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Healthy Alternatives: 5 Changes You Can Make to Lead a Healthier Life

In today’s world it is remarkably easier to get trapped in a sedentary lifestyle. Many jobs keep you sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, and there is an incredibly wide variety of media to capture your attention at home. Many people are pushing back against this by trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Seeking to live healthier while you are young can help you to avoid serious medical problems as you age. If you have relatives with health difficulties, then you understand that it is important to protect your well-being today. Here are a few tips that should help you achieve this goal.

Eat Vegetables and Fruits for Snacks

Rather than snacking on potato chips, ice cream and cookies, eat fresh fruits or vegetables. Snacks that are loaded with sodium and fat can lead to cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and blocked arteries. Alternatively, fruits or vegetables contain vital nutrients, including minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. When you buy fresh produce, wash and prepare it for eating so that you can have a quick snack that is healthier.

Drink Water Instead of Soft Drinks

If you drink soft drinks, then you are consuming a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients. Switch to drinking water instead to remain hydrated without ruining your health. When you drink several soft drinks each day, you may gain weight, and this can lead to having diabetes mellitus. In addition to drinking tap water, you can drink flavored bottled water, or you can buy a water pitcher with an infuser that holds fresh vegetables and fruits.

This is not to say that you need to swear off of soft drinks completely.  If you want to do that then you should, but you can lead a healthy lifestyle without quitting this particular item cold-turkey. As long as you make sure that your go-to drink when you’re at work or at home is water then you are fine to indulge in a soda during a lunch or dinner two or three times a month.

Exercise Rather Than Watching Television

To determine how much television that you are watching each week, keep a diary. You might be surprised at how much time you spend in front of a screen that you could be using to engage in physical activity. When you aren’t getting enough exercise, it can lead to flabby muscles and excess weight. Create a weekly schedule so that you will remember to exercise at least three times a week.

If you can’t handle the thought of missing that new Netflix original, you could also combine your TV time with your exercise. Place a treadmill or stationary bicycle in front of your TV so you can do cardio while you watch and get the best of both worlds. This can be especially helpful if you are someone who struggles to be motivated to exercise. Having something playing in front of you to distract you from what you’re doing can make it much easier to get through a lot of cardio. You may be surprised at how long you ride that stationary bicycle while you’re watching Game of Thrones.

Learn How to Relax Appropriately

By learning how to relax in an appropriate way, you can avoid problems such as alcohol or drug addiction. Using chemicals to reduce your stress can be harmful, although it can be necessary at times and should be done if suggested by a doctor. That being said, there are often healthy ways to eliminate your anxious thoughts.

It’s important to try and find relaxing activities that don’t involve plopping down on the couch. Doing this can make a huge difference on your physical fitness, as well as keep you relaxed and calm. Yoga is a great option for this that many people enjoy, but some find that even simply taking a walk in the park or around their block can help calm them down.

Stop Smoking Cigarettes

If you smoke cigarettes, then you are damaging your lungs and other vital organs. When you are having problems giving up the cigarette habit, switch to vaping instead to help you slow down and even kick the habit all together. With vaping, you are using an atomizer that creates glycerin vapor that may not contain dangerous tobacco and nicotine if desired by the user. By vaping with rigs from The Vape Mall rather than smoking, you can protecting your body from the danger of harmful chemicals.

When you begin a new healthier lifestyle when you are young, you are less likely to develop an assortment of medical issues that can make old age difficult. Start using these healthier alternatives today to feel your best today and in the future.

 

Kara Masterson

Kara is a freelance writer from West Jordan who graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

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