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| The 9 “Must Do” Steps To A Happier & Healthier Day |
One of the most difficult parts about losing weight is maintaining your motivation throughout the whole process. That’s why it’s important to make your weight loss journey a priority and do everything in your power to stay on track! Don’t be discouraged if you fall off the bandwagon every now and then. The important part is that you keep getting back on! This article will give you 10 steps to follow so that tomorrow, when you wake up, you have a plan of action for staying healthy and happy.
1. Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of leading a happier and healthier day. Not only does it improve your physical health, but it also has been shown to boost your mood and reduce stress levels. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing.
There are many different ways to get your daily dose of exercise, so find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. If you don’t have time for a formal workout, try incorporating some simple exercises into your daily life such as taking a brisk walk or bike ride, doing yard work, or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
No matter how you choose to get moving, just remember that any amount of exercise is better than none at all. So get up and get moving today for a happier and healthier tomorrow!
2. Control Your Portions
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to control your portions. When it comes to portion control, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, be aware of what a serving size is. A serving size is the amount of food that is recommended for you to eat in one sitting. For example, a serving of meat is usually 3 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards.
Second, don’t eat more than you need. Just because there’s food on your plate doesn’t mean you have to finish it all. If you’re full, stop eating.
Finally, be mindful of what you’re eating and how much of it you’re consuming. Pay attention to the nutrition labels on food packaging and avoid processed foods when possible. Choose whole foods instead and focus on getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein into your diet.
By following these tips, you can take control of your portions and improve your overall health in the process.
3. Learn to Love Vegetables
If you're like most people, you probably don't love vegetables. In fact, you might even hate them. But the truth is that vegetables are essential to a happy and healthy life. Here are a few tips to help you learn to love vegetables:
1. Find ways to make them taste good.
There are plenty of ways to make vegetables taste good. You can add spices or sauces, or cook them in a way that brings out their natural flavors. Experiment until you find a way to prepare them that you enjoy.
2. Eat them regularly.
The more often you eat vegetables, the more likely you are to develop a taste for them. So make an effort to include them in your diet on a daily basis.
3. Get creative with your recipes.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes that include vegetables. Get creative and experiment until you find some that you really love. There are plenty of resources available online and in cookbooks to help you get started.
4. Don't give up!
It might take some time and effort, but eventually you'll learn to love vegetables if you keep at it. Be patient and keep trying new things until you find what works for you
4. Cut Out Sugar
When it comes to improving your health, cutting out sugar is one of the most important steps you can take. Sugar is a major contributor to weight gain and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, there are a few things you can do. First, avoid processed foods as much as possible. Processed foods are often loaded with hidden sugars. Second, eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. These foods are naturally low in sugar and will help keep you feeling full longer. Finally, make sure to read food labels carefully. Many “healthy” foods are actually high in sugar.
By following these simple tips, you can drastically reduce your sugar intake and improve your overall health!
5. Drink More Water
We all know that we should drink more water. It’s essential for our health and well-being. But, for some reason, many of us don’t drink enough water every day. Maybe we forget, or we just don’t like the taste of water. Whatever the reason, it’s important to make a conscious effort to drink more water.
There are many benefits to drinking water, including increased energy levels, improved brain function, and better skin health. Drinking enough water is also essential for flushing out toxins from our bodies.
So how much water should you be drinking every day? The general rule is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, this may vary depending on your activity level, the climate you live in, and other factors. If you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
To make sure you’re drinking enough water, keep a water bottle with you during the day and take sips regularly. You can also set reminders on your phone or download a water tracking app to help you stay on track. And if plain water isn’t your thing, try adding some fruit slices or mint leaves to give it flavor.
6. Get Plenty of Rest
It’s no secret that when you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to have a bad day. In fact, research has shown that not getting enough sleep can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
So if you want to have a happier and healthier day, make sure you get plenty of rest. Most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep per night. So if you find yourself regularly getting less than that, it’s time to make some changes.
There are a few simple things you can do to make sure you get enough rest. First, establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning.
Second, create an environment in your bedroom that is conducive to sleep. This means keeping the room dark, quiet, and cool. Third, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime as they can disrupt your sleep. Finally, disconnect from electronics screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime as the blue light they emit can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.
7. Find a Weight Loss Friend
When it comes to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, one of the best things you can do is find a friend to help motivate and encourage you. Your weight loss friend can be someone you know in real life or even an online buddy. Having someone to talk to about your journey, share tips and tricks with, and vent to when needed can make a world of difference.
If you’re not sure where to start when looking for a weight loss friend, here are some ideas:
1. Ask around – If you have friends or family members who are also trying to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle, see if they’d be interested in being your weight loss buddy.
2. Join a group – There are many weight loss and health groups online and in person that you can join. This is a great way to meet new people who are in the same boat as you and working towards similar goals.
3. Get active – Participating in activities like fitness classes, group sports, or even just going for walks together is a great way to bond with someone while also getting some exercise in. And as an added bonus, you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout routine if you have someone else counting on you.
8. Eat Your Breakfast First Thing in the Morning
If you’re looking for a happier and healthier day, one of the best things you can do is eat breakfast first thing in the morning. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s been linked to better mental health, improved cognitive function, and lower rates of obesity.
Plus, starting your day with a healthy meal can give you the energy you need to power through your morning routine. If you’re not a morning person, setting aside some time for breakfast can be tough. But there are plenty of quick and easy breakfast options that will give you the nutrients you need to start your day off right.
9. Exercise the Rest of the Day Off
Assuming you don’t have a job that requires physical labor, it is important to get up and move your body for at least 30 minutes each day. Walking is a great form of exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime. And, it doesn’t require any special equipment or clothing. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and head out the door.
If you have more time, there are other exercises you can do to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. Running, biking, swimming, and playing tennis are all excellent choices. But, if you don’t have time for a full workout, even 10 minutes of jumping rope or 10 minutes on an elliptical machine will help improve your mood and increase your energy level.