Steal These Tricks To Have a Better Diet
Many people think that being healthy is a difficult task that involves lots of dieting and time at the gym, but that's not actually true! By supporting your body and mind, making some simple tweaks to your routine, and setting small goals for yourself, you can be on the path toward living a healthier, happier life.
1. Drink More Water
Dehydration is a silent culprit that plays a major role in how we feel and how our bodies function. If you don’t drink enough water, your body signals you to do so by making you feel thirsty. Thirst is nature’s way of telling us we need more water to survive and that dehydration can eventually be life-threatening. You should aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day (i.e., 80 oz for someone who weighs 180 lbs). This rule of thumb works for everyone; it doesn’t matter if you are sedentary or active, young or old. The only caveat is that you may need more if you live in a hot climate or exercise often.
2. Move Everyday
While this may be the most technologically advanced age we have ever been able to sustain, it is also most certainly the era of the couch potato. When we make it a priority to be on the move everyday, whether we decide to hit the gym, swim, take a bike ride, catch a yoga, tai chi, or dance class, or go for a 30 minute walk after dinner around the neighborhood park, we are treating our body right. With movement, we keep our lungs and cardiovascular system healthy, and the more we challenge the body gently, the fitter and the more amazing our body becomes, and I’m not talking about looking hot in a swimsuit, but literally more amazing, capable and comfortable. When we exercise, even a good walk, cleanses our lymph system and helps our body to naturally excrete toxins, waste and unnecessary weight or aches and pains. Try making it a habit to commit 20-30 minutes everyday to moving your and enjoying your body.
3. Check Your FOOD"TUDE
What we eat and how we feel are linked in very complex ways. A healthy approach to eating is centered on savoring flavor, eating to satisfaction, and increasing energy, rather than focusing on weight. Our tip to live a healthy life is to check your balance of low-calorie foods, nutrient-dense foods (providing many nutrients per calorie), and foods that are calorie dense but nutrient poor. Most Americans need to eat more fresh whole foods (in contrast to processed, highly refined foods). Try to add more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and legumes into your meals. Pair these carbohydrate-rich foods with a healthy fat or lean protein to extend satisfaction.
4. Make sleep a top priority.
"Sleep is one of the most essential activities of the human body. It's while we sleep that our body is most efficient at recovering and healing itself," O'Connor says. The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep in order to be the best version of themselves: focused, even-tempered, energized, and making healthy and responsible choices. Getting enough sleep also helps stave off depression and keep stress hormones at bay, preventing overeating, crabby moods, succumbing to sugar cravings, and inflammation. In short, do yourself a favor and prioritize sleep.
5. Avoid Overworking
If you find yourself exhausted after work but you can't sleep, losing your temper or making lots of little mistakes, it could be possible that you are working yourself too hard. When you are trying to focus on 100 things your brain will get overloaded and disorganized so try and take 5 minutes to take some deep breaths and prioritize your work. Make your lunch break your fitness escape, doing something you enjoy and preferably out of the office so you can no longer see your work.