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Happy and Healthy New Years Tip
By
Tracy Roland
For most people, the months of November and December are marked by a general increase in consumption. We eat more, buy more, drive more, etc. As food goes, high-fat, high-sugar foods tend to be in abundance. The result is often a few unwanted pounds, a weakened immune system, and a general feeling of tiredness and sluggishness. By the time the New Year comes around, many people have a new motivation to shed those extra pounds and increase their energy levels. |
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They may go on a diet, join a fitness club and make a vow to exercise on a regular basis. These can all be positive things, but for most people, these plans tend to be temporary remedies. This year, aspire to make a change in your lifestyle that will get the weight off and keep it off, plus maintain your energy and your overall health.
- A change in your diet should be a long-term goal. Temporary fad diets only offer-short term results. To truly lose excess weight, keep it off, and stay healthy, it requires a change in your daily eating habits. Making the transition to a plant-based diet is the best place to start. Introduce staples into your daily eating habits such as whole grains, vegetables and whole fruits as your carbohydrates. And choose plant-proteins such as leafy greens, broccoli, seaweed, beans, lentils, and tofu. These foods are low in fat, high in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients!
- Be sure to drink plenty of water. Water is the best thing for purifying the body of toxins. As well as keeping bowel movements regular and maintaining the function of every bodily process. Water is essential for weight loss. Drink a big glass first thing in the morning and keep a bottle with you during the day, sipping it on a regular basis. To get a good estimate of the amount of water you should drink on a daily basis, take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink.
- Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Break up your meals so you are eating every 3 to 4 hours as opposed to 2 or 3 large meals every 5 to 6 hours. Split your lunch in half and eat one part earlier in the day. This keeps your metabolism high which helps burn calories, even while you sleep.
- Try to cut back on sugar. This includes foods such as ice cream, cookies, chocolate, candies, even dressings, sauces, dips, breads, and other processed foods that are usually loaded with sugar. Avoid substituting with artificial sweeteners as they are synthetic chemicals and are not recommended for those seeking natural health.
- Finally, be active! Even if it’s only three times a week for thirty minutes. One of the easiest ways to be active is to do physical activities or sports with your family and friends. Play a game of volleyball or soccer at the park. Swim or surf at the beach with your family. Take a yoga or aerobic class at the gym. When you exercise with other people you tend to focus more on having a good time rather than exercising in itself. Whatever physical activity you decide to pursue, make it a regular part of your life. And remember, the most important effect of regular exercise is not the few calories you burn while you exercise, but the calories you burn while you are not exercising!
Your body is like your vehicle; it needs regular maintenance and care. Committing to a healthier, more active lifestyle this New Year is the best thing you can do for it. Down to Earth is your source for information about a plant-based diet, delicious recipes, and thousands of health-conscious products. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help you in your transition to a more vibrant lifestyle!
Happy and Healthy New Year from DTE!!!
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