Simple Ways to Get Healthier With Minimal Effort

Life is not merely being alive, but being well!

Sometimes, it’s really difficult trying to balance work, family and other responsibilities, leaving our health goals unaccomplished.

That said, being healthy does not have to be difficult.

Here are some simple ways to get healthier even with your tight schedules.

Eat More Non-Starchy Vegetables

Filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables is a simple way to eat healthier. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients.

Non-starchy vegetables include spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.

This simple strategy also saves you the hassle of worrying about serving sizes and calories.

Swap Refined Carbs for Whole, Unprocessed Carbs

Refined carbs are filled with calories and provide no nutritional benefit.

They are rigorously processed and stripped of nearly all their nutrients and fiber. This means they add extra calories to your diet with no nutritional benefit.

Examples of refined carbs include white flour, white bread and white rice but can be substituted for whole wheat flour and brown.

Eat Fatty Fish Often

Fatty fish like salmon are some of the most nutritious foods on the planet.

They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Research has shown that people who consistently eat the most omega-3 fatty acids tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, less chronic inflammation and better mental health.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink.

It is low in calories and packed with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants. These antioxidants can help your body fight free radicals molecules that have been shown to increase disease risk and speed aging.

Studies have also shown that people who drink the most green tea tend to live longer, have a lower risk of heart disease and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes

Avoid Sugary Soda

If you want to be healthier, try to avoid sugary drinks.

They contain no essential nutrients and are loaded with added sugar. Research has shown that sugar-sweetened beverages may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even certain cancers.

Instead of soda, opt for unsweetened water with lemon.

Drink a lot of Water

Water is important for your health.

Drinking enough water can help maintain healthy brain function, concentration and a positive mood.

Choose Real Foods Over Highly Processed Foods

Choosing real foods can help you eat healthier as they have more nutrients and fiber.

Here are a few examples of real foods:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Spinach
• Brown rice
• Unprocessed meats
• Whole eggs

Go for a Walk

Regular exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle as lack of exercise is linked with poor mental and physical being. With a busy schedule, walking during your lunch break can greatly improve your health and well-being.

Unplug From Technology An Hour Before Bed

Quality sleep is absolutely essential for optimal health.

Other sources of artificial light, rays from the TV set and cellphones are a big reason for poor sleep.

Research has shown that using artificial light before bed is linked with a higher risk of breast cancer, mood disorders and depression.

Avoiding technology an hour before bed may help improve your quality of sleep.