It seems that some people effortlessly move through
life making the right choices. They know exactly what to eat, wake up at
the crack of dawn to enjoy a 10-mile morning jog and get to bed early
each night for a solid, dreamy eight hours of sleep. If this doesn’t
sound like you, it may be worthwhile to look at some healthy habits that
could make a huge difference in your overall health and wellbeing.
Making any change can seem daunting, but if you make
things a habit with a six-week plan, any new discipline can become a
healthy lifestyle habit. Pick one or several of these seven highly
effective habits that healthy people practice every day for a new,
healthy way of life.
1. Early to Bed, Early to Rise.
As the saying goes, this “makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” To
say that sleep is an important habit of living healthier is an
understatement. Research shows us that sound sleep is worth striving
for. Sleeping six to seven hours
each night can actually help you live longer, maintain a healthy
weight, and help you function better throughout the day. Make sure
you’re trying to get to bed early and avoid late-night work sessions.
Just as you start the day with a positive mantra, try to adopt a calming
routine for evening. A warm bath, reading or journaling and a dark,
cool room are key for young and old alike. Also, new research
shows that keeping one leg outside the sheets can help regulate body
temperature more effectively. Lastly, if you’re suffering from lack of
sleep, skipping your early-morning workout and sleeping in may help (as
long as it doesn’t become a regular habit).
2. Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
Stress has been linked to strokes and heart attacks, so it’s important
to have strategies that help you manage your stress. The practice of
counting to 10 can help keep blood pressure and heart rate from
skyrocketing, and practices like yoga, meditation and Pilates may be
useful in keeping stressful hormones from damaging our bodies. It’s also
a great idea to simply take time to breathe consciously for as little
as two to three minutes, journal throughout the day or listen to calming
music. The more you are conscious of how you react to stressful events,
the easier it will be for you to stay calm and make a mind-body
connection.
3. The Early Bird Gets the Worm. People
who work out first thing in the morning are more likely to continue
with a regular exercise program than those who work out at any other
time of the day. Making exercise a daily ritual is key, but you don’t
have to go to a gym to get a workout. A morning walk, jog or yoga
practice for at least 30 minutes can help reduce the risk of cancer,
heart disease and even type 2 diabetes. Strength training has
considerable benefits, especially after the age of 40, including keeping
bones strong and boosting metabolism for a leaner body. However,
whether you work out in the morning or any other time of day, the key is
to do at least 30 minutes at moderate intensity. If you work out at a
lower intensity, you’ll need to increase the length of your workouts to
achieve the same benefits.
4. Floss More. Your gums are a good
indication of how much inflammation you may have in the rest of your
body. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with
periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery
disease (also called heart disease). In fact, one study found that the
presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease
(gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth, were as good at predicting
heart disease as cholesterol levels. Bacteria from the mouth can enter
the bloodstream through the gums and has been found clumped in artery
plaques, which some believe directly contribute to blockages. Bottom
line? Don’t forget to floss, for both your heart and your teeth.
5. Be a Free Spirit. Studies show
that people who practice some form of spirituality live longer. It may
be that praying or acknowledging a higher power gives time for
reflection and reduces stress on the body.
6. Where’s the Beef?
The power of protein is known to rebuild cells in the body and, of
course, muscles. But those who eat a minimum of 80 to 100 grams of meat
daily manage their weight better than those who consume than that.
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels that may cause increased
appetite. Also, look for “fast food” sources of lean protein—animals
that move a lot while they are alive are typically lower in cholesterol
and fat. For example, chickens move more than cows, while shrimp move
more than scallops. Both chicken and shrimp are examples of lean sources
of protein. However, even a daily diet of lean beef protein can have
cholesterol-lowering effects if combined with other healthy foods.
7. Veg Out. The average American
eats only two to three servings of fruits and vegetables per day, even
though research suggests that eating seven to nine servings of these
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-packed foods can reduce the risk of
cancer and heart disease by 50 percent, according to a recent study.
Vegetables typically have more fiber than most
fruits, but both are an important part of your diet. Consume a variety
of colorful fruits and vegetables using the 4-3-2-1 method:
-Four servings at breakfast: Two-egg, spinach and tomato omelet, a banana and glass of orange juice (four servings)
-Three servings at lunch: Two cups mixed greens,
sliced tomato, shaved carrots, cabbage and cucumber for a three-serving
salad (don’t forget to add the protein)
-Two servings at dinner: Baked potato and side of broccoli with a lean four-ounce filet
-One more fruit or veggie as a dessert or snack (apples with peanut butter are a great treat)
If you implement just one habit each month, you will be amazed at how much more happiness, energy and life you’ll achieve.
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