Do you have a huge checklist of things you need to remember to keep you on track with your diet each week? I bet you have a whole lot of other important things on your list as well. It’s a busy world we live in; anything that will make life easier for you is welcome. So that’s why I’m laying out a checklist of 5 simple things you should be doing… but they tend to get lost in the everyday shuffle.
1. Eat breakfast. First things first! You’ve got to start your day on the right foot. Skipping breakfast will slow your metabolism right from the get-go. Talk about waking up on the wrong side of the bed! Not only that, but going without that first meal of the day will leave you famished and ready to devour just about anything come midday. “Ravenous” is not the best way to approach lunch. So be sure to put something in your tummy first thing in the morning!
2. Drink water! It upsets me to think about how many of us completely “forget” to drink enough water everyday. This can lead some people to reach for food, thinking they’re hungry when in fact they’re really just thirsty! Your body depends a LOT on proper hydration for nearly every function it performs. Carrying a water bottle with you and staying well hydrated throughout the day are prudent goals for your health and waistline.
3. Get steppin’! It’s easier to fall into a sedentary lifestyle than you would think. It’s recommended that we put in around 10,000 steps everyday, but if you work at a desk you may be walking FAR less than this without even realizing it. Adding a pedometer to your stash of healthy lifestyle tools is a great way to get a grasp of your daily activity level. So start stepping and get moving!
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4. Don’t worry, be happy. Singer Bobby McFerrin was much more than a one-hit wonder. He’s also a phenomenal philosopher! Try to de-stress your life when applicable. No, no one expects you to remove all stress from your life. But maintaining a positive mindset will increase your chances of making good, healthy decisions and will save you from the negative choices you may make when you’re feeling stressed or blue. Find your happy place and remind yourself to revisit it throughout the day.
5. Get enough sleep. Sleep is almost as important as water to the body. When you’re overtired, your body and metabolism are NOT working efficiently. Don’t skimp yourself on the hours of sleep you’re getting each night. Plan your day and evening accordingly to allow yourself a minimum of 7 hours of sleep a night. Waking up refreshed is the best way to keep this cycle going. Now… don’t forget to eat your breakfast!
With everything that you’re doing each day it can be all too easy to forget the simple stuff. But it can be the simplest of things that will throw off your diet and keep you from losing weight and getting your healthiest. Keep this simple checklist in mind and you’ll be earning your diet a check-plus!
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