We all lead hectic lives. Between rushing around for work and chasing our kids around with soccer, we have very little time to devote to our health and well-being. Here are five easy tips that I think anyone can follow to enjoy a more balanced and happy life.
1. Carry a Toothbrush or Gum
In my experience, there is no better way to squash a craving or delay an indulgence than brushing your teeth. When you are done with a meal, wait about an hour and then brush your teeth. Waiting is important because cravings don’t generally hit until your meal has moved through your stomach. If you’re uncomfortable having lettuce stuck in your molars for an hour, chew some gum immediately after your meal.
I would also suggest that you find gum made with Xylitol. This sugar alcohol is used widely and Finland, but in the States little is known about it’s benefits. Xylitol is great for your teeth, has fewer calories than sugar, can help prevent ear and respiratory tract infections, and helps control diabetes by maintaining consistent blood sugar levels. It’s also completely natural. So ask yourself: Why aren’t you chewing gum with Xylitol?
2. Fill Up On Leafy Greens
We’ve already talked about saving money and planting a garden, but we haven’t talked about how nutritious and filling the food that comes from your backyard is. Spinach, Kale, and Iceberg lettuce are all very easy to grow, incredibly nutritious, and most importantly - Incredibly filling. So for lunch, take some of your homegrown goodies, throw in some omega-3 filled fish, and enjoy feeling full.
3. Find An Athletic Activity That You Love
Cardiovascular activity is truly not that important for those of us trying to lose weight. It is important, however, for maintaining optimal health and happiness. It’s no secret that athletic activity strengthens the heart, raises energy levels, and releases endorphins essential for happiness.
Remember, losing weight and maintaining a healthy body is attained through managing your lifestyle and minimizing indulgences. If you need to spend an hour on an elliptical trainer everyday to maintain your body weight, you will eventually lose the battle. I can promised you this because as a Nutritional Consultant I have seen it a hundred times.
So find an activity you love and do it like your life depended on it. Your heart will thank you later.
4. Carry Healthy Snacks
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “well, I only had the Wendy’s Frosty because I was in a hurry and there was nothing else.” This is never an excuse and those of you who use it know it. The absolute best things to carry are fresh nuts. Even if you’re in a pickle and you have to buy Convenience Store Nuts, that’s OK. They are high in sodium but also high in nutrition and a much better substitute for a frosty.
4a. Eat your healthy snack twice a day between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner. This is the best way to keep your blood sugar levels (and energy levels) consistent throughout the day while squashing any cravings you might have.
5. Eat Raw Unprocessed Foods
This is a rule of thumb for so many reasons that I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Whole raw foods maintain their complete nutrient profiles. Unprocessed carbohydrates (oatmeal, whole grains etc) digest slower so you feel fuller with less calories. They can be grown in your back yard for next to nothing. They strengthen your immune system. They contain fewer calories.
Bonus! EAT FAT!
That’s right. Eat fat. And don’t be shy about it! Eat fatty fish with Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Eat Olive oil which contains massive amounts of monounsaturated fat. Eat nuts which contain all sorts of exquisite heart healthy compounds. You don’t need to saturate your Wild Salmon with a cup of olive oil, but using a dollop here and there on a salad is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
So for the simple conclusion. . . Keep it simple. This isn’t a weight loss column because I don’t believe in weight loss. I believe in effectively managing your life so you can maintain a healthy weight and benefit from all of the goodies contained in unprocessed food. I don’t advocate point systems, restrictions, or extreme measures to slim up and boost your self esteem - I advocate looking deep inside yourself and changing your habits and vices for the better.
Any questions or comments would be much appreciated.
Stumble it!
