Turn on the television, and you will be bombarded with ads for medications that will “change” your life. But is there a more natural way that your health can improve? Here are six steps that may help you feel younger and stronger.
1. Breathe Deeply
Begin each morning by taking five, slow, deep breaths — even before you get out of bed. Stay under the covers and think about your day as you slowly breathe in and count to five, then slowly breathe out. Dominique Fradin-Read tells her patients that wellness and positivity are important factors in being healthy. Bring in the positive and push out the negative with each breath. Repeat this routine after dinner or at bedtime.
2. Drink More Water
Many times your body is thirsty, and you think it is hungry. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day. Drink water before you get thirsty. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
3. Increase Healthy Foods
You can eat junk food all day long and still be hungry because your body is starving for nutrition. Add as many dark, leafy greens as you can to your meals. Use a blender and make a green smoothie each morning. Healthy fats are important for your body’s functions. Organic foods are usually healthier; cage-free or free-range proteins are a better choice. The goal is to eat fewer processed foods. Get back to cooking in your own kitchen, like your grandmother used to do.
4. Decrease Junk Foods
As you increase healthy foods, your body may stop craving unhealthy food. Remember, fat doesn’t make you fat. Sugar and refined carbohydrates may increase your weight. You might choose to analyze what unhealthy foods you crave, and why. Is it because you were given a cookie as a reward? Is there a healthier way to reward yourself now?
5. Get Better Sleep
Many physicians, such as Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read, often analyze their patient’s sleep patterns. Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep for their body and brain to function properly. Many times, getting that extra hour of sleep will help with weight reduction and improved health.
6. Move Each Day
Start by stretching each morning and evening — just get your body moving. Walking is such a healthy and easy way to get started. Begin with five minutes and increase by a minute each day. It is better to start slowly than to injure yourself by trying too hard on your first day of exercise.
Take one step at a time and then add the next step. By consistent and healthy choices, you may feel a huge difference in your life.
