Health and well-being are important to all of us. The difficult part is finding ways to ensure we stay healthy between the stress of our jobs, families and other commitments.
We often make promises to complete diets, sign-up for a gym membership and cut certain foods from our lives, only to fall back into old patterns a few days or weeks later.
But we don’t always have to set drastic goals. In fact, there are several small, simple changes we can make to our daily routines to make us healthier and happier.
Here are five convenient and easy steps you can take to focus on your health.
1. Sign-up for a healthy meal plan
Nutritionists and dietitians will readily tell you that what you consume and how much has the biggest effect on your waistline. Of course, we all know ordering fast food several times a week, or even daily, isn’t going to help us shed those pesky extra pounds, but oftentimes, it’s the easiest and quickest option.
If time is limited or your usual menu is getting rather boring, consider signing up for a delivery meal kit.
There are several convenient and relatively affordable options out there. Blue Apron, HelloFresh and Plated are all great choices with different packages depending on your needs.
Find out which meal kit delivery service is right for you.
2. Consume 3 to 4 cups of coffee daily
You may be surprised to learn that a wide-body of scientific research shows that consuming three to four cups of coffee daily is linked to a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease.
"There is a balance of risks in life, and the benefits of moderate consumption of coffee seem to outweigh the risks," Professor Paul Roderick, from the University of Southhampton's faculty of medicine and the co-author of a recent review of more than 200 studies on coffee, said in November.
Experts suggest that drinking fresh, organic, medium roast coffee is the best way to ensure you’re consuming the maximum level of antioxidants (which likely lead to the positive health effects).
Try Illy's medium roast for $12.30.
» RELATED: 3 daily cups of coffee linked to lower risk of premature death
3. Stop snacking
You may think you're careful about counting your calories. You eat a balanced diet, and not too much. Or if you sign up for healthy meal kits, you may think you’ve remedied your dietary problems altogether.
But while your meals may be healthy enough, what about the snacks you eat between them?
Dr. Melina Jampolis, a board-certified physician nutrition specialist, recently wrote for CNN that many of her patients have calorie "amnesia."
» RELATED: These 9 healthy-sounding foods have more sugar than a Krispy Kreme doughnut
"People frequently forget about the little things during or between meals that add up calorically and can interfere significantly with weight loss," Dr. Jampolis wrote.
Consider downloading a calorie counting app such as Cronometer ($2.99) to keep better track of what you consume.
» RELATED: 5 things you're doing 'for your health' that aren't so healthy
4. Add simple home exercises to your routine
Regular exercise is vital to keeping our hearts and entire bodies working properly. If you’re the type that goes from your home, to the car, to your desk and then back home with little walking in between, you probably should consider adding daily exercise to your routine.
» RELATED: Burn up to 500 calories in an hour with these Atlanta workouts
But signing up for the gym or trying to run around the block a few times each day can be a little daunting. Fortunately, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your living room to get in a serious work-out.
You can easily start a 90-day work-out program from the comfort of your living room with this 12 DVD set from X-TrainFit for just $29.99.
5. Sleep more and sleep better
Research has shown that inadequate sleep is correlated with obesity.
A survey of scientific studies from around the world revealed that "short sleep duration may be associated with the development of obesity from childhood to adulthood." According to the research, adults who sleep too little have a 55 percent greater risk of becoming obese, whereas children see a disturbing 89 percent greater risk.
» RELATED: Have trouble sleeping? Research says that may be an early sign of Alzheimer's
Whether or not you’re worried about your weight, quality sleep each night will give you more energy to face the stress of the week, while also recharging your body.
If sleep is a struggle, think about the things keeping you awake. Is it too noisy? Not dark enough? Are your pillows not comfortable enough? All of these issues are easily remedied.
This sleep mask and earplugs set will ensure you always rest in quiet darkness for just $9.99. And a Live & Sleep memory foam pillow ($29.95) is sure to greatly improve your comfort all night long.
Now, go out and embrace a happier, healthier you.
The AJC may receive a commission for purchases made through some links in this article.
About the Author
