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10 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle That Actually Work

Want to be a happier and healthier person? Not sure how to do it? Check out these 10 tips for a healthy lifestyle that actually work.

Are you ready to create a healthier lifestyle? With some adjustments to your diet and daily routine, you can make it happen. And studies suggest that you could tack on another 12 years or more to your life if you commit to being a healthier person now.

Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn 10 tips for a healthy lifestyle!

  1. Stay Away From Processed Food

Processed foods are convenient, but ultimately they should be avoided as much as possible since they contribute to obesity and high blood pressure. What is considered processed food? These are foods that are packaged and include a lot of oil, salt, and sugar.

Foods like cold cuts, potato chips, cakes, cereal, and prepared meals in the frozen aisle all qualify. As much as possible, integrate unprocessed foods into your diet. Go for the farm-fresh veggies, meats that have not been seasoned, and any food that has not been altered from its original state.

  1. Drink Plenty Of Water

Creating a healthy lifestyle means staying hydrated! The average person needs about 12 to 13 cups of water each day. This will vary, however, based on your activity level, location, and gender.

If you live in a place like Phoenix and lead an active lifestyle, you can expect to need a lot more water in your diet.

Drinking enough water has enormous benefits for your health. You'll feel more alert during the day, your skin will look better, and your body temperature will stay in a normal range.

  1. Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

You've been told since childhood that fruits and veggies are important, and the advice remains true. If you can sub in carrots and apples for processed snacks, you'll fill up faster and avoid the ill effects of too much sodium and sugar.

Visit your local farmer's market in the summer to get the best produce, and look for inventive recipes to maximize flavors. Nothing beats a pan of vegetables roasted with a little olive oil and dusting of seasoning. And a salad topped with fresh berries and some lean protein makes for the perfect summer lunch.

  1. Exercise Regularly 

Exercising regularly can reduce your chance of stroke, diabetes, heart attack, and a host of other health problems. Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, and you'll start to reap the benefits.

Lace-up your shoes and go for a walk, or plan a weekend hike at a nearby state park. There are lots of simple and inexpensive ways to get your heart pumping!

  1. Get Plenty of Sleep

Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. You'll wake up feeling and looking fresher in the morning, and your productivity will be higher.

Set a bedtime each night and stick to it, and even sneak in a little cap nap during the day if you need to. Naps can contribute to feeling rested, too!

  1. Keep a Healthy Body Weight

You'll fend off several health problems like obesity and high blood pressure if you stay trim. A bonus is that you'll feel more energetic and confident as you approach each day.

When in doubt, talk with your doctor to determine what a healthy body weight looks like for you, and then work to maintain it. Try to avoid doing too much personal diagnosis and self prescription, and instead look to the advice of your medical professional!

  1. Vary Your Protein Sources

With any dietary changes, the key is to consume things in moderation. So don't load up on red meat as your protein source since that will increase your chance of cardiovascular disease. Instead try to reach for other protein-rich options, including plant-based ones.

Salmon and other types of fish are a healthier protein source, and eggs are a versatile — and inexpensive — option. Also go for unsalted nuts, chickpeas, and tofu to round out your diet.

  1. Avoid Salt and Sugar

Sugar and salt are linked to problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, so you're better off minimizing their presence in your diet.

Look for foods with lower sodium labels, and try using spices instead of a salt shaker when it's time to add some seasoning. With sugary treats, try to limit how much you eat desserts. Substitute in an apple or some citrus to get the burst of sweetness you crave.

  1. Meet Your Vitamin D Needs

Nearly half of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, and it's an easy problem to solve through dietary changes, an extra dose of sunshine, or supplements. 

Get out in the sunshine when you can (with sun protection, of course!) and load up on foods rich in vitamin D like salmon, egg yolks, and orange juice.

  1. Make the Commitment

One of the best ways to stay on pace to meet your goals is to keep track of them. Writing things down promotes accountability, and you can track your progress!

Keeping a food journal is an excellent way to see if you're eating too much during the day. You can also take an honest look at what goes into your body and make revisions. 

Do the same for exercise. Jot down how many minutes you workout each day on a calendar — and the type and intensity of your workout.

10 Tips For a Healthy Lifestyle: It's Time to Get Started

If you follow these 10 tips for a healthy lifestyle, you'll start to look and feel better. But the hardest part is taking the first step to do it. Find a trusted friend and ask them to check on you to make sure you are — or better yet, ask them if they want to join you on this journey.

For more tips on how you can become a healthier version of yourself, check back with us for more great articles!