Guest Post – 7 Tips on Making Changes for a Healthier Lifestyle
I’m somewhat of a health addict. I say somewhat because I don’t always make the best food choices. but I really do try. I’ve never had a weight problem, but I’m also a tad weight obsessed. Why? It’s probably because I know how accessible unhealthy foods are and the older I become, the easier I can gain weight. I’m a label reader; I’ve always been. It’s a great habit and one I’m not likely to break.
Naturally for me, the warmer the weather, the better food choices I make probably due to the fact of wanting to eat lighter meals with fresh fruits and raw vegetables and, of course, drinking loads of water.
With the warm weather on its way, here are seven tips on making better choices so you can look and feel good in your summer wardrobe. That’s an incentive on its own…wanting to look good in shorts, sleeveless tops, and bikini maybe…right?
1. When I go out to eat, my first choice is a salad with protein. What some people fail to understand is a salad is not necessarily healthier than a plate of fries because of the salad dressing and whatever ingredient is in there such as cheese, but there’s a work around to that and that’s making requests such as salad dressing on the side and opting out or substituting certain ingredients if possible. Don’t be shy; ask.
2. Not everyone can eat what they choose because of food allergies or whatnot, but the main thing is being fully aware of what you’re putting in your mouth. If you’re watching TV or reading a book, this could lead to mindless snacking. It’s okay if you’re eating grapes or cherry tomatoes, but it’s different if you’re munching on crackers. If you’re not eating it from a bowl, how many times have you put your hand in the box?
3. You can eat all the right foods, but you still have to exercise so kick start your metabolism and use your energy, not store it.
4. Don’t skip meals. Some people think if you skip a meal, you can eat more at the next meal. Yeah, you’ll definitely eat more to gain weight and you’ll make unhealthy choices because now your body is craving for food. Not only that, your blood sugar will drop and you’ll find the quickest thing to eat and you’ll eat lots of it.
5. Stock your fridge with fruits and vegetables for the reason to prevent what will happen when you skip a meal. If you don’t have junk food in your house, then you won’t make bad choices.
6. At the beginning, it will help to count calories. You can find a calorie counter online or you can go to MyFitnessPal.com to download the app to help you lose or maintain your ideal weight.
7. Grow your own vegetables and herbs. It’s never too late to make small changes and develop new healthy eating habits. You owe it to yourself and to your family to make better choices so you all can live and enjoy life to its fullest.
Sophia McIntyre is a work at home Freelance Writer, Ghostwriter and Internet Marketer. She is passionate about leading and living a healthy life. Her health blog, Healthy Perspectives is where you can learn more about making healthier choices, living, and maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle.