As the new year begins, here's some quick tips to help you live a healthier lifestyle, feel your best and live longer.
1. Measure and Watch Your Weight
Tracking your weight will help you manage what you are gaining or losing. Make it a priority to weigh in and then cut back if needed. Managing weight gain weekly, will make it easier to manage your weight over a lifetime.
2. Limit Unhealthy Foods
It's one meal at a time. We truly are what we eat. So if you have a choice between fries and salad - choose salad. Small choices can make a big difference.
3. Drink Water NOT sugary sodas
Water is so important to our bodies! It affects skin, hair, nails and overall hydration. Did you know that the sugar in most soda comes from high fructose corn syrup, which is harder to metabolize than regular sugar? Studies suggest that even the artificial sweeteners used in diet sodas have many of the same negative effects on metabolism and appetite. And the acid is really bad for your teeth. So choose water every chance you get!
4. Be Physically Active
Even a daily walk can make a difference in your overall health in so many ways!
An American Cancer Society study that zeroed in on walking found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week. Walking also boosts immune function and eases joint pain such as arthritis.
5. Reduce Sitting and Screen Time
Even people who exercise regularly could be at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke if they spend lots of time sitting behind computers. So take breaks from sedentary time, such as walking around your home or office several times a day..
6. Get Enough Sleep
The quantity of sleep and immune function are strongly related. Most people need 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Turn screens off an hour before sleep to help your mind wind down.
7. Go Easy on Alcohol and Stay Sober
If you've noticed some weight gain - remember that calories in alcohol can add up fast! Alcohol should be limited to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or 1 drink or less in a day for women,
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:
High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
Cancers of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
Learning and memory problems.
Remember, we are here daily to help you live your best life - so if you need help with any of these tips, call us for an appointment and let us help you live a healthy life.