as most of them contain cancer causing artificial sweeteners such as Splenda and Aspartame.
Just add water. It’s estimated that 75% of people are chronically dehydrated… assume that you are one of them! Yes, you will want to go all the time, but it will keep you hydrated and eliminate toxins.
Start moving! If you’ve been sedentary, just take the first step. You may not be ready to run a half marathon, but you can go for a brisk walk.
Manage stress. Develop positive coping skills such as yoga to keep stress levels in check. Take a few deep breaths and refocus. Ask yourself: “Will this matter a year from now?”
Get enough sleep. Most of us need least eight hours a night. It is a need, not a want. Sleep reduces stress and inflammation, and allows cells to recharge and repair.
Make time for YOU. Create a daily ritual. Take a bath or enjoy your morning coffee in a quiet setting. Be mindful and grateful for what you have right now.
Have sex. It relieves stress, boosts immunity and burns 85 or more calories (per 30 minutes), improves cardio-vascular health, reduces the risk of prostate cancer, and helps you sleep.
Most importantly, don’t forget to love yourself for the person you are right now. Remember, health isn’t a destination, it is a thrilling and totally worth-it journey!
Source: www.webmd.com, www.myswmag.com, mealviser.com, www.thehealingzone.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.shape.com, zenhabits.net, sarah-rose.net, hesundaychapter.com, www.infoaging.org, www.womanshealthmag.com, www.jillianmichaels.com, www.realsimple.com, www.livestrong.com, www.health24.com, liveboldandbloom.com, shadesofbeingme.com, www.workingmother.com, www.miarival.com
