5 Easy Healthy Habits to Start Today
It’s that time of year where we all resolve to treat our bodies better than we did last year. I lead a pretty health conscious life but even I feel the need for a reboot come January. December always boasts too much chocolate, wine, and lounging. However, I recognize that setting goals that are too difficult to implement or simply have results too far in the future get abandoned. In fact, about 80% of people who set a healthy new year's resolution have completely given up by February. That’s why I wanted to share a few of my favorite easy health habits you can start today.
Easy Healthy Habits to Start Today
Drink more water
Apparently only about 22% of us are drinking enough water according to recent consumer study. Keeping your body hydrated is the single greatest thing you can do to improve your health. Dehydration can cause: fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion, lack of focus, dry mouth, chapped lips, dry skin, UTIs, kidney complications and more. Additionally, when you are thirsty it can masquerade as hunger. Talk about imposter syndrome. If you are hoping to lose weight this year start by ADDING more water. The best way to determine the minimum amount of water to drink per day is by taking your weight and dividing it by two. For example if you weigh 150lbs you should drink 75 oz of water per day minimum.
Use a salad plate for meals
This is my favorite mind over matter trick for portion control. When you use a big dinner plate and you fill it to the edge it is too much. Either use the inner circle of a dinner plate or a salad plate for meals. This tricks you into thinking you have had a full meal, which you HAVE. The average restaurant serves between 2-3 portions per plate. You can implement this today and it’s FREE!
Walk 10 minutes a day
You would be floored at how far you can walk in 10 minutes. Plus the benefits of just a short stroll are astounding. According to Wisebread a 10 minute walk daily can improve heart and brain health, it can ease depression and stress, as well as improve balance and breathing. During this past year my family and I walked outside more than ever and it was incredible how much we talked about and how much better we felt getting outside in the fresh air.
Get Enough Sleep
I have talked about this in other posts regarding stress and conflict resolution because it affects many of us in ways we don’t even realize. We are tired. We are overworked. We are overwhelmed. These realities can be managed better by getting a good night’s rest. Every person is different in the amount of optimal sleep but on average we need between six and eight hours of sleep per night.
Add one fruit or vegetable to meals
I realize that eating healthy can be daunting and has the stigma that it is expensive. Did you know that the average cost of a single apple or orange is $0.45? So is it really more expensive than a candy bar or bag of chips? NOPE! Veggies come in even lower than that per serving but they pack some serious nutrition. You don’t have to swap out something unhealthy but you DO have to eat the fruit or vegetable. Meat and potatoes don’t qualify.
None of these habits are mind-blowing or earth shattering, but they will be life-changing. These 5 easy health habits are not expensive and they are convenient. I hope that if you aren’t already doing these that you will start at least one today. What are other healthy habits that you do regularly? I’d love to hear your suggestions.
