It seems that every time you turn on the TV, there are commercials for weight loss supplements, diets, workout plans, and gyms. Our society seems obsessed with fitness and health, even though more than two-thirds of American adults are considered overweight or obese.
With so many fad diets, cleanses, workout plans, and supplements advertised, it's hard to determine which ones are actually good for your health. In addition, these can be very costly, meaning you may be wasting both time and money on something that could be hurting your health.
Here are six affordable (if not free) and simple ways to become healthier:
1. Walk more.
Next time you're given the choice between the stairs or the elevator, take the stairs. Walk to places that are close to your house instead of driving. Walking has proven health benefits, such as weight loss, lowering risk of diseases, and increasing happiness.
2. Replace sugary drinks with water.
Having a soda every now and then won't kill you, but drinking sugary drinks daily can be harmful to health. The average soda can contain 18 or more teaspoons of sugar, making it a high calorie drink. By replacing soda and other sugary drinks with water, you can not only cut calories out of your diet, but gain the benefits that water has to offer.
Don't like the taste of regular water? Try infused water, which can increase the health benefits while giving your water a better taste.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Many people don't get enough fruits and vegetables into their diets. The biggest excuse is: "I don't like the way they taste."
Here are some recipes and ideas for getting your fruits and veggies in a tasty way:
Banana Chocolate Chip "Ice Cream"
Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables
4. Snack smarter.
It's hard to resist snacking, especially when you're watching TV or you're getting hungry between meals. Snacking isn't always bad. Traditional snacks, such as potato chips or candy bars can contain high levels of fat, sodium, sugar, and, ultimately, calories. Instead of reaching for the chips or candy, try these smarter, healthier snacks that will still taste great:
5. Shop Smarter.
We all know grocery shopping can be a pain. Everyone just wants to get in, get what they need, and get out. But, when it comes to being healthier, some simple swaps at the grocery store can make a difference. For example, if you're going to buy potato chips, get the lightly salted kind instead of the regular ones. Try getting the "lite" salad dressing or swap your soda for a flavored zero-calorie sparkling water drink. All of these swaps can decrease calories while still allowing you to eat what you love. Small changes in eating habits can make you healthier, and that usually starts at the grocery store.
6. Do workouts during commercial breaks.
Don't want to miss your favorite shows to go to the gym? You don't have to. Nobody likes watching commercials. Instead of playing on your phone or snacking, try doing some push ups, crunches, or other workouts during commercial breaks.
Being healthy and eating right doesn't have to be expensive or hard. Simple switches and additions to your daily routine can make you look and feel better without spending a ton of extra money.
