5 Simple Things I’m Doing to Get Healthier at 54
Little Steps Matter
Photo by Odiseo Castrejon on Unsplash
We see exercise gurus and fitness people on social media or watch videos. They seem to be in a league that is unattainable, but everyone who wants to get healthier has to start from the beginning.
It’s frustrating at the beginning because you’re looking for real results, which don’t seem to be there, but it takes time to see those results. You have to stay committed and consistent. Remember, this is a lifestyle change.
Here’s five simple things that are changing my life for the better and helping me get in better shape, even at 54.
Drinking Water
Water is important for our health, but most of us don’t get enough of it. My main beverage now is water. Drinking more has improved my digestion and my bowel habits. I feel better, and my skin is clearing up some as it doesn’t feel as dry.
Most of us get our water from coffee, sugary drinks, or alcohol, which isn’t the best way to drink water. Try drinking water with a bit of lemon or lime in it if you’re not a big water drinker, as this makes a huge difference.
The truth is most Americans are dehydrated.
Nearly 75% drink at most 2.5 cups of water, the equivalent of one bottled water, a day.
And while multiple factors shape how much water a person needs to stay hydrated, suffice it to say: 2.5 cups aren’t enough.
No Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is terrible for weight loss. I was a big beer drinker, and by eliminating beer, I’ve seen a reduction in my weight. Here’s why alcohol is so bad for your weight loss efforts:
Alcohol has empty calories with no nutrition
The liver breaks down alcohol before any food you’ve consumed, restricting fat loss
It impacts the organs so they work harder when removing the alcohol
Alcohol consumption makes it easier to pack on weight
You’re more likely to choose poor food options when drinking as alcohol makes you hungrier
It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol as much as possible if you’re aim is to lose weight.
Walking
Exercise doesn’t have to be crazy or hardcore. You’ll gain a lot from simple exercise. In fact, it’s better to start slow and build yourself up to more intense exercises. For example, for the first few weeks of my walking routine, I was tired and run down when I got home. Now, I can walk further and feel better when I finish my walk.
Walking regularly may help you burn extra calories, develop lean muscle, and reduce belly fat. Other health benefits are associated with consistent physical activity, too.
Find an activity that you like and stick with it over the long term to see real results. That consistency is really important.
Dietary Changes
Many diets are restrictive, and they make you miserable. They are hard ot maintain and leave you frustrated when you go off of them. The easiest diet is simply a natural one. It provides all that your body needs.
My diet is whole foods. I’m not doing some crazy system or eliminating entire food groups. I eat foods with minimal processing. Most of my meals are cooked at home, where I can control the ingredients. The only things I’ve mostly eliminated are foods high in salt and sugar.
Positive Mindset
Our mind is a powerful tool when it comes to health and fitness. It’s hard to make progress when you stay in a negative mindset. This is what holds most people back from real progress.
Our negative mind causes us to take the wrong. Only by thinking in a positive way can we make the changes necessary to see results.
The best way to conquer your negative mind is to make small positive changes towards your goal and to reinforce your thoughts with positive words and not negative ones.
It’s possible to make real change in your life towards better health and fitness. All it takes is a few small changes at first, which grow over time as you get healthier. Start today.
I’m glad I did.
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Thanks for sharing this! ❤️