No matter what your current health situation is, there are a few things you can do in order to start living a healthier lifestyle. These days, we’re expected to know everything about health and wellness to ensure we’re taking care of our bodies and minds. However, this isn’t the case. Many people may not know what is healthy and what isn’t, or how they can do a better job at eating well and exercising. Here are some tips on how to start living a healthier lifestyle.
1. Eat Breakfast Everyday
One of the first things you can do to start living a healthier lifestyle is by making sure to eat breakfast every single day. Skipping breakfast can lead to weight gain because people tend to reach for unhealthy snacks during the day. This practice also leads to chronic fatigue and constantly feeling tired, hungry, or irritable throughout the day. So rather than skip out on breakfast, opt for something healthy like oatmeal or yogurt with fruit. On top of that, try adopting an egg white omelet into your diet as well! There are companies like Blendaco in Australia that offer blenders that can even be portable, so it’s perfect for work. If you are not in the mood for breakfast, but you have to eat it for your health, smoothies are the way to go.
2. Choose A Daily Supplement Regimen
As opposed to taking a variety of supplements from various companies, do your body a favor and choose a daily supplement regimen from one company. Doing this will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your supplements because they will be layered specifically for you. For example, vitamin D is important in preventing certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. However, only about 15 percent of Americans get enough vitamin D each day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To prevent chronic diseases, people would need to take 400 IU per day of vitamin D3 with its fat-soluble activators including K2 and magnesium which some people don’t have in their daily diet. If you choose to take Vitamin D3 supplements from the same company that makes your multivitamin and fish oil, then they will layer properly according to your unique needs.
3. Try To Find Little Ways To Work Out Throughout The Week
Sure, it’s great to make time for formal exercise and working up a sweat in the gym. But it’s also important to focus on becoming more active every day, even if you’re stuck behind a desk most of the time. It can be something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking your dog for ten extra minutes each day. The goal is to simply move around more often throughout the week, rather than making an appointment with yourself to work out at the gym three days per week — because that’s too easy to break!
4. Try To Avoid Processed Food As Much As Possible
When you do eat processed food, keep it to a minimum because many of these products are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Instead, fill up on fresh vegetables and fruits, which contain vitamins that your body needs to function properly. Whole foods like this generally have more fiber than processed foods. Fiber is important for good health because it keeps your digestive system healthy, so you’ll avoid constipation or uncomfortable bloating by eating less processed foods. Additionally, whole grains also help regulate blood glucose levels, which reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. You’ll not only benefit from eating whole grains but will feel full faster, which will prevent overeating during meal times!
5. Get more sleep
It might seem like a no-brainer to get more sleep every night, but many of us don’t realize that lack of sleep can lead to health problems. By getting enough sleep, you boost your immune system and reduce your risk for heart disease by keeping blood pressure levels normal. The number one reason people do not get enough sleep each night is that they are watching television in bed instead! If you want to improve the quality of your sleep, try using white noise or listening to soothing music, which can help lull you into a deep sleep.
6. Decrease Your Stress Level
Although stress is a normal part of life, it can have an extremely negative impact on your overall health if not managed correctly. If you are constantly feeling stressed, finding ways to relax or practicing mindfulness allows you to reduce the amount of cortisol in your body, which is known as the “stress hormone.” Increased cortisol levels cause blood sugar to spike and increase fat storage around your midsection, which leads to high cholesterol and diabetes. To manage stress effectively, try taking time each day for yourself like meditating, exercising, or even reading a book! Staying healthy isn’t always easy, but with these simple lifestyle changes, there’s no reason why you can’t make lasting changes today!
Why is having a healthier lifestyle so important?
Did you know that chronic diseases account for 7 out of 10 deaths in the United States each year? This includes heart disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Without a healthy lifestyle, it’s impossible to avoid developing these debilitating conditions, which is why it’s important to be proactive about your health! Of course, genetic factors play a role, but 80 percent of chronic diseases can be prevented by simply living a healthier lifestyle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults who are obese or overweight have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Following simple lifestyle changes like eating whole grains instead of processed foods with moderate exercise on most days of the week will dramatically reduce your risk factor for developing chronic diseases!
By eating a balanced diet, getting more sleep, and decreasing your stress level, you will feel better in the long run! Though there are other lifestyle factors that can have a positive impact on your health, these are some of the most important changes you should make to start living a healthier lifestyle today. Don’t let chronic diseases catch you off guard!