We all want to be healthier but it can be a difficult thing to do. Here are a few easy things you can do to lose weight, boost your immune system, and have more energy!
1. Eat a balanced diet
This is the most important factor for a healthier you but also one of the hardest. There is a lot of information out there telling you what to eat and when to eat it. But it is really quite simple if you can just remember a few basics.
Small portions- If a serving of something is bigger than your first, it is probably too large of a portion. Portion control will help you lose and maintain a healthy weight.
Fruits and vegetables- These foods are high in vitamins and should be a main component of what you eat. Add one of each to every meal.
Grains- Always choose whole grain bread and pasta over white. They contain more nutrients and fiber.
Meat- Trim the fat off your meat and do not make this the main component of your diet. Two to three servings a day is sufficient.
2. Sleep Everyone needs sleep.
A good 8 hours will have you feeling refreshed and ready to go in the morning. Turn the TV and computer off at least 30 minutes before you plan to go to sleep. Watching TV right before you go to bed is shown to keep you awake longer.
3. Exercise
Exercise can be hard to fit into a busy schedule but you should make it a priority. Exercise helps you lose weight, maintains a healthy heart, lowers stress, and leads to more restful sleep. Even just 30 minutes a day will have noticeable results. Fit it in where you can, whether that’s at the gym, the office, or at home.
4. Find something you love to do
There are many things that can be frustrating in your life- a boring job, financial stress, or difficult family members. Finding something you love to do will give you a more positive mood and outlook. Many people volunteer with a charity and are rewarded with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Helping others can make you feel good about yourself and boost your self-confidence. Those feelings will spillover into other aspects of your life.
5. Create a budget and stick to it
A source of stress for many people is finances. And stress is not a good thing- it can weaken your immune system and zap your energy. It seems no matter how much money we make, it is never enough and we never know where it goes. Creating a budget will drastically lower the stress money causes in your life. Your budget should include a list of what the essentials are- rent, car payments, electricity, etc. Your budget should also include a plan for paying off debt and saving for any important expenses such as college or retirement. Contributing even a little bit to these expenses is better then forgoing them entirely.
Becoming a healthier person is a challenge but one you can triumph over! Once you start taking these steps, you will see the positive impact in your life and you will continue to stick with it. Good luck!