The old saying goes tells us that health is wealth, and these days more people agree than ever. People have made smarter, healthier choices when it comes to what they eat and what they do on a daily basis. That this comes at a time when work and the world are getting more hectic and potentially toxic than ever is certainly significant. It's not just established, older people doing it either: the young people of Generation Z appear to lean toward this propensity as a matter of course, which itself is truly admirable.
It's entirely possible to deliberately plan to be healthy -- and the neat part is that you are actually already know-how, as you've been hearing this advice all your life. So how can you make the most of your life and make a health plan that works?
1. Drink plenty of water.
One of the simplest reminders on the list is one of the most powerful. People often mix up a thirst for hunger, and so end up eating when they should really be drinking. You almost certainly don't need the extra calories, none of which come with a glass of water. Proper hydration also helps keep your body's systems humming along properly.
2. Eat food that's high in fiber.
High-fiber food does a lot for your body. First, it helps you feel full, because the fibrous food stays in your system, and helps you avoid craving more food. Second, fiber helps clean out your digestive system on its way out, helping keep you regular. Beans, oats, bread, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber.
3. Don't skip breakfast.
A common result of skipping breakfast is that you end up snacking on and off throughout the day, which doesn't really help your health either. Fill up on breakfast and eat a good amount of the right foods, and you'll have enough energy to carry you through the day. If you have to skip a meal, skip supper -- there's not as much of an opportunity to burn through what you eat then, compared to breakfast, which has the whole day to be worked off.
4. Read food labels.
Knowing what's in your food can help you make healthier, smarter choices when deciding what to eat. Some people are shocked to find out how drinking a single energy drink is like eating a hot dog in terms of sodium content, which they would never find out if they didn't check the label. Watch out for salt content, saturated fat, sugar, and total fat.
5. Be more active.
All the healthy eating in the world can only go so far. You may lose some weight, but setting your metabolism to a higher level is the only real way to lose weight and keep it off. Look for an activity that suits your body, that you enjoy, and that has the right burning benefits, and work it into your daily routine. Beyond exercise, simply walking more per day can do a lot for your body.
6. Eat meals regularly.
Keeping your body fed at the right times can curb the urge to snack, which almost always involves unhealthy food choices. Little-known fact: calorie-burning happens faster when you eat at regular times in a day.
7. Keep to smaller portions and don't rush.
Use a smaller plate to help your mindset expectations for smaller portions. This will help your stomach gradually get used to being more full on less. Not wolfing down your food can also have unexpected effects: the stomach takes about 20 minutes to communicate feeling full to the brain, so you can slow things down and feel reasonably full without filling up on what actually ends up being too much.
8. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
High in fiber, low in fat and calories: fruits and vegetables are sometimes pricey for a reason. The sheer amount of vitamins and minerals in these cannot be understated. They've also got plenty of fiber to offer, which will help your body in other ways.
9. Reduce alcohol.
Little-known fact: one glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. The side benefits are different, but so are the side risks. Over time, regular drinking can contribute to weight gain.
10. Help your health with the right gear.
While you're not going to suddenly get in shape just for wearing a particular brand of sportswear, you can make smart clothing choices that help your body out. The right pair of cotton compression socks can work wonders on your circulation, preventing blood from pooling in the veins and encouraging properly-oxygenated blood flow that keeps your muscles working well.
11. Don't ban certain foods.
While you can avoid certain foods like junk food by not stocking a lot in the house -- and reducing the ability to binge past the point of no return -- it may not be the best idea to ban them entirely. You'll just end up craving them and forming an unhealthy relationship and mental image of them. Allow yourself the occasional treat, while limiting your access an developing a taste for the healthier options.
12. Plan meals.
While it may be hard for some to do calorie counting, you can at least plan out what to eat for a week, which will help you plan how you grocery-shop. Remembering to allow enough room for protein, fruits, vegetables, and some starch for each meal for each day will help you organize your budget and shop smart.