If you’re one of the many Americans who are hoping to shed a few pounds or you’re just hoping to live a healthier life, there are several easy ways to encourage healthy habits so it won’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re just getting started on your journey or you’ve been health conscious for years, these tips will help you continue to improve your health.
Start Your Day with Lemon Water
A warm glass of lemon water first thing in the morning comes with a host of benefits. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, so a mug of lemon water will aid your body in fighting off illness and infection. Lemon water, especially served warm, is also great for encouraging healthy digestion and promoting a healthy liver. A lemon water concoction is so easy to make that it’s wise to drink a glass every morning, or as often as you like.
Experiment with Healthy Alternatives
You don’t have to give up favorites like mayo on sandwiches or a delicious meal of pasta. Hampton creek makes a line of sustainably produced, plant-based mayo that’s eggless and lower in cholesterol, so you can still get the flavor you love without the extra calories. If you’re a fan of pasta, you can get a zucchini spiralizer to enjoy a different version of pasta that’s much lower in carbs and calories.
Get More Sleep
If you have a demanding job or you’re a student, it can be difficult to get adequate amounts of sleep. However, forgoing sleep can be quite detrimental to your health. If you struggle with a sluggish metabolism, making sure that you get at least seven hours of sleep can make a big difference. Just by getting enough sleep, it’s possible to save 300 calories per day.
Skip Appetizers at Restaurants
When you’re trying to save a few calories each day, it’s best to forgo the appetizer at restaurants. Tortilla chips are commonly free of charge at restaurants, but they’re fried and loaded with salt, making them a source of empty calories. If you’re feeling hungry before your food comes, drink a full glass of water to fend off feelings of hunger. By drinking water before the meal, you’re also less likely to overeat when the food arrives.
Eat More Protein
If you’re not eating enough protein and your diet consists mostly of refined carbs, your body quickly burns through the energy source and leaves you ready for more. To stay full longer and rev up your metabolism, try adding more protein into your diet. This can be surprisingly easy and it quickly becomes second nature once you know which foods you like. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of low calorie protein. If you’re not a fan of its tart flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or a handful of berries to make it more palatable.
Work Out in the Morning
If you’re currently saving your workouts for the evening hours, it’s easy to skip them if you get home feeling tired from a day at work. To make sure you’re getting consistent exercise, opt for your run or lifting session first thing in the morning. This gets your blood pumping to set you up for a day of high-energy success, and you won’t have to worry about mustering the energy for a workout once you get home for the day. Use your evenings to prepare a healthy meal and relax, and get the hard part over with in the early part of the day.
Don’t Eat In Front of the TV
Studies have shown that eating a meal in front of the TV can lead to accidental overeating. If you often find yourself planted in front of the TV while eating a bag of potato chips, try to kick this habit. It’s much better for your body and mind to eat at the table so you’re aware of how much you’re eating and you can stop once you’re full.
Add In Fiber
To sustain a healthy diet for life, it’s best to focus on adding in good foods rather than restricting “bad” foods. To keep your digestive system functioning its best, make sure to eat adequate amounts of fiber. Ideally, you’ll eat something with fiber at each meal. Berries are especially high in fiber, so topping oatmeal and yogurt with raspberries is a great place to start. If you’re interested in trying new foods, chia seeds are a complete protein and they’re also packed with fiber and Omega 3s.
