22 Simple Ways to Get Healthier With Minimal Effort
Healthy food, exercise, sleep…it can all seem exhausting. So here are some simple ways to get healthier with minimal effort.
1) Forgo the elevator or escalator and take the stairs instead. Stair climbing is one of the best forms of exercise, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
2) More veggies on pizza? Go for it! Swap out half of the cheese with vegetables.
3) When you go to the supermarket, don’t shop hungry . You’re more likely to load up on junk food when you see it around.
4) If you like chips, make your own. Cut some veggies, apply some olive oil and Italian spices, then bake in the oven. They are just as crunchy with way fewer calories!
5) Have a meal before parties so that you’re not tempted to overindulge on the snacks available.
6) Never skip breakfast . It sets the tone for the rest of your eating habits.
7) If you’re at a restaurant and want something healthier than fries, ask if they have any vegetables that were just cooked in the oven or on the grill. They can also substitute them for toast or rice.
8) At least once a week, plan out your meals and make a shopping list of the ingredients you need. This way, you’re more likely to stick with it and not give into last minute junk food cravings.
9) Keep a water bottle at your desk at work so that you have no excuse for going out during lunch time to buy a fattening energy drink or soda.
10) After an intense workout, eat something that contains at least 300 calories . Your metabolism will thank you!
11) If you love fried food, try baking it. You can use an aluminum pan and some oil spray to get the same great taste without all the excess calories.
12) When heading up a flight of stairs, push off with your toes instead of your heels. This engages more muscles and can help tone up your backside!
13) Limit TV time to only 1-2 hours a day . That way, you won’t be tempted to give into the false sense of relaxation that it offers.
14) Warm water with lemon in the morning is a great way to kick start your metabolism. If you don’t like the taste of water, use a sugar-free flavored tea bag instead.
15) Keep healthy snacks around so that you have no excuse for not reaching for them first. Vegetable sticks with hummus are quick and easy to make.
16) Limit yourself to one alcoholic beverage per day . It’s not only bad for your liver, but it also slows down the fat burning process.
17) If you love nachos, try eating them with baked chips. They are just as crunchy and tasty!
18) Even if you’re too busy to cook dinner or bring lunch to work, find time every day to walk around for 10-15 minutes.
19) When you feel like giving up on your diet, go to the store and buy fresh veggies for salads instead. It helps keep you motivated to make better choices.
20) Find alternative ways of using your favorite foods . For example, carrots offer a sweet crunchy taste that can be tasty in place of candy or snacks.
21) Use smaller plates at home so that you don’t feel the need to clean your plate every time you eat. It’s an easy way to cut back on portions without feeling deprived.
22) Think of new recipes using healthier ingredients instead of ones that are calorie-laden . That way, you’ll still enjoy great tasting food, but with much less fat.