12 Tips to Healthy Living

We all know that diet and exercise are important when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, but it is possible that you may be overlooking other critical, yet simple, techniques for improving or maintaining your health.

Turn the following 13 simple tips into habits and watch as your energy levels soar and your health improves!

1) Eat a Smart Breakfast.
Most people load up on carbohydrates and simple sugars for breakfast. Most cereals, pastries, smoothies and juice are all poor choices when it comes to starting your day off right. Center your breakfast around protein and healthy fat, and you'll have energy for hours. Try one of the following: a protein shake made with your choice of fruit, skim milk (or milk alternative), ice and protein powder; eggs with a cup of mixed fruit; lean breakfast meat, toast and fruit; or a handful of nuts and an apple.

2) Get More Sleep.
If you're not getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night it is quite possible you could use more sleep to improve your energy levels and overall health. If you've been struggling with your weight, this is especially true. Lack of sleep can contribute to elevated cortisol levels, which promotes body fat storage. Give your body the 7-8 hours of sleep each night and notice the difference in how you feel.

3) Just Do It.
If you're really ready to achieve optimal health and to live a healthier lifestyle, then dig down deep and commit. As Woody Allen famously said, "80% of success is showing up." This is absolutely true when it comes to your health and fitness. Show up to your workout - even if you're tired. Think twice about the foods you put into your body and opt for healthier options - even if you feel like eating something else. Just do it.

4) Plan Ahead.
Take one day each week to plan your healthy meals for the following week. You don't have to do all the shopping and cooking on that day, simply jot down what you plan to eat. This small act of planning ahead will keep you on track with healthy meals even when the week gets crazy busy.

5) Minimize Your Gluten Intake.
Many people don't realize that they have a certain level of sensitivity to gluten, which causes intestinal inflammation and bloating. Foods that contain gluten include, but are not limited to: most breads, pastas, cereals, and snack foods. Also, most gluten-containing foods are typically high in carbohydrates, which when overly consumed, can contribute to weight gain. When you reduce your intake of gluten-containing foods in your diet, be sure to not fall into the trap of simply replacing those items with other high-carbohydrate items. Choose non-packaged, whole foods instead such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low and non-fat dairy, bean, nuts and seeds.

6) Believe In Yourself.
Do you believe that you have what it takes to live a healthier lifestyle? If you want to succeed in doing so, then it's time to believe in yourself and know that you can make it happen! Give yourself a pep talk and dig down deep for the courage and discipline to apply these healthy changes to your life.

7) Eat Less Dairy.
Dairy products like cheese or cream add extra saturated fat and calories to your meals. For many individuals, dairy can also contribute to gas and bloating. Pass on full-fat cheese, whole milk yogurt, cream and ice cream and you'll greatly minimize unnecessary calories, make weight management easier and you'll experience far less bloating. When you do opt for dairy sources, stick to low or non-fat Greek yogurt, low or non-fat milk, low-fat cottage cheese, and reduced fat cheeses.

8) Sleep and Wake at the Same Time.
This tip sounds so simple, and yet it's a powerful way to increase your daily energy. Get your body on a schedule and watch how much more productive and energetic you become.

9) Include Veggies at Every Meal.
Most people aren't too crazy about vegetables, and probably eat less than they should. Make it a point to include a vegetable with each of your meals – even breakfast. The increase in fiber and other nutrients will give your body that extra boost that you're looking for.

10) Ditch Packaged Food.
Throw out those packaged foods! This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your energy and achieve optimal health. Packaged foods contain chemicals and additives that will slow your results and leave you feeling sluggish.

11) Drink More Water.
Being hydrated is key when it comes to maintaining and improving your health. Dehydrated individuals find themselves reaching for food as a response to their thirst - even if they've just eaten. Drink water throughout your day and limit caffeinated beverages to once daily. Use your urine color as an indication of your hydration. Your urine should be pale yellow or the color of straw. If your urine is clear, you may be drinking too much, where as if it's dark yellow, you'll need to drink more.

12) Forget Artificial Sweeteners.
Sure, these sweeteners don't contain calories, but they are known to increase your appetite and cravings for carbohydrates. In the quest to be healthier and more energetic, put down the diet soda and reach for some water instead. 

So there you have it, 12 tips to living a healthier lifestyle.  Focus on one tip at a time and before you know it, you'll be mastering all them!