Healthy Habits
May 9, 2017
Summer can be a hectic time; You may be graduating, preparing for finals, planning a wedding, or trying to get back into shape. During these times of distracted focus, you may stray from your normal healthy habits. Here are a few pointers to help keep you on track.
Eat More Whole Foods
You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it twice: EAT YOUR VEGETABLES! Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber to keep you full. They make you feel great inside and out. While you’re "ramping" up your fruit intake, try to cut down on added sugars elsewhere. We already know soda (including diet) is loaded with sugar but did you know flavored yogurt, granola bars, and dried fruit are also loaded with sugar? Try eating plain yogurt with fresh fruit instead. Along with fruits and vegetables, you should make sure the rest of your diet is balanced. Protein (meat or plant based) and grains are just as important. Although some diet restrictions (such as dairy allergies) make it hard to fulfill a balanced diet, there are many alternatives on the market.
Get Enough Sleep
Eat More Whole Foods
You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it twice: EAT YOUR VEGETABLES! Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber to keep you full. They make you feel great inside and out. While you’re "ramping" up your fruit intake, try to cut down on added sugars elsewhere. We already know soda (including diet) is loaded with sugar but did you know flavored yogurt, granola bars, and dried fruit are also loaded with sugar? Try eating plain yogurt with fresh fruit instead. Along with fruits and vegetables, you should make sure the rest of your diet is balanced. Protein (meat or plant based) and grains are just as important. Although some diet restrictions (such as dairy allergies) make it hard to fulfill a balanced diet, there are many alternatives on the market.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is very important – your body needs rest to reset and
heal itself. If sleeping is hard for you (like it is for me) try relaxation exercises or bedtime yoga to help fall asleep. It’s also a good practice to keep your TV out of your bedroom, the blue light will keep your eyes stimulated and interfere with your sleep. Sleep aids can be addictive so if you must use them, try natural aids such as melatonin first.
Drink More Water
Water, water, water!! Water helps your body function to its full potential - dehydration is never fun. Water also helps to keep you feeling full, you may think you’re hungry but sometimes you just need some water. Try to steer clear of sodas, fruit juices and alcohol as they're packed with sugar, chemicals, and empty calories. When you’re hydrated, you feel better, eat less, and your skin will glow.
See Your Doctor
Listening to your body is huge. You need to make sure your body is healthy medically, not just nutritionally. Try to stay away from diagnosing yourself on the internet, which can sometimes add unnecessary stress.
Be Grateful
Take time to reflect on the positives in your life; be mindful. You may need to put down your phone or log off social media, but taking a mental break and learning to enjoy the world around you can be very beneficial. Calm yourself with a quick yoga session or simply meditate. Let go of the toxic, negative people in your life and let those who bring positivity to your life know that you appreciate them.
Exercise More
Fitting exercise into your day can be hard for busy people; however, there are little times throughout your day that you can increase your heart rate. If you have a longer lunch break, try to take a brisk walk after eating. You’ll help your digestion and raise your heart rate. Park farther away than usual or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Can’t get up from your desk? Try some desk exercises.
Fitting exercise into your day can be hard for busy people; however, there are little times throughout your day that you can increase your heart rate. If you have a longer lunch break, try to take a brisk walk after eating. You’ll help your digestion and raise your heart rate. Park farther away than usual or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Can’t get up from your desk? Try some desk exercises.