Want to get healthy this year? You are not alone. As every new year begins, people around the globe have a renewed a determination to not only get healthy but also to stay healthy. And every year, the majority of enthusiasm those folks feel toward that goal is gone by President’s Day.
Why? Because old habits are hard to break, and they don’t have a plan for success. This year, instead of trying to take one massive leap, try to get healthy in smaller steps so you’ll stay healthy for the long haul.
Here is your new plan, ladies and gentlemen. Choose which of these 50 get healthy tips seem like the one(s) that you can most easily adapt into your current routine, and go from there. You do not have to go in the order listed here. Once you have made those items a regular part of your routine, choose one more to add, and so on. Soon you’ll incorporate all of these these ways to get healthy into your life with more consistency, and create new habits, than if you try to do them all at once.
50 Ways to Get Healthy this Year
Let’s do this, folks! Here are those 50 get healthy tips I mentioned to bring you into a new year and a new you:
1. Cut down on sugary drinks.
You already know this should be at the top of your priority list. Cutting sugar from your diet can improve your health, so it’s the perfect and easiest place to begin. Stop drinking sugar (including high fructose corn syrup) and you will immediately be doing your body a favor. It help with your weight, your skin, and your blood sugar levels. Not only that, cancer feeds off of sugars in the body, and just one can of Coke has 12 teaspoons of it. Why would you continue to give cancer fuel to grow?
2. Eliminate anything that says “diet” or “sugar free”.
While you’re at it, get rid of those “diet” and “sugar free” drinks and foods too. The real stuff is bad for you, but the fake stuff is even worse. It messes with your hormones and can seriously affect your brain function.
3. Drink more water instead.
Hydration is key to a properly functioning body, so make sure you are drinking plenty of clean water. Water cleanses the body, prevents constipation and keeps our muscles hydrated. Unfortunately, it is being noticed around the country that more and more regions are void of clean drinking water, with toxins, chemicals, antibiotics and more leaking into the water systems.
Rather than purchasing plastic bottles that are terrible for the environment, consider a filtration system like the water pitcher filter from Aquagear, or a whole house filter like the one from Aquasana. (By the way, every purchase of a water pitcher from Aquagear provides 6 months of clean drinking water to someone in need.)
4. Eat more green leafy vegetables.
You already know that vegetables are important. They contain the nutrients, phytonutrients, vitamins and antioxidants needed to fuel a healthy body. Make an effort to add more kale and spinach to your meals, along with other veggies such as beets. By the way, if you don’t like cooked spinach or kale, add it into a smoothie. You won’t even taste it in there!
5. Ditch the canola oil.
Stop buying canola oil. What starts out as a seed goes through the process of refining, bleaching, degumming, and deodorizing all before it ends up on your table. While you’re at it, I’d suggest not buying corn, soy, cottonseed either. Because, they are high in polyunsaturated fats and almost all of them are genetically modified. Yuck.
6. Try extra virgin olive oil instead.
You’ll get healthy by replacing them instead with extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or even macadamia nut oil. All of these are high in monounsaturated fats. (In our house we use coconut oil too.) And go for cold or expeller pressed, and organic whenever you can!
7. Stop buying margarine.
Trans fats are bad fats, and margarine is the king of trans fats. Trans fats are made through a chemical process of hydrogenating oils, which seriously inhibit the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol.
8. Use real butter.
Yes, you can use the real deal. Real, whole, untampered-with organic butter is a much better option than margarine. Don’t over do it, but feel free to use whole organic butter instead of margarine or the “bad oils” we just talked about.
9. Shop organic.
Go organic whenever you can. Conventional crops are grown using herbicides such as glyphosate, which are thought by many to be toxic to the body. Organic poultry, meats, and dairy come from animals fed organically.
Though some people hesitate or refrain from buying organic products altogether, shopping organic on a budget really is possible. There are excellent websites, CSA‘s and several more ways to save on organic items.
10. Eat more salmon. Or sardines.
One of the healthiest foods you can eat is cold water fish, such as salmon and sardines. Preferably, fish that comes from cleaner waters, such as the coast of Alaska. Salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s build healthy brain cells, help lower heart disease, can increase concentration and improve mood, boost your vision, and even ward off certain types of cancer.
11. If you don’t eat salmon, take an Omega-3 supplement.
Like I said, Omega-3’s are an incredibly important part of the human diet and vital to optimal health. So if salmon and sardines aren’t your thing, start taking an Omega-3 supplement.
12. Take a daily probiotic.
I often wax poetic about the importance of a daily probiotic, urging all my family, friends and readers to take one. You can take it in a pill form, a powder, or even a chewable for kids.
13. Read The Truth About Cancer.
One of the best things I’ve watched this year is the documentary called The Truth About Cancer. Though I consider myself to be fairly well versed in health and wellness, the knowledge around this series is absolutely unparalleled. If you aren’t going to watch the documentary, then I highly recommend that you read the book.
14. Take more steps.
Our bodies were designed to move, not to be sedentary. Yet between the hours we spend behind a screen or in a car, we sit too darn much. Being healthy means making a concerted effort to get up from your desk, to walk to work, to walk around the neighborhood, to run, to ride, to jump, to play, or even to skate. So take classes from your living room, hit the gym at whatever hours you can, or grab your sneakers and from your living room. Find what works for you – and do it.
15. Find yourself a workout buddy.
Accountability really does help you stay healthy. Not only does it keep you motivated, but it makes getting healthier and exercising even more fun. Find that person or way that you can be held accountable, and you will reap the health benefits.
16. Get enough sleep.
A lack of consistent sleep can do more damage to the body than most of us realize. Proper sleep is vital to a properly functioning body, and a lack of sleep can be way more harmful than just making us cranky. It increases stress levels, lower our immune systems, and can lead to illness or disease.
17. Get a houseplant.
Get a houseplant and let the air quality in your home improve naturally. A house plant can remove volatile compounds in your home and can even reduce formaldehyde levels. Some studies even show that having a houseplant can reduce your stress levels.
18. Check your balance.
Of course, that means your physical balance, because meany of us tend to lose that as we age. Yet I’m also talking about your pH balance, because achieving pH Balance and having an Alkaline Body can have an enormous impact on your overall health.
19. Know your weight.
I hate the scale, because it seems that no matter what it says I am disappointed. A few years ago I stopped getting on the scale regularly, and it has made a huge difference for my psyche. For the most part, my clothes can tell me what I need to know. Yet that number can be an indicator of how we are treating ourselves, so now I use the scale only every once in a while when I need to check in on myself.
20. Ignore your weight, if you are doing what it takes to be healthy.
The rest of the time I do my best to ignore the scale. We were all given different bodies and are made in different shapes. If I’m doing what needs to be done to stay healthy, then I simply can’t stress over what the scale says. And neither should you.
21. Take a hike.
Exercising outdoors has been shown to decrease tension, confusion, anger and depression more so than exercising indoors. Enjoy the fresh air. Go take a hike.
22. Know your family’s medical history.
Does your father have high blood pressure? Did your grandmother have osteoporosis? There is so much about our heritage that can affect our health. For those of us with access to our blood family’s history, learn it, know it, and preferably – write it down somewhere. Be able to share it with your doctors, your children, and your children’s children.
If you don’t know your family history, perhaps consider investing in a service such as 23andMe or Ancestry.com. You never know what you may find out.
23. Make the switch to chemical-free personal care products.
This is a big one, but it can be done over time. All of those ingredients in your cabinets that you can’t pronounce or don’t easily recognize? They are messing with your hormones. Studies have shown that when teen girls stopped using conventional personal care products, their endocrine systems normalized. Each time you head to the store, try to replace one conventional product, such as makeup, cleaning supplies, sunscreen or bug spray with an option made from pure, natural, chemical-free alternative.
24. Get enough magnesium, selenium, calcium and zinc.
Calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium are four essential minerals that everyone needs but hardly any of use get enough of in our diets. More and more studies are showing that a lack of these essential minerals can lead to disease. It may be why so the marketing of sports drinks has grown, but in truth those drinks can wind up doing way more harm than good. Instead, eat a balanced diet with a varied food intake, and supplement by natural means rather than sports drinks.
25. Spice up your food.
Black pepper, garlic, ginger, oregano and other spices are not just there to unhand the flavor of your meals. Spices can be the keys to warding off disease. Many natural health enthusiasts wholeheartedly believe that the key to preventing disease is adding more spice to our meals.
(Note that I said spices such as the ones mentioned above. This does not mean you can load up on salt!)
26. Use more turmeric.
When you are eyeing up the spice rack, don’t pass over the turmeric. The hype about turmeric isn’t just a fad. Turmeric has health benefits that are absolutely unparalleled.
27. Treat your lawn without chemicals.
If you are getting rid of chemicals in your food, water and personal care products, make the switch to natural lawn care products too. When you spray toxic weed killers on your lawn it inevitably ends up in your house, either through open windows and doors, on your pet, or on your clothes and shoes. Wouldn’t you rather have a weed or two than spray carcinogens around your home?
28. Cook safely.
Know the best temperatures to cook food at, especially if you use the grill often. Uncooked or overcooked foods can cause a variety of unpleasant health issues. Get healthy grilling tips and proper food safety information so you don’t wind up with food poisoning, parasites, undercooked meals, or worse.
29. Plank.
Planking is hard because it stimulates muscles throughout the entire body. That’s also what makes them so darn effective. What’s also great about planking is that it can be done at pretty much any time or place. So if you sit at a desk for most of your work day, take a few moments to get up and plank.
30. Meditate.
Research has shown that practicing meditation can improve your life in multiple ways. Stress takes a serious toll on our bodies, and meditation can be key to overcoming that internal havoc. So get ready to say OM, because we all need a little more zen.
31. Go to the Mediterranean.
Did you know that a Mediterranean diet can help you live longer and stay healthier? Multiple studies have shown that the folks in Greece may just have the healthiest diets on the planet. So get yourself some Mediterranean cookbooks or access to recipes and enjoy!
32. Try aromatherapy.
You may already think that “those essential oil people” are a little over the top. Well, the truth is that we can certainly seem that way. I’m an essential oil user, so I completely understand why some people are so fanatical about them. It truly amazes me how these natural products can support mental and physical wellbeing in a way that has allowed us to eliminate chemicals, ditch the toxins, sleep better, feel less stressed, and more.
The science behind aromatherapy is genuinely fascinating, and I’d much prefer to support my family’s wellness through natural means than synthetic alternatives.
33. Clean your liver.
That means it may be time for a detox cleanse, folks. Eliminate toxins and get your liver ready for the newer, healthier you. A detox juice cleanse is fairly easy to prepare yourself, or you can order one online and have it all sent to your doorstep.
34. Shock your body.
Yes, working out is important. But the does not mean you have to take two hours out of your day five days a week or more to get healthy. If you’ve only got 15 minutes, then simply make those 15 minutes count!
35. Plan ahead.
When you want to create new habits, and ultimately a healthier lifestyle, it’s vital to plan ahead. For example, keep healthy, shelf-stable items to in your pantry. You won’t cheat when there is always something available to eat. Also, know what’s on your schedule so you can plan ahead and start your day off strong. If you are going out to eat, check out the menu beforehand.
36. Eat less red meat.
Consuming a plant-based diet results in a more sustainable environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while improving health and longevity. The health benefits of a vegetarian diet includes lower mortality (by up to 20%), lower risk of heart disease, weight loss, and more. Not sure where to begin? Here are some of the best selling vegetarian cookbooks from Amazon. There are so many to choose from!
37. Start a backyard garden.
One way to eat organic on a budget is to start a garden in your own backyard. With growing consumer awareness about the dangers of garden chemicals, you can turn to The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control as a reliable and comprehensive guide on the garden shelf. If you’re not sure where to even begin, check out Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening, in which garden-building skills and technique, from garden planning and planting to growing and harvesting, are provided in simple language to ensure success.
38. Bake.
You may think that healthier eating means never eating anything that tastes good ever again. Not true. However, you can enjoy holidays, company, and other events in a healthier version by baking treats yourself. You can use real butter when you bake, for example, instead of pre-made baked goods that are usually loaded with margarine. Books such as Sweets in the Raw: Naturally Healthy Desserts contains 46 recipes designed to satisfy the most intense sweet tooth, minus the refined sugar, dairy, and grains.
39. Take cold showers.
You may think that a hot shower is just what the doctor ordered, yet the temperature of your shower can affect your immune system. So even if you’re not a polar bear, there are several reasons why you should take cold showers to stay healthy.
40. Drink green tea.
Green tea is an antioxidant powerhouse. It can benefit every part of your body from the inside out. Get it organically and drink with abandon!
41. Go to the dentist.
Your dentist can tell you more about your health than you can determine on your own. It’s not just whether you have a cavity. They can see potential disease and spot issues of concern before we would notice any symptoms.
42. Visit the eye doctor too.
When he or she looks at you from behind that big grey submarine-looking contraption, your eye doctor can see well beyond your pupils. Make those eye care appointments and stick to them, and not just to see if your prescription has changed. It’s worth your while.
43. Don’t skip breakfast.
It really is the most important meal of the day, you know! Eating a balanced breakfast will help you to maintain focus and make healthy decisions throughout the rest of the day. So start your day off right by eating a balance breakfast!
44. Eat more nuts.
People skip nuts because they are afraid of the fat content. Remember, nuts, when eaten in moderation, contain healthy fats. Nuts also contain protein and are loaded with minerals such as zinc and selenium. Walnuts and Pistachios both have significant amounts of vitamin E, which helps improve the absorption of carotenoids and combat inflammation.
45. Walk barefoot.
Walking outside on the clean ground or sand barefoot is known as grounding. The concept of grounding is believed to have exceptional health benefits. Proponents of grounding (or earthing) say that it can reduce inflammation, provide your body with a natural source of antioxidants, reduce muscle tension and help you relax.
46. Eat whole grains.
Your grandmother always told you to eat more fiber. Well, Grandma was right. Whole grains are loaded with fiber, and they also have protein, B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Whole grains may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even some forms of cancer.
47. Boil, poach, or fry.
I’m talking about eggs, silly! Eggs contain vitamin D, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids. One study found that eating an egg a day can substantially increased lutein levels, which can do wonders for your eyes.
48. Laugh more.
You know what they say. Laughter really is the best medicine. It will increase your endorphins and lower your cortisol levels. Get your silliest friends together, watch a funny movie, head out to a comedy club, or do something to make yourself crack up with delight.
49. Don’t ignore your symptoms.
We have a tendency to pretend that we are fine, when in fact our bodies are always sending us signals. Listen to your body. One way to stay healthy is by taking notice when there are changes to your skin, your hair, your nails, your weight, or maybe even your teeth. Is your body trying to tell you something?
50. Stick with it.
Perhaps the most important way to get healthy is to not give up if you had a bad day, or even week. We all do. We are only human, after all. Give yourself a break, but do not give up. Instead, think about how many of the ways to get healthy you have already begun, pat yourself on the back, and then take few more steps forward. You got this!
Cheers to getting healthier, everybody!Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post.
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Disclosure: There may be affiliate links in this post.
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