Do you roll your eyes when you hear about the latest superfoods and fad diets? Are you guilty of thinking about exercise as a chore? *Slinks back in chair* Has it been an age since you had an eye test or a dental examination? Sometimes, we envision healthy living as an arduous, time-consuming option, but actually, there are some very simple ways of boosting your health and well-being. Here are some steps you can take today to make healthy living hassle-free.
Food Choices Matter
If you have the local takeouts on speed dial, or you tend to buy ready-made meals and convenience foods at the supermarket, now is the time to adopt healthier and cheaper ways of eating. Cooking at home could save you a fortune at the same time as boosting health and nutrition. You don’t have to be a maestro in the kitchen to rustle up something tasty and nutritious, and it’s often very easy to create much healthier versions of your favorite takeout dishes for a fraction of the price. Look for simple, quick recipes online, browse recipe books, and focus on meals that require minimal effort if you’re not used to cooking. Plan a healthy menu, make a list, and stick to it when you go to the grocery store. It takes 10 minutes to create a fresh pasta dish with vegetables or herbs, to warm some homemade soup or to grill some lean meat or fish to have with a vibrant salad or a side of steamed vegetables, for example.
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Health appointments
Examinations, health checks, and routine tests are recommended to reduce the risk of health problems and complications. If you haven’t had your eyes tested for years, you haven’t seen your doctor for an age, or it’s been a long time since you went to the dentist, don’t underestimate the value and importance of making appointments. According to the Oral Health Foundation, going to the dentist on a regular basis can lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by up to 60 percent. Serious health conditions like high blood pressure, for example, don’t always cause visible symptoms, so having regular health checks is really important.
Increasing activity levels
If you’re not an active person, and you never hit the target of 150 minutes of exercise per week, try and increase your activity levels. Walk and take the stairs rather than driving or calling the elevator, work out at home, join a gym or a local sports club or team, and try and find activities and exercises that you enjoy. You don’t have to jog for hours or spend your life at the gym to get fit. You can dance, cycle, kayak, hike, run, climb or even trampoline your way to better health.
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Boosting mental health
Being healthy isn’t just about ensuring that your body is ticking over as it should be. It’s also critical to focus on your mental well-being. Take breaks from work and stressful situations, devote time to hobbies and spending time with people who make you feel happy, and don’t be afraid to talk about how you feel. Adopting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard work. If you’re eager to be healthier, take these very simple tips on board today.
What health issues are of the most concern to you? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
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