Drum-roll please..........
Here are my top 8 tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
1. Drink WATER!
Here are my top 8 tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
1. Drink WATER!
Not only do our bodies need water to function, but the benefits of drinking water regularly outweigh the negatives. If you don't like water, try adding variety with a splash of lemon or lime, or even try calorie-free tea.
2. Are you really hungry?
Often times we confuse hunger and thirst. When you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water (refer to point #1 above) to see if that satisfies you. If not, eat a healthy snack or small meal. Also, don't let your mind trick your body into being 'hungry' when in fact, you're just bored. Learn the difference!
3. Get ACTIVE!
No one gets healthier by being sedentary all the time. Go for a walk, pop a workout video in the DVD player, or even go to the gym. Your body will thank you for it!
4. Find alternate ways to cope with stress and/or social situations.
Stress tends to cause many people to overeat. If you can recognize the moments that you find yourself becoming stressed, figure out another way of coping besides eating. Walking does wonders for your body as well as your mind. It's great to be able to clear your head sometimes.
I am the type that is very social! If you're like me, you know how easy it seems so easy to say to a friend, "Let's go out to lunch and catch up." However, have you ever considered replacing the 'going out to lunch' part with something that will help keep you active? Burn calories instead of consume them! Go for a walk/jog together, try a new workout, or hang out at the gym. (Can you sense a common theme here? EXERCISE!) You'll be able to still spend time with your friend, but without indulging on food that might not be so healthy.
5. Eat several small meals a day.
Often times we confuse hunger and thirst. When you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water (refer to point #1 above) to see if that satisfies you. If not, eat a healthy snack or small meal. Also, don't let your mind trick your body into being 'hungry' when in fact, you're just bored. Learn the difference!
3. Get ACTIVE!
No one gets healthier by being sedentary all the time. Go for a walk, pop a workout video in the DVD player, or even go to the gym. Your body will thank you for it!
4. Find alternate ways to cope with stress and/or social situations.
Stress tends to cause many people to overeat. If you can recognize the moments that you find yourself becoming stressed, figure out another way of coping besides eating. Walking does wonders for your body as well as your mind. It's great to be able to clear your head sometimes.
I am the type that is very social! If you're like me, you know how easy it seems so easy to say to a friend, "Let's go out to lunch and catch up." However, have you ever considered replacing the 'going out to lunch' part with something that will help keep you active? Burn calories instead of consume them! Go for a walk/jog together, try a new workout, or hang out at the gym. (Can you sense a common theme here? EXERCISE!) You'll be able to still spend time with your friend, but without indulging on food that might not be so healthy.
5. Eat several small meals a day.
If you fuel your body at regular intervals throughout the day (every 2-4 hours), you will find that you're not ever to that point where you feel like you're STARVING, which can lead to overeating. I recommend eating many small meals/snacks through the day, each one containing protein. Tip: protein helps you feel fuller, longer. YAY!
6. Load up your kitchen with healthy food (that is also quick and convenient to grab and go!)
I don't know about you, but for me, nothing is worse than being really hungry and looking around the kitchen to find the quickest thing you can find, and there's nothing around! By having (healthy) quick and easy things available to eat right away, you're more likely to snack on those things as opposed to something that's processed and junky. My favorites: cottage cheese, non-fat plain yogurt, homemade granola, string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, homemade protein bars, and Shakeology cookies.
7. Focus on what you should be ADDING to your diet, not taking away from it.
By nature, we are creatures that appreciate positive re-enforcement. When we feel like we're being cheated of something, we get upset, feel deprived, and maybe even resentful. Instead, focus on what you SHOULD be eating. The Choose My Plate website is a great resource in finding out how much of which foods we should be eating regularly. Check out the site here: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/
8. Get plenty of sleep!
Don't think sleep affects your health? Think again! Just google 'benefits of sleep' and you'll see the 126,000,000 reasons why you should be aiming to get plenty of zzz's. There's not one answer-fits-all for everyone, but a general rule of thumb: get enough rest so that you can awaken feeling refreshed in the morning without an alarm clock.
7. Focus on what you should be ADDING to your diet, not taking away from it.
By nature, we are creatures that appreciate positive re-enforcement. When we feel like we're being cheated of something, we get upset, feel deprived, and maybe even resentful. Instead, focus on what you SHOULD be eating. The Choose My Plate website is a great resource in finding out how much of which foods we should be eating regularly. Check out the site here: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/
8. Get plenty of sleep!
Don't think sleep affects your health? Think again! Just google 'benefits of sleep' and you'll see the 126,000,000 reasons why you should be aiming to get plenty of zzz's. There's not one answer-fits-all for everyone, but a general rule of thumb: get enough rest so that you can awaken feeling refreshed in the morning without an alarm clock.
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