“Put in simplest terms, we need to eat well, sleep well, and move our bodies,” says Julia Nordgren, MD, of Palo Alto, CA. She’s the author of The New Family Table: Cooking More, Eating Together & Staying (Relatively) Sane.
Focus on small changes first, and you’ll build a foundation for a healthier you. Here are some to try.
Make a Few Food Switches
When you’re improving your diet, you don’t need to limit yourself to a strict list of foods. In fact, diets that cut out entire food groups don’t often stick in the long run. High-calorie treats are OK every once in a while, but the bulk of your menu should consist of:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy
- Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts
Start with simple snack-time switches, Nordgren says. When you’ve got the munchies:
- Reach for crunchy carrots with hummus instead of chips and dip.
- Trade your afternoon candy bar for apple slices and peanut butter.
- Replace that midday soda with a fresh-fruit smoothie — or better yet, water.
At meals, fill more of your plate with fruits and veggies, Nordgren says. Go for at least half a plate’s worth, and eat the rainbow. More colors in your meal mean more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for you.
Find Exercise You Enjoy
It’s the secret to making exercise a habit — and that’s good for your whole body.
“Exercise is the one thing that truly impacts every body system,” says Nordgren. “It’s even good for your sex life!”
Her advice: Reframe how you think about it.
Read the full story on WebMD.com
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