Ten Tips to Get Healthy
Getting healthy is not a one shot deal. It is a life long process. The choices we make need to be conducive to our goals, our lifestyle, our environment, and our current state of health. However, there are a few tips that will help most of us feel better. They are pretty easy to incorporate and may be fine-tuned over time.
1. Drink more water throughout the day.
Water is such an inexpensive and convenient fluid to help resolve an excessive appetite, fatigue, bad breath, and chronic congestion. Fill a large bottle with water in the morning and sip from it throughout the day.
2. Never skip breakfast.
Studies show that those who skip breakfast are more likely to develop obesity, diabetes, or heart disease.
If you are not used to eating breakfast, and don’t feel hungry in the morning, then start your day with some miso soup or hot milk during the cold weather, and smoothies during the hot weather. Or, simply have a piece of fruit or a little good quality yogurt.
You may also think about what you are eating for dinner. If you are gorging at night, then it is normal not be hungry when you wake up. Try eating dinner earlier and eating less.
3. Slow down when you eat
Our digestion begins when we smell or think about food. We begin to salivate in preparation for that first bite. Then the saliva releases amylase, a digestive enzyme, which helps break the food down before it enters the stomach. By chewing more, you can help resolve constipation, indigestion, and overeating. Plus, when you slow down, the whole eating experience becomes much more enjoyable.
As you eat, take a moment to notice how the texture of the food in your mouth changes, and how the flavors evolve as you chew.
4. Cut out sugar-laden drinks and sodas.
These drinks fill the body with empty calories and even drain nutrients out of the body, potentially making a person chronically fatigued, overweight, and addicted to caffeine and sugar.
Instead, try drinking more herbal or green tea, water, and freshly squeezed juice.
5. Save that glass of wine for the weekend, or cut out drinking.
If you are watching your weight or blood sugar levels, alcohol will definitely hinder your efforts if you are not careful. If you think you need a glass of wine or a beer to help you relax after work, brainstorm on some alternative activities that will help you unwind without the adverse effects.
6. Track your eating habits.
It is amazing how many people are unaware of the amount of food they are putting into their bodies. You may think you eat pretty well, but if you are one of the many in the world suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, indigestion, chronic fatigue, and weight gain, you may benefit from figuring out exactly what changes you could afford to make in your diet and eating habits.
7. Walk or bike outside briskly for 20 to 30 minutes daily.
Getting enough sunshine and exercise are directly related to one’s heart health—both mentally and physically.
8. Practice some sort of resistance training two to three times per week.
This will not only ensure healthier and stronger bones, it will also help you burn more calories throughout the day as well as make you look better, regardless of your weight.
9. Eat less.
If you slow down, stop eating when satisfied but not full, choose more whole foods, and cut down on processed foods and sugar, you’ll lose weight. It’s that simple.
10. Seek inner balance
You may seek inner balance through meditation, breath work, and thinking of others first. Many of the great masters of Eastern art reflect strong states of quietude and peacefulness. If you have no idea what it means to have inner balance, research the arts from ancient China, Korea, or Japan and you may find some answers.
by Tysan Lerner
