So you want to become healthier and maybe even lose some weight? Where do you start? With so much to do, it seems almost overwhelming! Luckily, there’s a way to break down good health into four simple steps:
1 Eat healthier
Look at your current diet. What does it consist of? If you’re getting a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats, a few simple adjustments, such as portion control, could be all you need. If you live off a diet of burgers, fries and pizzas, you’ll need to make a few more changes. The key is to start small – making tiny changes that will ultimately result in huge successes. Start with one healthy habit per week, such as substituting one junk food meal for one healthy meal or using less sugar in your coffee. Then in a few weeks, you’ll have adapted your entire way of eating without even noticing it!
2 Move more
Look at your current exercise schedule to see how it can be adjusted. If you do a lot of cardio, add a weight training session. If all you do is lift, a group conditioning class might be a fun addition. And if you’re glued to your couch, make the commitment to getting up. A walk around the block is a good start – and once you’re feeling stronger and healthier, up the intensity. The fitter you become, the more you’ll be able to do – and the less inclined you’ll be to binge-watch TV series for days on end.
3 Drink more water
Like it or not, drinking enough water is crucial to maintaining a healthy body – it keeps your body hydrated, fights fatigue, clears toxins, helps with digestion and aids weight loss. If you struggle with drinking water, install a water tracker app on your phone as a helpful reminder or keep a 500ml bottle on your desk to ensure you get the recommended 2 litres per day. And if you really can’t stomach the taste, try infusing your water with mint and fruits, like lemon, strawberries or cucumber, for a tangier alternative.
4 Get more sleep
If you’re living off four to six hours of sleep a night in order to get through all your daily tasks, you’re not doing your body any favours. Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke – and can also cause you to gain weight due to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. If you’re already sleeping seven to eight hours per day, carry on; if not, make a commitment to getting at least an extra hour of sleep a night, and wake up to a healthy body, mind and soul!
Looking for a great exercise routine to kick your body into shape? Start this training programme now!
