Being healthy doesn’t need to be extreme. In fact, it’s impossible for me to jump on the bandwagon to any of those extreme health plans.
I am not good at being a work out junkie.
I am not good about maintaining a strict diet.
I am not good at revolving my life around workouts/healthy food/etc.
But don’t get me wrong, I do like to be healthy. I DO know I am able to do a few things to keep me healthy, while still feeling like I am living a well-rounded life.
Here are a few simple things I adapt in my life that keep me healthier, without going overboard.
5 simple ways to lead a healthier lifestyle
1. Incorporate Veggies
I have been eating a lot healthier since I have had some GI issues. I have cut out a lot of carbohydrates and sugar in my diet, and substituted with healthy foods like vegetables. It isn’t always easy eating vegetables in place of carbs, that is why I try to make meals that feel like I am eating like I once did. For instance, mashed cauliflower replaces mashed potatoes or spaghetti squash replaces pasta noodles. There are so many ways to incorporate vegetables and not feel like you are depriving yourself.
2. Soak Up Sun
When my doctor told me I was lacking in vitamin D, I couldn’t believe it. After all, I lived in Colorado. We get more sun than any other state. How can that be? Doesn’t that automatically mean I get a ton of vitamin D? Well, not exactly. Even though it is sunny all the time, I actually needed to spend time in the sun. The direct sun. My doctor said it doesn’t count if it is in a car, through a window or even with sun glasses on! You get vitamin D through your eyes, and they cannot be blocked by something like glass or uv tint to really benefit from it.
3. More Meditation
For me yoga is an incredible outlet for both relaxation and muscle strengthening. Usually after just a short yoga session I feel stronger, more relaxed and able to take on life challenges. Yoga is a refreshing activity that keeps me active, but also slows down my overactive mind.
4. Power of Protein
I’ve been making sure my diet contains more real foods, including vegetables and proteins. One way I can ensure I am getting wholesome greens and nutritionally-complete protein is by making a daily smoothie. (Learn more about Silk Soymilk and the Power of Protein)
My smoothie recipe is easy!
Step 1: Combine 1 frozen banana, 1 medium fresh mango, 1 cup of Silk Vanilla Protein Soy Milk, 1 loose cup of kale or spinach and 1 cup of ice.
Step 2: Blend all ingredients until smooth
5. Focus on What Matters
It is funny how I always think I am doing this, but then all of the sudden I get wrapped up and overwhelmed by a whole lot of things that don’t matter at all. When I step back and look at my life like I am from the outside, I realize too often I am concerned with the wrong things. I constantly remind myself to really give my energy to the important things in life, and not stress so much about the rest.
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Overall, these 5 steps are simple ways to lead you to a healthier lifestyle. Eating more vegetables, slowing my mind and meditation, getting some vitamin D, packing in the protein and focusing my thoughts on what truly matters. These are the steps I take to stay healthy each day.
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This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
How about you? What are some simple ways you stay healthy?