How to start a healthier lifestyle
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Have you ever felt like embarking on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle is a daunting task? You’re not alone. With so much confusing advice and overwhelming kale smoothie recipes that resemble a chemistry experiment, it’s no wonder that many of us feel overwhelmed when it comes to eating healthier. However, don’t worry because we have some great news for you – figuring out how to start a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be a complex process. In actual fact, it can be a deliciously simple and easy process. We’ve compiled some helpful tips and guidelines to kickstart your journey to healthier eating in just one week. Be prepared to indulge in mouthwatering, healthy meals that are easy to prepare and taste great. Here are our 6 top tips on how to start a healthier lifestyle:
1. EAT AT LEAST 5 A DAY
Taking care of your health means you should pay attention to what you are eating. So, for our first important tip on how to start a healthier lifestyle. is consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables. This ensures your body receives all the essential vitamins and minerals it requires on a daily basis. It is suggested that about one-third of your diet should be comprised of fruits and vegetables. You can add them to your everyday dishes: 80g of fresh, frozen, dried or canned fruit and vegetables, or 150ml juice or smoothies all count toward meeting this requirement. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that only one portion of each fruit or veg counts towards the recommended 5 a day, so no need to go overboard with your intake.
Some simple ways to increase your fruit and vegetable intake include:
- Add them to your breakfast
- Finely dicing a variety of veg into your favourite pasta dishes
- Roasting your veg with an array of herbs and spices
- Blending them into a dip or sauce e.g. red pepper and garlic hummus
- A piece of fruit as a quick snack
2. STAY HYDRATED
For a simple, yet effective how to start a healthier lifestyle tip is staying hydrated. Hydration is important for maintaining a healthy body and mind. The UK Eat Well Guide recommends a daily water intake of about 1.2-1.5 litres, with additional water necessary for exercise and sweating. However, it’s not just the amount of water you drink, but also the regularity with which you consume it that matters. Drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day, rather than in larger quantities, is the best way to keep your body hydrated.
The benefits of hydrating regularly are numerous and include: Improved mood stability, increased focus, headache prevention, smoother digestion and maintenance of cells in your body.
If you struggle to drink enough water, there are a few tips you can try to make it a little more interesting and easier to stick with. For example, try infusing your water with lemon, mint or berries to make it more refreshing on a hot day. You could also invest in a reusable water bottle to keep with you throughout the day. At work, try creating a hydration station with mix-ins and cups, or consider drinking herbal tea for a warm and hydrating option. With this simple how to start a healthier lifestyle tip, you will be on your way to
3. ADD FIBRES INTO YOUR DIET
Another how to start a healthier lifestyle tip is, ensuring that you are consuming an adequate amount of fibre. This critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adults typically require around 30g of fibre per day. Fibre can be found in a vast range of plant-based sources, including fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and many other plants. Despite being non-digestible, fibre is an essential carbohydrate as it aids in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Moreover, it provides bulk for your intestines and prevents constipation. Additionally, studies indicate that consuming adequate fibre may also help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
There are several techniques to incorporate fibre into your diet to ensure that you are meeting the recommended daily intake. For instance, selecting wholegrain foods, such as brown bread and porridge instead of cereal. It would also be wise to choose less-processed food, as it typically contains a higher amount of fibre. Another useful tip is to try eating fruits and vegetables as snacks, adding beans or lentils to your meals, or even introducing nuts into your snacking routine. By making a few changes to your food habits, you can significantly improve your fibre intake and your overall wellbeing.
4. MIX UP YOUR PROTEIN
As our awareness of the impact of our food choices on the environment and our health increases, it’s more vital than ever to consider the variety of protein sources that we consume. While meat has traditionally been a significant part of most people’s diets, new guidelines from the NHS recommend that we limit our intake of red and processed meat to no more than 70g per day. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative protein options that are both delicious and nutritious.
Why not try switching out half of the mince in your favourite recipe and replace it with beans or lentils. Or, grab a handful of roasted nuts to add to your snack. Or even try making your own hummus from a different bean variety, such as white beans. While, don’t forget to pair protein with your snacks, which could help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Lastly, supplementing your protein intake with fish could also be an excellent option to consider. Let’s make choices that benefit us and our planet!
5. DON’T FORGET TO HAVE TREAT DAYS
So, when it comes to tips on how to start a healthier lifestyle, people often feel like they have to completely eliminate their favourite treats, but this is not the case! It’s important to remember that treating yourself once in a while is actually essential for maintaining your mental state. So, don’t be afraid to indulge in that slice of cake at a birthday party or enjoy a scoop of your favourite ice cream on a sunny day. In fact, some people find that reducing treats to just special occasions or once a week actually helps them stay on track with their healthy eating habits and reduces cravings. It’s all about finding balance. By allowing yourself to enjoy these indulgences every now and then, you can maintain your mental balance and overall wellbeing. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some things, like excessive drinking, can have longer-lasting impacts on your health – so it’s best to keep those to a minimum.
6. MEAL PREP AND PLAN AHEAD
It’s often said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. In the world of nutrition and healthy eating, this is especially true. It’s easy to fall into the trap of asking yourself, “what’s for dinner?” when you haven’t taken the time to plan your meals. But fear not, there’s a simple solution! By setting aside just a few minutes each week to plan your meals and meal prep, you can save yourself from the headache of last-minute decisions and unhealthy options. That means making a shopping list and prepping ingredients in advance, and maybe even batch cooking when you can. With the right healthy options readily available, you’ll be able to resist the temptation of fast food. Don’t forget to utilise your freezer to save meals for later. And it’s not just meals you need to plan for – consider healthier snacking too! But remember, a balanced lifestyle isn’t an ‘all or nothing’ approach, so don’t beat yourself up if your plans fall through from time to time.
With these tips on how to start a healthier lifestyle, you should be on your way to a healthier you in no time!
So, what are you waiting for? Lets smash your nutrition and lifestyle goals together! See Sarah’s Personal Training Packages with included nutrition guidance and get started today! Or follow Sarah on Instagram and keep up to date with her lifestyle tips!
Why not watch some of Sarahs free workout videos and complement your diet with some exercise routines:
About Sarah – Female Personal Trainer
“When it comes to people’s health and fitness for me it is all about the client. I want to help people realise their goals are obtainable and with the right guidance and coaching anything is achievable. It is important for me to create a warm inviting environment for people to feel comfortable and at ease regardless of their level or ability.”
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