Health x Wellness
Four Tips to Switch to a Healthier Lifestyle
Switching to a new lifestyle can be overwhelming. Know how to make the right choices in order to make a big difference when it comes to your health and lifestyle.
Always wanted a lifestyle change? It’s about that time to ditch the (yet another!) fitness fad and take your own path to a healthier life. You’d thank yourself once you say hello to a healthier you!
The Best Exercise that Fits You
For starters, why not try walking for at least 10-20 minutes per day? You can start walking in short spurts and distances to give your body a chance to adjust to it. Brisk walking is an effective cardiovascular exercise to keep you healthy and fit.
Walking isn’t difficult! Just step outside in your comfortable sneakers. No need to buy any equipment to keep your body in shape. Walking for a short distance is a great way to burn calories, keep your heart healthy and get you sweating.
Always start slow if you’ve been inactive for some time. Once you think your body can do more, increase the length of your walk by 10 to 20 per cent every few weeks, and train yourself to walk up to 60 minutes daily.
Forget about Quick-Fix Solutions
Don’t just join the bandwagon when it comes to the latest fitness trend. Some people prefer drinking slimming shakes or pills, hoping they’d shed off the fat easily. Don’t make this mistake since you don’t want to spend your money on something that will backfire on you in the end.
Get yourself out there and exercise! Don’t even think about spot training; exercises that focus on a certain body part alone won’t work compared to having a full aerobic exercise routine. You have to accept the fact that being healthy is a life-long journey. It involves a lot of decision making from your time management down to your eating choices—you have to make certain sacrifices that will benefit you in the long run.
Healthier Eating Habits
Of course, having a healthy lifestyle means you have to eat the right kinds of food for a balanced diet. Forget all the absurd diets you’ve done in the past.
Eating healthy can be extremely difficult, since we’re surrounded by distractions. It’s so easy to have a pizza delivered in your place or just order your favorite burger and fries. However, you have to control yourself from going back to your old eating habits. Here are some tips you may want to consider:
- Drink more water and ditch the fizzy drinks you usually have
- Eat fruits as a dessert instead of sweet pastries and sinful chocolate delights
- Get more greens! Having a salad in your meal is always a good thing to keep your body healthy
- Don’t skip meals. Eat more food during breakfast and less food as you get to dine later in the evening
- Set a cheat day! Don’t deprive yourself too much as it can result to binge eating
Be Up for the Challenge
Once you get the hang of it, you’d be surprised how much your lifestyle has changed. If you think the exercises are not challenging anymore, go the extra mile by taking on harder exercise routines.
If you’re walking, why not go for long distance walks at an increased speed? This is an opportunity for you to challenge your body and check how far you can go. You can also ask your friends to go hiking with you. Walking uphill is never easy, but it’s always fun to get some work out with the people you love to go with.
Don’t limit yourself to one exercise routine. Switch them up from time to time to keep your body challenged.
Having a healthier lifestyle is definitely worth all the sacrifices. It might be hard in the beginning, but you’ll thank yourself in the end that you did. What are you waiting for? Be in the best of health!
Bonus tip #5!
Join Active Ager Asia, a membership community to help you keep healthy and stay fit. Members can sync your Fitbit or Jawbone or preferred mobile pedometer app with the system, get educational articles from the Active Age and enjoy privileges. Through the portal, members are encouraged to keep good health by walking to earn incentives. More information at Active Ager Asia.
