(NC)-Like many Canadians, have you started the New Year off with a goal to lead a healthier lifestyle, only to find the challenges of everyday life put a dent in your plan? Perhaps, your nutritious diet has fallen by the wayside, or that new, but rarely used gym membership is starting to gather dust. Well, the good news is – a healthy lifestyle can be achieved, the key is just to make small, yet realistic changes.
According to the family physician, Dr. Jennifer Malcolm, more and more Canadians are striving to live a healthier lifestyle, but find it difficult when juggling a busy work life or family responsibilities – and in most cases, both. Others fail if goals are too unrealistic.
Reviving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle goal starts with simple changes for the better. Here are several with promised benefits:
1. Double the amount of fruit and veggies on your plate – Introducing healthier and lower-calorie foods to your diet can be done easily by preparing meals around fruit and vegetables – even helps better track recommended portions. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your dinner plate is half vegetables. So start enjoying the seasonal selections at your local grocer, and their nutritional benefits. Finally, some motivation to experiment with new recipes!
2. Add one active pastime – No time for the gym? Try 20 minutes of brisk “everyday life” exercise. Take a daily walk during lunch hour at work – on your own or with colleagues, join a weekly yoga class or add a calorie-burning house chore, such as vacuuming, gardening or window cleaning. Not only will you feel more energized each day, but it can help in achieving a weight loss goal.
3. Eat regular daily meals – One of the simplest things to do for your body’s health is to ensure it gets a minimum of three meals daily – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each gives your body the right amount of time to digest food and the nutrients it needs. Opting for smaller and more frequent meals can also add to your energy level throughout the day.
