If you feel tired, stressed, and you’re energy is low, your mind and body may be in for a tune-up. But changing your lifestyle and adopting healthier habits can be difficult, especially with the upcoming holidays soon be approaching. To help you get started on the road to a better tomorrow, we’ve put together the following 7 easy habits you won’t mind adopting.
Ditch the Carb Phobia
There are numerous dietary plans touting the benefits of eating less carbs. But living in the low-carb moment shouldn’t be your primary focus. If you exercise regularly, you’re going to need complex carbs to keep your body healthy and fueled properly. Stick with foods such as whole-grains, fruits, veggies and beans. The high-fiber options help manage cholesterol, maintain healthy blood sugar levels and contribute to keeping the body regular.
Go Natural
Natural substances are beneficial at alleviating stress, fatigue and boosting the body’s immune system. Others can also help promote a better night of rest. Although you’ll find over-the-counter medicines beneficial at easing anxiety, they can come with uncomfortable side effects. Herbal plants such as Kava have been known to produce medicinal benefits that go beyond relaxation. It’s also been known to control ADHD symptoms, epilepsy and insomnia. Most commonly found in liquid extracts, you can start your relaxing journey using other various kava products found in capsule and powder form. Cinnamon, chicory root, cat’s claw and Echinacea are other natural substances that can help improve digestion, protect the heart and combat diabetes.
Get Plenty of Shut Eye
Developing good eating habits is just one of the many things that you can do to improve your health. Sleep is another key component that allows the body time to repair, rest and recover. Getting between 7 and 8 hours of sleep nightly also boosts your mood, energy and immune system. If you struggle making it to bed on time, you want to create a natural sleep routine. You can begin by putting aside all electronic gadgets an hour before you hit the sheets. Heavy meals can wreak havoc with a good night’s rest, so plan lighter fare for dinner. If there are lots of disruptions beyond your bedroom window, blackout shades can help curb both light and noise.
Incorporate More Plants Into Your Diet
If you’re looking to reduce stress, you want to incorporate more plants into your daily diet. While you don’t have to give up meat in its entirety, including fruits and veggies at every meal can help combat diseases and illnesses. For example, dress your cup of yogurt with mixed berries and granola at breakfast. If you typically have a burger at lunch, replace it with a colorful plate of greens and grilled chicken breast. A dinner of roasted veggies tossed with whole-grain pasta can slow the aging process and help you lose weight.
Limit Sugar
When you get a craving for sweets, you probably reach in your pantry for cake, cookies or candy. But with the average person in the U.S. consuming a minimum 20 teaspoons of sugar daily, your risk for diabetes, cancer and heart disease is heightened. You can take simple steps to lowering your sugar intake by reading the labels of your favorite products when at the grocery store. You can also substitute high calorie desserts with fresh fruits.
Drink Plenty of Water
You’ve probably heard it time and time again the benefits of drinking water daily. But this colorless liquid really is an important part of staying healthy as it can contribute to regulating the body’s temperature, easing digestion and transporting key nutrients. Consuming eight to ten glasses of water per day can also hydrate your skin, prevent hunger and reduce headaches. Prepare your water allotment the night before to ensure that you stay hydrated. If you’re going to be traveling or in your car, keep a couple bottles of water with you at all times.
Add Healthy Fats
Studies have found that fats may not be as bad for your health as researchers were once led to believe. Diets such as the Mediterranean philosophy promote the right kind of fats for the optimum health benefits. Olive oil is a healthy monounsaturated fat that can help reduce heart disease, lower inflammation and cut the risk of obesity. Other nutritious fats promoted in the Mediterranean diet found to fight premature aging and boost brain health include avocados, fish, seeds, nuts and olives.
The road to wellness doesn’t come easy. If you’re looking to feel better, reduce stress and gain better mobility, you need to put forth the effort. Fortunately, there are simple adjustments to boost the way you feel that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out.
Julie Wood says
I pretty much eat the Mediterranean diet. I eat a lot of vegetarian meals and love them. It is helped me feel so much better and I have cut a lot of sugar out of my diet and I drink a lot of water!
Rosie says
I love this post! I do try to incorporate these habits, and I love good carbs, and good fats , limit sugar and try to get good shut eye and use natural aids that make sense.
Elena says
Great tips. I am trying to get more sleep and eat healthier
ellen beck says
Sleep and water is a huge one for me. In the summer I drink plenty, in the winter not so much. Great tips, and worth doing.
Sarah L says
Very good tips. I need more sleep. I swim 3 times a week.
Sara Zielinski says
These are great simple healthy habits to adopot.