10 Tips to Improve your Health

 

1. Ditch the soda-

Yes, even diet. I have gone back and forth in this area over the years, but I am currently off soda and plan to be forever. Study after study has shown that diet and regular soda is not good for us, so let’s just stay away from the stuff.

 

2. Go Whole Grain-

 Whenever possible, switch out white for WHOLE wheat. Often bread and pastas masquerade as whole wheat when they really aren’t. So look at the package and make sure the first ingredient is 100% whole wheat. It has more protein and fiber and will keep you fuller longer.

 

3. Start out the day with Protein-

 Lots of us don’t eat breakfast, but I promise, it’s a great way to get your metabolism going each day if you do it right! Think eggs and turkey sausage, a protein shake and piece of fruit, peanut butter toast and a glass of milk. These foods will keep you full and give you a boost of energy in the morning.

 

4.Get some sleep-

I really believe that sleep is an essential key to good health. I know it’s hard to be strict about your own sleep routine, but find a way to go to bed at a reasonable time whenever possible. Often I want to stay up and get things done but when feasible, I try to get a good nights rest. We know how grumpy our kids can be when they are sleep deprived, so they are probably thinking the exact same thing about us when we are tired!

 

5. Enjoy your Food- 

I know this can be a huge challenge, especially if you have little ones. But I think if you take the time to actually sit down, and enjoy the food you eat you may actually eat less. Chew slowly, enjoy its texture and flavor. I get made fun of for being such a slow eater, but I LOVE my food and want to enjoy it as much a possible, especially if by some miracle I’m kid-less.

 

6.Drink water with your meals-

Often it’s hard to distinguish whether we are hungry or thirsty, so try a big glass of water first. When you’re eating a meal water can help us feel more satiated with less food. Water is important during the day too in between meals. I’m always carrying around a water bottle of some sort; ask anyone that knows me well. So while you’re ditching the soda habit, pick up a water habit.

 

7. Watch your portions-

I know we have heard this a million times, but portion control is the key to a healthy weight. If you think about it, 50 years ago people weren’t so obsessed about all these “health” foods, and yet they didn’t have a skyrocketing obesity rate. I believe most of us can eat most foods and stay at a healthy weight as long as we eat in moderation and in appropriate portions. You may be hungry for a while if you are used to overindulging, but your stomach is a muscle and can actually change based on the amount of food you are eating. Eventually you will feel full on less food.

 

8. Don’t eat off your kids plates-

Need I say more? Those calories add up!

 

9. Play with your kids.

 

I know, I know, we all do this. But do you actually really play with them like you would as an actual playmate? Instead of sitting on a bench while they play at the park, go play with them! Make up games that involve being active. You will burn a few extra calories and hopefully have fun while you are at it.

 

10.Learn a few exercise routines you can do on the go.

 

Going to the gym for hours is genuinely not in the cards for me, from both a financial and time perspective. But I have learned a few routines I can do just before bed or during the day if I have time. I will focus on lower body one day and upper body the next. I’m definitely no body builder but if I am diligent I genuinely notice a difference in the way my body looks and feels. 15 minutes a day makes a difference

 

 

I hope that some of these tips work for you and can assist you on the path to better health. I have had people ask me what I do to stay healthy, and honestly it’s just the little stuff. I’m not on a crazy diet, or spend hours in the gym, I just try to make the best choices I can most of the time and indulge when I really need it. Feel free to ask me any questions if you have any and remember moderation is key! Good luck!

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