|
Health experts say that making small changes to your
lifestyle is the most effective way to achieve long-term
good health. Rather than taking on big goals that are
difficult to reach and often result in frustration,
integrating slight but key adjustments into a daily
routine can create lasting improvements in fitness and
well-being.
"What many people don't realize is that they don't
have to completely overhaul their lifestyle to see the
benefits of change. There is a greater chance of success
if adjustments -- such as increasing exercise and changing
how you eat -- are made slowly," says Dr. Liz Applegate,
a nationally recognized expert on nutrition and fitness,
and the director of sports nutrition at the University
of California at Davis.
Here are some ideas on how to help improve your health
with small changes that will have an impact:
Take a few 10-minute breaks
throughout the day. If possible, take a short walk outside
or to the other side of your office building. It will
clear your head and help to improve your metabolism,
get the blood flowing and rejuvenate you during the
workday.
Stay hydrated. Today, people of all ages are looking
for hydration options to support their active lifestyles,
but they're not willing to sacrifice taste or incur
added calories. Make your water multitask for you by
choosing a water beverage that hydrates while also providing
essential nutrients. Thanks to DASANI Plus - a new line
of great tasting, vitamin-enhanced, flavored water beverages
with zero calories per 8 fluid ounce serving - you can
stay hydrated and get important nutrients at the same
time. And it's easy to drink because it tastes good.
The product comes in flavors such as kiwi strawberry,
pomegranate blackberry and orange tangerine.
Take time to laugh. Studies show that deep laughter
can greatly benefit our health by lowering levels of
stress hormones, relaxing muscles and reducing anxiety.
Take a break during the day to check out an entertaining
Web site or unwind before bedtime with your favorite
late night show.
Cut restaurant meals in half. The portion size at restaurants
has increased during the last decade and eating out
can be a big factor in weight gain. Split your entre
with your dining partner or divide your serving in half
and take it home for lunch the next day.
Eat foods that are colorful. Healthy foods are usually
those that have vibrant colors such as red and yellow
peppers, blueberries, cantaloupe or spinach. By incorporating
a variety of colors into your diet at home and while
eating out, you are more likely to get your recommended
daily nutrients.
Incorporate moderate
exercise into your routine. Studies have shown that
moderate exercise such as walking for 30 minutes a day,
five or more days a week, can improve your cardiovascular
fitness. You will see even greater benefits if you increase
the mileage, walk up an incline, or jog.
"Just remember to keep your goals realistic at
the beginning. Once you start feeling the benefits,
you'll want to incorporate even more healthy habits,"
says Applegate.
For more information, visit www.dasani.com.
Courtesy
of ARAcontent
|
