Simple Steps To A Healthier You

It is said that it takes 21 days of repetition for a change of habit to become fully established. So here are some changes that can be made over the next 21 days to get a jumpstart on better health. As with anything, use good judgment of your own level of fitness and check with your doctor before making diet and exercise changes. Be aware of your environment, safety first.

For example, for each doorway in your home, set an activity to do each time you pass through. March in place for 30 seconds, hop up and down 10 times, do 5 squats or lunges, whatever is appropriate for your fitness level. Every time you sit down, do 5 squats, hold onto the arms of the chair at first if you need the extra support. When you go up stairs, step up and down on the bottom stair 10 times then go up. Work your way up to 50 steps or more. You can easily add 20 minutes of exercise to your day if it is mixed in with your daily activities. There are even exercises you can do while you sit

Indulge Yourself

Adding one healthier choice per meal is a good way to start. Make it the steamed vegetable of your choice in a larger portion than a more unhealthy food, such as fries. You still get to eat the fries, but less of them. Eventually by adding more healthy options in larger portions, you will automatically eat less of the more unhealthy choices and change your diet effortlessly. The best eating plan consists of balanced nutrition and the flexibility to cheat.

Replace Chemical Sugars With Natural Sugars

Every day there is more information on how chemical and no calorie sweeteners are harmful, not only to your waistline but also to your health. Some better choices include Stevia which is a chemical free, calorie free plant based sweetener and is now easily found in any grocery store and Agave Nectar Syrup. Both are low glycemic index sweeteners which means no insulin spike which contributes to Diabetes and weight gain. Both can be used in cooking.

Replace Saturated Fats With Healthy Oils

Pretty much anything you bake can be made with oil instead of butter, lard or shortening, even pie crusts. Healthy oils such as extra virgin olive oil can be used in place of these without noticeable differences in either taste or texture.

Use Whole Wheat Flour In Baked Goods

Replace 1/2 of the white flour in almost any recipe and create a healthier version of baked goods. This does not work as well with cakes but there are even whole wheat cake flours on the market these days. Click here for free recipes using whole wheat.

Natural Skin Care

What you put on your skin should be as important as what you eat. Skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs toxins easily, so be on the lookout for natural, organic skin care products.

Even better, create your own. For a gentle facial cleanser combine 1/2 cup oatmeal with enough plain yogurt to form a paste, smooth over face, avoiding eye area and rinse with warm water.

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