Tips for Healthy Living

March 26, 2009

I’m a firm believer, and living proof, that you do not have to make major changes in your lifestyle to get big results; even small changes will help you improve your health, lose weight, or whatever your goal is.

It’s much easier to make small, incremental changes than it is to turn your life upside down and try to change everything at once.

When you try to change too much at once, you are bound to fail; but take baby steps and soon you will be running toward your goals.

I found a great article that offers 5 small steps you can take to help look and feel better. Credit goes to S.C. at Teatro Naturale for the following tips:

1. Leave something on your plate. For just one meal each day, eat only part of your usual serving. Wrap up half that sandwich for tomorrow. At a restaurant, cut costs and calories by sharing a meal with a friend. Ask for a box when the food arrives and put half of the main course in the box right away. Or just leave part of the food on the plate - after all, would you rather have it go to waste or to your waistline?
2. Cut out the high fructose corn syrup. This super sweetener shows up everywhere these days - ketchup, bread, and fruit drinks as well as the more expected cookies, sweet rolls, and soft drinks. Yes, it adds a nice sweet taste but do we really need sweet ketchup? Read the labels. If it contains high fructose corn syrup, just leave it on the shelf.
3. Eat breakfast. Studies are showing that both adults and young people who eat breakfast are leaner than breakfast skippers. High fiber cereal with lowfat milk and fruit are good and easy ways to start the day.
4. Go raw. Make sure at least half your plate of food is made up of raw foods. From apples and broccoli to watermelon and zucchini, uncooked fruits and vegetables will add flavor, fiber and fun to your meals. And these wonderful low fat foods can make you feel more satisfied with less food.
5. Step out. Is it worth 30 minutes a day to look better? A 30 minute walk will help to wake up your metabolism and build muscle - both key in fighting the flab. Can’t find an extra 30 minutes? Try walking briskly for 10 minutes just before or after each meal.

Pick one or two of these tips and practice them faithfully for three or four weeks. By that time you will have formed some healthy new habits that will help you look and feel years younger.

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