by Anastasia Fermin, Sunshima blog writer
As the New Year rolls around we often set unrealistic and sometimes daunting goals where our health is concerned. We want to shoot for the stars in too short a space of time and quickly lose motivation to achieve the dream when progress seems slow. However, this can be avoided by setting goals that are more achievable yet still very beneficial to our health. Here are 5 goals that you can actually keep to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Drink more water
Water is the life force of the body and, on average most of us drink far too little of it and end up dehydrated. One simple goal is to consume at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily. To keep on track with this, purchase a bottle that can fill the 2 litres and set a simple reminder on your phone for every hour to take a drink. Before long 2 litres will be consumed, and your body will thank you for the hydration.
Reduce your sugar intake
Yes, we all love sweet treats, but by nature we can easily over-consume our daily recommended intake of sugar. Usually, 50 grams or less of sugar per day is recommended. Too much sugar intake leads to excess carbohydrates being stored which leads to fat gain, not to mention the increased risk of diabetes type 1 and 2 together with other health ailments. If you check the sugar content of your shop-bought foods, you may be surprised by how many types of sugar there are (glucose, sucrose, fructose etc), and how these can be added even to “healthy or “low fat” products. Cut sugar out by giving up sugary drinks, sweets and processed foods.
Exercise 15 minutes per day
People often associate exercise with going to a gym or a gruelling workout that is difficult to accomplish. Exercise at its simplest, is getting your body moving and hitting a targeted heart rate zone in which your body is utilizing its internal systems to burn excess fat and strengthen your organs and central nervous system. The key is to start small and remain consistent. Walk for 5 mins and spend the remaining 10 minutes doing body weight exercises. As you keep up the habit, you will find yourself going for longer!
Consume smaller meals
Portion control and eating healthy foods can improve your health and help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Pay attention to serving sizes and the calorie content of foods versus their quality of nutrients. If you’re worried about still feeling hungry after your meal, go for bulky, great-tasting, low-calorie foods such as fresh grilled vegetables, and slow down your eating pace so that you give your body time to tell you that it’s full.
Get more sleep per night
Many of us don’t get as much sleep as our body requires to function properly. Aim for 8 hrs of rest a night by going to bed at the same time every night and shutting off devices that emit blue light at least 30 minutes before. Also try to make your room as comfortable as possible by keeping it clean, decluttered and using comfortable bedding.
Easy Steps to Better Health
These simple goals don’t require much except a little commitment and the desire to be healthy and fit. They are highly achievable and once you are consistent you can add them to your daily routine and experience better health, more energy and feel great!