Want to stay fit and healthy, but you’re short on time? Struggling to eat clean and stick to your workouts? Or perhaps you want to boost your immune system?
No matter how much you have on your plate, health should be a priority. Just think about it: if you get sick, you won’t be able to take of yourself and your loved ones.
Obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases are on the rise. The modern diet plays a role in the onset of these illnesses. Even though food is widely available, we’re sick and malnourished.
A sedentary lifestyle only makes things worse. About 80 percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise. This puts them at risk for cardiovascular problems, weight gain, depression, and other ailments.
Believe it or not, you can keep fit and live a long, happy life without spending hours in the gym or eating clean 24/7. For inspiration, check out these healthy life hacks:
Swap Sugar for Stevia
Sugar is your worst enemy. It contributes to the onset of metabolic syndrome, Type II diabetes, kidney disease, and more. Health experts have called it the white poison for a reason.
Once you ditch the sugar, you’ll have lasting energy and lose those pesky pounds. Your waist will get smaller and your skin will look younger. This simple step can add years to your life and slow down aging.
All you need to do is to swap sugar for stevia, vanilla essence, cinnamon, or pureed fruits.
Stevia, the only natural sweetener, goes well in most desserts and has no calories. Use in your favorite cookies, smoothies, cake, and pies.
Drink Fruit-Infused Water Instead of Soda
Drinking one serving of soda every day increases obesity risk by a whopping 60 percent.
Soft drinks are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Some boast over 15 teaspoons of sugar per serving.
Diet soda isn’t better either. Most brands contain artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup, which are just as bad as sugar.
Replace these beverages with fruit-infused water. This healthful concoction is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and has just a few calories per serving. Simply add a few slices of lemon, orange, or other fruits to a water jar.
For extra flavor, use cinnamon or fresh mint leaves. If you have a sweet tooth, add a teaspoon of raw honey to the mix. Try citrus blueberry water, cherry lemonade, mango pineapple water, and other delicious, healthy recipes.
Upgrade Your Morning Coffee
Ever heard about the popular Bulletproof Coffee? You can make your own version just by adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or ghee to your cup of joe.
This high-performance drink provides lasting energy and kick starts your metabolism for the day ahead. It’s a simple, convenient way to fuel your workouts and enjoy better health.
Plus, the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil promote fat loss and increase physical endurance.
These healthy fats serve as an alternative energy source, causing your body to use stored fat for fuel. Moreover, they suppress appetite and keep you full longer.
Split Your Workouts into Mini Sessions
When you’re juggling two jobs or raising kids, it’s hard to squeeze fitness into your schedule. However, this doesn’t mean you should quit exercise altogether. Remember that a little exercise is better than none.
Plan your workouts for the day, and then split them into short sessions. It’s one of those healthy life hacks that will keep you on track and free up your time.
For instance, if your training routine is one hour long, split it into four mini workouts. Keep it short and intense. This approach cuts out wasted rest periods and boosts your metabolism, so you’ll burn calories around the clock.
If you can’t make it to the gym, exercise at home. Push-ups, burpees, plank jacks, and mountain climbers provide a full body workout in less time.
Eat Protein for Breakfast
Forget about cereals and start the day with protein! This nutrient keeps hunger at bay and prevents insulin spikes. It also helps build and preserve muscle, which in turn, boosts your metabolism.
Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, and lean meat are all an excellent choice for breakfast.
Too busy to cook in the morning? Or perhaps you’re not hungry? Sip on protein shakes!
These beverages make it easier to get lean and keep your cholesterol levels low. In a study conducted on 70 overweight and obese people, those who consumed whey protein experienced a decrease in cholesterol and insulin levels within 12 weeks.
Blend Your Veggies
Do you eat your five-a-day? If not, you’re at risk for nutrient deficiencies. Fruits and vegetables not only keep you lean but also provide your body with the nutrients needed to function at its peak.
To save time, blend your favorite veggies and fresh fruits. Drink smoothies in the morning, between meals, or whenever hunger strikes. This way, you’ll get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Meditate for 10 Minutes a Day
Feeling stressed and anxious? Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and meditate for 10 minutes. That’s all it takes to ward off stress and boost your brainpower!
Meditation for just 10 minutes a day helps improve mental focus and learning abilities. It also relieves anxiety and restores emotional balance. Moreover, it lowers the stress hormone cortisol levels.
Elevated cortisol levels lead a weak immune function, bone loss, insulin resistance, diabetes, and high blood sugar. Thus, meditation is one of those healthy life hacks you simply can’t live without!
Get Fitter, Leaner, and Happier with These Healthy Life Hacks
When it comes to your health, making lasting lifestyle changes is crucial. Luckily, there’s no need to change everything overnight. If you do it, you’ll have a hard time implementing and maintaining these new habits.
In the end, it all comes down to the small things you do every day. These minor changes add up to a meaningful difference.
Start today! Your future self will thank you!
Whenever you’re in need of healthy life hacks, check out our latest posts! From fitness tips to clean eating tricks, we got you covered!