LET'S START WITH THE BASICS
At least once a year most people vow to get healthier. By mid-January, some of those well-intentioned New Year's resolutions are already fading.
When it comes to stepping up to a healthier lifestyle, it's really about a transformation of your life and not so much a list of what foods you are going to avoid.
In my Healthy Lifestyle Tips on a Budget series, I will cover some of the healthy lifestyle transformations I made after my challenge with breast cancer.
Hopefully your motivation for change is less dramatic than cancer. But whatever your reason, there are some basics that you should strive to establish as your foundation - then you can build upon these.
1. No drug use. I hope this would go without saying, but you never know.
2. No smoking.
3. Drink alcohol in moderation.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other vitals under control.
6. Move your body. You can't be a couch potato and expect to lead a truly healthy lifestyle.
7. Get your weight under control - in a healthy way. Diet pills won't help you for the long haul.
8. Control your sugar intake. Sure, all of us like an ooey-gooey treat every once in a while. But if your daily habit includes staples such as soft drinks, M&M's and chocolate chip cookies, cutting back on sugar should be one of your primary objectives.
9. Get sleep. It's one of the basics of a healthy lifestyle that's generally overlooked. It sounds appealing to have all those extra hours to get more things done, but adequate sleep is essential for proper bodily functions.
10. Fast foods should be an exception, not a ritual.
11. Go whole grain. White (processed) grains have a detrimental effect on our bodily functions. Reserve white potatoes for a special meal, like a birthday or a holiday. Convert to whole grain breads, wheat pasta and brown rice.
Please don't brush off these recommendations. This basic foundation is essential if your goal is truly a healthier you - and I hope it is.
I know from personal experience, these are not easy undertakings and you might find additional resistance from your household members. Don't give up - your improved health is definitely worth the challenge!
Join me for the remainder of the series where we will explore various ways to a healthier lifestyle, with a tight budget in mind. Next is LIFESTYLE TIPS.
Shirley Alarie
Author: Losing the Girls - My Journey Through Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Beyond
Check out my website for more healthy living tips and my favorite simple, and decadent, and healthy dessert!
Or learn more about nipple-sparing mastectomy and my journey that led me to my healthy lifestyle transformation. Hope to see you there!
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