Often the biggest deterrent to improving health is feeling overwhelmed by the gazillion amount of research and advice out there!

Truth is, it’s tough to hold down a full-time job, train for a marathon, make homemade green juice (who has time for that?!) and spend quality time with family and friends … The good news is that healthy living can incorporate all of these things (if you want it to), but it doesn’t have to be defined by grandiose displays of health and fitness. It’s okay if you don’t like salads or running.

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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 having an extra glass of water or taking the stairs instead of the lift.  

You CAN be healthier than the day before; it’s what you do habitually over time that will have the biggest impact on your overall health and well-being. (Tweet worthy, don’t you think?)

We have a few easy tips on taking the first steps towards a healthier you:

• Cultivate a positive mindset. The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.
• Choose to stock your fridge with nutritious energy-boosting fruits, veggies, lean proteins and whole grains.We’re talking whole food ingredients that your grandmother would recognize. (Yup, this rules out most packaged foods, sorry!).
• Make half your plate veggies. A simple hack for healthy eating (and portion control) is to eat the rainbow. Veggies pack essential vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients important for health and longevity. And because they’re rich in fibre, they help to aid digestion and keep you fuller for longer.
• Go cold turkey with sodas. Even “healthier” sodas 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 sodas are no better as most of them contain cancer causing artificial sweeteners such as Splenda and Aspartame.
• Drink a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage. This will detoxify the alcohol from your body, slow down your alcohol consumption and keep you hydrated. It’s estimated that 75% of people are chronically dehydrated … assume that you are one of them!
• Sweat every day. You may not be ready to train for a marathon just yet, but you can go for a brisk walk.
• Manage stress with self-care activities. Get to know your stress triggers as well as your stress releases. Make time for YOU. Be sure to do something you love every day.
• Get enough sleep. Most of us need least 8 hours a night. It is a NEED not a want. Sleep reduces stress and inflammation, and allows cells to re-charge and repair.
• 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.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about effort. When you bring that effort every day, that’s when transformation happens.

Source: womanshealthmag.com, healthline.com, branfordhall.edu, gaiam.com, fourwellness.co, lifesum.com, lifehack.org, news24.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.