Yes, you read that correctly, it is possible! While you will not win a marathon or a dance competition, simple modifications in your daily routine have the potential to set you on the right path to significantly improving your overall mental and physical wellness.
Do not fear, I would never dare to suggest that you give up binge watching Netflix; however, sitting for hours on end slows your metabolism and causes your brain and body to be sluggish. Incorporate a workout game into your show or movie. For instance, each time a character says their catchphrase you must do ten sit-ups, jumping jacks, push-ups, or any other basic workout you can do in your room. Okay, fine, how about you walk around outside to take a break from your studies and TV; better yet, take your homework outdoors or read while basking in the sun. Just by breathing in fresh air and soaking up the sunshine you will improve your overall health without you actually having to do anything at all!
It is a little more difficult to eat healthy meals, but eating healthier does not always mean altering your whole diet. This article is all about ways that you can actually be healthier without too much effort; think of it as a step towards a healthier lifestyle. You can still order pizza, but choose more vegetables and a less greasy and fatty meat; for example, ham. As well as opting for one cheesy garlic bread stick and pass on the other two; remember everything in moderation. Instead of munching on M&Ms, try swapping the candy for dried fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth. Trade chips for salted nuts if you prefer a more savory snack. In the event that you are not yet prepared to give up your chocolate fix, you can combine it with healthy snacks like the ones aforementioned to make a trail mix so that you are still tasting you favorite treat but will eat less of it. If you are feeling adventurous you can try out a more involved snack recipe.
Furthermore, a big portion of the excessive calories and sugars we consume come from our drinks; with this in mind, avoid drinking soda. Which brings me to the next point, drink water. Water is essential for all bodily functions so it is crucial to stay adequately hydrated. An obvious way to accomplish this is to keep a water bottle with you at all times so that you can be sure to drink it all day. Buy a cool new water bottle or decorate one you already have to get yourself excited about it.
Pack your lunch as much as possible. Packing your lunch gives you more control over the variety and portions of the food you eat. Generally, when you order food, you are presented with more food than you need in order to be fulfilled and gain energy. Yet, there is a subconscious pressure to finish your whole plate, even if you are full. Therefore, if you pack your lunch you can choose what you eat and how much you eat. Not to mention you will have more time throughout the day because you will have your food already prepared instead of waiting at a restaurant.
Do not buy an abundance of unhealthy food/snacks to begin with so that temptation is suppressed. While it seems wildly overwhelming, I promise it will not take long for you to pick up the habit of going to the produce section instead of taking a beeline straight to the snack aisle. If you do not trust yourself to have enough self-control to avoid grabbing every snack food in sight, go grocery shopping at a natural grocery store. They do not sell traditional unhealthy foods in the first place and they will have a wider variety of produce and natural treats. It might be worth it to consider investing in a fabulous and helpful book, called "Eat This, Not That", as a guide. It compares all of your favorite food brands, flavors, and varieties to help you choose the best option; it even uses pictures and explains the pros and cons of each item. Another tip to avoid stocking up on junk food is to prepare your list ahead of time and try to stick to it. Also, it is much easier to shop when you are not hungry. All of this information is a lot to digest (pun intended), but before you know, it will become second nature.
