Most people are interested in leading healthy lives.  Many of these people don’t have a clue as to how to achieve this.  Here are 5 quick tips to help you get healthy!

Read Labels/Reduce Serving Sizes

This first step is the ultimate eye opener.   A serving is much smaller than you expect it to be and calories add up quickly.  You will automatically change how you eat when you start reading labels.

Avoid Drinking your Calories

Smoothies were marketed as a way to drink a meal on the go.  In theory, great idea but it backfires.  First of all, smoothies can contain upwards of 500 to 600 calories, and are filled with simple sugar.  Even more importantly, study after study has shown that when you drink 500 calories, your body doesn’t register that you have ingested 500 calories in terms of satiety or satisfaction.  Drink a smoothie now, you’ll be hungry in a hour.

Switch Your Snacking

Replace chips, pretzels or other snack type foods with items that have a mix of protein, fat and carbs.  A 200 calorie snack that will tide you over can be carrots and hummus, 1 tablespoon peanut butter on a whole grain, low carb tortilla and a half banana.   Think mini meals instead of an empty snack.

Increase or Add Exercise Minutes
If you currently walk 3 times a week for 30 minutes, either add 10 minutes to your walk or add another day of exercise.  Ideally you should be exercising 5 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.  If you want to lose weight, you need to increase your time to 45-60 minutes.

Reduce Stress

Stress is a killer.  Literally.  Find activities that will help you deal with everyday stressors.  Meditation.  Yoga.  Writing in  a journal or blog.  Dishing with friends.  Whatever you choose, do it often!

Good luck on your journey to a healthier you.  Please email me any other tips that you have for creating a healthier YOU!

Now go run!

Keli 🙂