Here are our top 10 daily habits to change to live a healthier, happier life.
We all have things we could change.
And change can be hardbut there are some things that can help make it a little easier.
For example, let’s say you want to eat more vegetables.
Another tool to try is habit stacking.
This takes a habit you already have and piggybacks the new habit onto it.
For example, let’s say you want to start your day by drinking water.
You could habit stack this with brushing your teeth in the morning.
So, after you brush your teeth, you’ll drink a glass of water.
Or piggyback it with two habitsgoing to bed and getting up in the morning.
Now when you get upwhich is your trigger to drink the waterit’s there.
There is no one perfect way to change habits.
And if you lapsewhich is likely when forming new habitssimply learn from it and keep going.
Staying hydrated helps to keep your memory sharp, your mood stable and your motivation intact.
So, how much water should you be drinking?
Eating Late at Night
There are a couple of reasons to consider having dinner earlier.
This could lead to weight gain, per a 2020 study in theJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Another reason is that you may sleep better.
According to a 2020 review inCold Springs Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, exercise is associated with longer life.
They also recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
One big mistake people make is going all out from the beginning and quickly burning out.
Set big goals but start small and work up to your bigger goals.
Pictured recipe:Air-Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers
5.
Restaurant foods and processed foods both tend to be very high in sodium.
One of theeasiest ways to reduce your sodium intakeis to cook at home using fresh ingredients.
Choosing Foods Because They ‘Sound Healthy’
More and more food labels are sporting health benefits on their labels.
Pictured recipe:Zucchini Noodles with Quick Turkey Bolognese
7.
So if you’re cooking over high heat, skip it and choose a different oil.
When is olive oil a good idea?
It’s a great choice for making salad dressing or sauteing vegetables over medium heat.
Skipping Dessert
You may think you’re doing a good thing by skipping sweet treats.
And making any food off-limits just increases its allure.
So if it’s something sweet you’re craving, go for it.
One ounce ofdark chocolateor 1/2 cup ofvanilla ice creamclocks in 170 and 137 calories, respectively.
And some of these microbes can make you sick.
