The Routine That Will Kick Start a Healthier Lifestyle

1. Eat Breakfast

Waking up early in the mornings can be tough for most people, especially when the day calls for a full and busy schedule. Our minds tend to snap right back into work mode as soon as we’re fully awake, and the thought of eating or having an adequate breakfast is left at the front step of your door as you zoom away to work. Though many may believe that they feel enough energy to get through the morning, it is not good to go a whole morning on an empty stomach. You may get by without anything to eat, but it is almost a guarantee that you will have a midday crash. If you’re anything like me, I get incredibly grumpy and the world is an evil place during this phase. Eating breakfast will not only break the fast that you had while you were sleeping, but it will provide you with enough energy to last until lunch time. You’ll be able to think straight, be in a better mood and keep on the go without your stomach yelling at you.

Of Course, the problem comes in when time becomes an issue. Many of us either hit the snooze button or sleep through the alarm clock altogether. Because of this, most believe that there is no time for breakfast. If this is the case, keep breakfast quick and simple by stocking up on breakfast bars, roasted nuts such as almonds or peanuts, and fruits. These are all also healthier alternatives to the greasy foods such as bacon and sausages. If you know that time will be a problem in the mornings, prepare goody bags full of these healthy breakfast snacks and place them by the door. That way, you’ll have no excuses not to have something to eat in the morning.

Here’s another plus: Eating breakfast actually helps you to maintain a healthy body weight or even lose some pounds! When you eat breakfast, you are far less tempted to indulge in a heavy lunch or a pick-me-up sweet snack. Those who skip out on breakfast tend to make up for it with something heavy, and usually cheap—things that can be found in fast food restaurants. Don’t lose yourself in this mess. Just a simple breakfast can add a few more years to life. Who woulda thunk?

2. Pack Your Own Lunch:

Along with breakfast, lunch is equally as important for you to maintain a high level of energy for the day. The problem is, most jobs allow for only a thirty to an hour lunch break. As a result, we tend to find the quickest and most convenient place for lunch. Of course, on every corner, it is fast-food galore. Sure some may offer salads and healthier meals, but are they as satisfying and filling as you’d like? So to make things just a little more satisfying, you might add a small fries and maybe, just maybe a cup of soda. Don’t fall into this trap! You have the freedom to have the most delicious and satisfying meal without even leaving your desk. If you commit to getting things ready the day before, you can have a meal that consists of chunky spinach lasagna and a side of soup right in the comforts of your office. You’ll have your office mates prowling around your desk for a little taste of the goodness.

 Just because you won’t allow yourself to have a heavy and greasy meal, you don’t necessarily have to skimp out on the heavy part. Just know your limits and once your body tells you you’re full, stop eating. Don’t stuff yourself. If you do, it beats the purpose of trying to get healthier. Besides, when most people stuff themselves, they tend to go into a food coma (a strong desire to fall asleep because you’re so full and smug), and that is exactly the thing that we’re trying to avoid.  Nonetheless, make sure you’ve had an adequate amount of food to keep your energy levels up. Just remember, eat until you’re full, not stuffed.

3. Have a Light and Early Dinner

If you had breakfast, and a filling lunch, your stomach should not be begging you for food. You’ll obviously feel hungry, but the urge to eat something heavy should not be calling out to you. Choose a light and fresh meal such as baked salmon and a side of salad. Eat foods that won’t be hard to digest. Sides like mashed potatoes are typically high in heavy cream and milk--products that can be troubling for those who can’t tolerate such heavy dairy products. For dessert, try to choose a healthier alternative to sweets by eating sweet fruits instead. I like to choose fruits that are in season so they are fresher and tastier: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and cherries are great choices. If you’re craving frozen dessert, why not make your own. I like to make popsicles out of real fruit juices—for example, I’d juice up some very sweet oranges, pour some into the popsicle mold and enjoy them on those hot summer nights. I also like to slice up some watermelon and just pop them into the freezer. When they are frozen, they come out just like watermelon popsicles. The thing to keep in mind is to keep dinner and dessert light and simple.

Another thing to consider: try not to eat too late. Your body should be trying to repair itself while you sleep, not trying to digest. Eating earlier will help you to lose that sluggish feeling in the morning and will allow you to desire breakfast. Once you start to crave breakfast, then you know your body is on its way to healthier, fixed routine.

4. Have Healthy Snacks in Between Meals

Let’s admit it. No matter how much we follow our eating routine, the hungry monster always comes snarling, and looking for more food. Don’t ignore it, feed it. As long as you remember not to indulge in a full on meal between meals, you should be good to snack. Nuts such as almonds can keep you full longer and can also provide health benefits (click on this link for more info on the benefits of almonds: http://foodfacts.suite101.com/article.cfm/top_healthy_foods_almonds). Also, eating between meals can help you to eat smaller meals during lunch and dinner—a big plus considering we’ve just talked about trying to eat lighter dinners.

So go ahead, feed that growling monster. Just remember to always choose your snacks wisely!

5. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Keep your heart healthy by penciling a jogging or walking session into your schedule. If you absolutely have no time, split up the workout into 3 ten minute sessions throughout the day. Since you’ve saved so much time eating in the office on your lunch break, utilize the extra time by walking around the block. Give yourself a reason to want to go. Think of your favorite store that is about five minutes away and walk there. Once there, try [really] hard not to go in and walk back to the office. Five minutes to the store and five minutes back gave you your ten minute session for the day! Go about the workout however it suits your time. Have fun with it. It is rewarding to know that you’ve done something good for yourself and that you’ve used your time wisely!

6. Stick To It and Stay Focused

Now that you have the simple routine to kick start your health, the only thing left to do is stay focused and stay strong. Changing your lifestyle is never a simple task. Start slowly and eventually, your body and lifestyle will adjust. As with everything in life, once you’ve gotten the gist of it, things will get easier. You’re doing something good for yourself, and that is something to be proud of. If you can stick to these easy tips, there is no telling as to how much you can achieve. Keep yourself motivated by getting a close friend or family involved. That way, you’ll have each other’s support and the motivation to push on through.

Good Luck with your endeavors. I hope to hear many success stories.