I am not a health freak. In fact, I would much often rather have a hamburger than a salad. Part of me just doesn’t want to give up all the delicious, greasy, carb-loaded foods that I eat every day. However, as I get older I know that I can no longer eat an entire large pizza from Little Caesars and not gain a single pound. I can no longer take on a lot of that food like I used to. So, I decided to research and find 6 simple and easy ways to be a little healthier (physically and mentally) without having to change my entire eating habit and here is what I have encountered.
1. Substitute canned vegetables and fruits with fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits.
2. Steer clear of instant foods.
3. Just take the stairs.
4. Exercise during commercial breaks or previews.
5. Substitute soda for tea or water.
6. Take 5-10 minutes every day to talk or write about your day.
Canned fruits often have syrups in them and other preservatives that make them less fresh and add more calories and grams of sugars than you need. With vegetables, they just add water to the cans so it doesn’t affect the number of calories or sugars as much. However, by substituting fresh veggies and fruits, your food is more crisp and riper. Sometimes when they are in those cans, the food can get mushy. By simply using fresh veggies and fruits, your food will feel crisp and fresh and you’re not drastically changing your diet.
Trust me, I know what it’s like to be busy and buying those instant foods help you whenever you’re in a rush. Though eating is an important aspect of your health and you should take it seriously. Especially with instant mashed potatoes. I know it easy to just whip them up quick but they contain very many unhealthy things and if you were to look at the label, you might not know what all the ingredients are. Stick to just physically mashed potatoes because you will know every ingredient you’re eating.
There are exceptions to just taking the stairs. For instance, if you’re going up six flights that’s a bit much. Although, if you are just going up two or three floors, take the stairs. I know at first it might suck but once you can go up three flights of stairs without being out of breath, you’ll feel like a champion. And if you’re busy and you work in an office, this is a quick little way to get in some exercise.
Just like most people, I love watching my television. Whether it be Big Brother, Dance Moms, The Fosters, etc. you must deal with commercials. We all know no one likes watching them so while there playing do 20 lunges, sit ups, planks, or even toe touches because anything helps and you’ll feel great afterward.
For the most part water and tea cost just the same as soda. They are healthy alternatives to soda and can help clean out your kidneys. Also, drinking water can help clear up your face if you have acne. The lower calorie count and low sugars with pay off in the long run.
Talking about happened today can help you process your emotions. If it was a good day, you can talk about and relive the moments that made it good and can help end your day in a good mood. If it was a bad day, talking about what happened an expressing your thoughts can help you process what happened. It can also help you feel a little relieved by letting out some steam. You want to end the day on a positive note; so talk about it, process it, then address ways that can make tomorrow better.
