Putting healthy before convenience
Living a healthy life can be far from living a convenient one. It's always easier to sleep in; always easier to just grab a burger and fries than it is to cook a well balanced healthy meal. Putting healthy before convenience isn't always easy, but it is healthy. A large percentage of the American population spends more than 2000 hours at work a year. With so many hours working it means less time preparing healthy meals, and spending the much needed time to exercise and relax. Just because you are on the go most of the time doesn't mean you have to compromise your health. Let's talk about some ways to still live life in the fast lane, but not take your eating habits with you.
1. Wake up 15 minutes earlier. How is this going to help you ask? With just that extra 15 minutes of time in the morning you can get yourself up and moving with some exercise. It doesn't have to be anything to exerting, just something that wakes you up and gets your circulation flowing. Exercise in the morning can give you a good start to your day.
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2. Always eat Breakfast. Although you may find your life spinning out of control during the day, mornings can be a little more calming and relaxing if you give yourself time to eat a well balanced meal. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and so although it might be more convenient to skip it all together, don't. There are many breakfast foods that are conveniently easy to make and take. Yogurt, granola, breakfast bars, smoothies and oatmeal are just some ideas that come to mind. If you want to make it through your jam packed then remember to eat breakfast.
3. If you have to resort to fast food then try and limit yourself to the healthiest choices available. Some different options might be to get a chicken sandwich instead of a big fat greasy burger; instead of getting fries get a side salad or apple slices. Even McDonald's has healthy food choices; you just might have to search for them a little. Stay away from any of the foods that have been deep fried like French fries and other battered food items. It may not be convenient but is a much healthier choice to make.
4. Drink Water. Many people underestimate the importance of water and don't always get their daily recommended 8 glasses. In order for our body to function and our immune systems to work properly you need a lot of water. 8 glasses is only the minimum amount of water you should be drinking, so don't be afraid to drink more. Drinking enough water keeps you hydrated and healthy. Dehydration can set in quicker than most people know, so if you ever find yourself thinking "I'm thirsty" then grab some water because that's sign that you're already dehydrated. If you're eating out then always get water with your meal, and if you have an office job then bring some water with you. Many companies have vending machines that offer bottled water so take advantage of that. Sodas will only leave you feeling thirstier, tired, and wanting for more. They're also really bad for your bones. So next time you're trying to decide what to drink, go with the water.
5. Find a way to relieve stress. This is probably by far the most inconvenient one on our list. It can be inconvenient in that you have to actually plan time out of your day to take part in something else other than working. Heaven forbid that we actually take time out for ourselves to relax and relieve a little stress. Exercise, read a good book, or do something you enjoy spending your time doing. It does wonders for our mental state of mind, not to mention the physical.
Putting healthy before convenience isn't always the easiest thing to do; otherwise we'd probably all be in tip top shape right? It takes time and effort on our parts but can lengthen our life up to 10 years or more. So make the change and live a healthier life even if it's not convenient.
