7 IDEAS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH THAT YOU CAN IMPLEMENT RIGHT AWAY
Many of us make health-related resolutions, such as to lose weight, stop smoking or join the neighborhood health club. While it is common to set high goals, experts say that setting smaller goals could do more for our health.
Below are 7 of our top picks to create healthy habits. Read through each one and decide which one you can start with.
Slowly increase your steps. Use a pedometer to count your daily steps. Then add 2,000 (the equivalent of one extra mile) each month until you get to 10,000 steps on most days.
Eat breakfast. Breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and have better diets overall. It helps to give you energy, which we all need. It also keeps you full until your next meal, helping you to make better food choices since you’re not starving.
Switch three grain servings each day to whole grain. If you're like the average American, you eat less than one whole grain serving a day.
Trim the fat. Fat has a lot of calories, and calories count. Purchase lean meats, eat skinless poultry, switch to lower-fat cheeses, use a nonstick pan with only a dab of oil or butter. You can get healthy fats from foods like avocados.
Downsize portions. If you try to fill big plates with food, it will always look empty. But if you use smaller plates, the same amount of food will look like it’s overflowing. The smaller the bag, bottle or bowl, the less you will eat.
Lose 5 to 10 percent of your current weight. Walking can help you achieve this. Get outside or find a space inside and get moving! The health benefits are huge-lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Keep track of your eating. Tracking everything we eat allows us to really see what it is we’re putting into our bodies. You can choose to keep a written log or find a meal tracker that you like.
No matter which idea you try first, you’re taking a step towards your health and longevity! Start small and build from there.
