Although I ate a balanced diet and stayed active as a child, as I entered adolescence, I began to develop some unhealthy habits. However, I have recently started paying attention to my health again, especially in regards to food choices and exercise.
Easy Changes in my diet and daily habits It made a big difference to my feelings and I want you to feel better too. Most changes that really stick are the ones that barely feel like changes. A little more water, a short walk and a better option at lunch time. None of this sounds dramatic in itself, but over time, these small changes impact each other in ways that may surprise you.
I stopped forcing myself to work out at the gym because these low-effort habits made a big difference in how I felt:
1. Cut down on junk
Like most people, I too love junk food, especially sweet things. Most health research shows Loading up on sugar is no way, so I’m working on cutting back.
I allow myself to eat something nice once a month and when I’m out with friends. I also make exceptions for special occasions like birthdays, but otherwise, I try to stay away from junk food on these days. However, don’t beat yourself up if you do end up eating a cookie, cupcake, or something salty. Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of sugar completely.
However, don’t let one lapse be an excuse to abandon your healthy changes altogether. Correct it with your next meal, not the next day.
2. Use water instead of sugary beverages
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At one time, I used to drink lemonade or iced tea with almost every meal, but I slowly started replacing those drinks with water. Eventually, my cravings for sugar-laden beverages diminished and water became my favorite drink.
Cutting out sugary beverages not only helps you reduce sugar intake, but achieving proper hydration Along with purifying your body, it also helps in keeping joints and muscles healthy. Just like when you develop any other new habits, starting the change toward a healthy life is the hardest part.
Implement small changes over time, like replacing just one glass of tea with water. Going over the top won’t make you more committed to your new diet, and frankly, you don’t need to make that commitment to anyone other than yourself.
3. Portion Control
I used to struggle hugely with portion control. Even when I felt full and satisfied, I would keep eating until I cleared my plate. I still worked to learn the difference between being hungry and wanting more food just because I liked the taste of it.
If you struggle with portion control, as I do, I recommend serving your food in smaller portions until you learn to recognize your body signals. healthy portion sizes This is a prevalent problem that we need to address as a country. Small changes can lead to big changes, and in this case, less is best.
Learning to recognize the difference between real hunger and wanting more food is one of the most powerful changes you can make. As psychiatrist gloria arenson explains, “‘Normal eaters’ often leave food on their plates because they pay attention to the cue. Compulsive eaters don’t stop until the cookie box is empty or they become excessively full.”
4. Stay active
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As a teenager, I did not enjoy physical activity. Let’s be honest: who does? However, about five years ago, I started a fitness journey toward working out every day. I still mix up my workouts and activities to keep them interesting.
The variety helps ward off boredom and keeps me busy! We are lucky that today, there are so many Modalities To make working out fun. The key to staying active for a long time is to choose something that really makes you want to show up. As Personal trainer and nutritionist Emiliana Lomas “Don’t exercise because you want a certain aesthetic result. Move your body because it feels good,” she advises.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try rock climbing or going to a trampoline park. If you prefer something more mellow, many places offer yoga or martial arts classes. There are many simple ways to add a little physical activity to busy days, like taking a walk at lunch or climbing the stairs.
5. Transmitting body neutrality
I never really loved my body. I hated looking at myself in the mirror because it focused my attention on my flaws. However, as I move into my 20s, I am slowly learning to love, or at least remain neutralmy body. Self-love and acceptance is a process.
For me, it started with practicing these other healthy habits so that I could start liking the person I saw in the mirror. For others, it requires replacing negative self-talk and reciting positive affirmations. Remember that you must love yourself first.
Also, remember that the choices you make every day are for you, not anyone else. If you’re trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle, know that there are unlimited resources available to help you.
If you implement these 5 tips, I know you will start to see the same changes I have seen in my life. Be proud of yourself for deciding to start a healthy lifestyle.
Larissa Martin is a writer who focuses on health, wellness, and self-care. His work has appeared on The Mighty, Thrive Global, and Yahoo Life, among others.
