If you’re hoping to make a change in your life and feel more energized each day, it’s time to start evaluating your habits and identifying ways to improve. Whether your primary goal is to lose weight or get through the day without needing several cups of coffee, improving your health starts with these simple changes.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you think about health, your mind might jump to green vegetables or logging hours on the treadmill. While your dietary and exercise habits are incredibly important aspects of your overall well-being, sleep is just as crucial in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you’ve found that it’s difficult for you to get high-quality sleep, try turning off your electronic devices about an hour before bedtime to let your mind unwind. In addition to putting your cell phone and laptop away, draw the curtains and change the temperature in your bedroom to a comfortable, slightly cool setting.
Spend More Time Outdoors
If you work in an office for eight (or more) hours per day, it’s vital to make an effort to spend more time outdoors. When you’re not getting the sunlight that your body needs, it can wreak havoc on your circadian rhythm and cortisol levels.
To promote healthy hormone levels and encourage your body to feel awake during the day and ready for bed at night, try to spend at least 30 minutes per day outside. A brisk walk with the dog or an outdoor yoga session are great ways to get moving outside without feeling like a chore.
Add Healthy Foods to Your Diet
Sustainable weight loss begins with making small changes that become a habit. Instead of going on a diet and immediately cutting out all of the food that you usually eat, start slow by adding in nutritious foods.
If you typically have a hard time eating vegetables, just add a small side of veggies to every meal or consider using green powder for weight loss. While using a supplement alone won’t create the weight loss or miracle boost in energy that you’re looking for, it’s a helpful way to effortlessly add more greens into your diet.
Stay Hydrated
If you find yourself snacking throughout the day or sitting down to supersized meals, it’s time to start drinking more water. It can be difficult to sip on water throughout the day, but this is an easy way to curb your appetite and even give your metabolism a boost.
When you drink 500 mL of water first thing in the morning, it’s possible to give your metabolism a 24% increase for up to 90 minutes. In addition to revving up your metabolism, drinking cold water in the morning can help you feel energized as soon as your feet hit the floor.
Find a Walking Buddy
Exercising for at least 20 minutes per day is advised for most adults. If you find that it’s hard for you to go out for a walk to get your heart pumping and your muscles moving, team up with a friend to make exercise feel like a fun outing.
Use an App to Stay Motivated
Technology can be an incredibly helpful way to stay on track with your diet and exercise goals. Whether you’re counting calories or simply want to track how many steps you take each day, there’s an app or wearable to help you meet your goals.
If taking at least 5,000 steps per day is a priority, consider turning on the step counter on your smartphone or opting for a sleek wearable. If you’re keeping an eye on what you eat, apps like MyFitnessPal can help you stay accountable and shed the weight quickly.
Eat More Fiber
Many people notice that they often feel hungry again shortly after eating. If you’ve discovered that you’re snacking throughout the day and struggling with lack of satiety, add more fiber to your diet.
High fiber foods are good for your heart, digestive health, and can also help you feel full for longer periods of time. When you’re looking for foods high in fiber to add to your daily meal plan, opt for choices like raspberries, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal. Starting off your day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal can help you make it to lunchtime without feeling hungry.