Stay Healthy Through Improved Diet and Exercise
One of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick – and not just from cold and flu, but anything else out there that is contagious – is keep your body as strong and healthy as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to eat a healthy diet and get some sort of daily exercise.
Here is what that may look like.
Tips for Eating Healthy
Improving your diet to eat healthier can seem like a challenge. There is a lot you can do. The key is to start and make small improvements as you go along. A great place to start is by cutting out sugar and processed foods. Replace them with whole food options where you can. Have an apple instead of a candy bar when you need a snack. Fix some scrambled eggs instead of pouring a bowl of sugary cereal in the morning. Skip the fast-food burger and fix a salad to take to lunch. You get the idea.
From there, I would encourage you to add more fresh fruits and vegetables. Try something new. A new piece of produce, a new healthy recipe, a new way to cook your favorite foods in a healthier way. Experiment and do not be surprised if your tastes change over time. A baked sweet potato will start to taste better while soggy burgers will start to lose their appeal.
Simple Ways to Sneak More Exercise into Your Day
The key to regular exercise is to create a few habits. An easy way to start is to incorporate a brisk daily walk. Something as simple as a stroll after dinner or first thing in the morning can contribute to a healthy body. Another option many find helpful is to wear a pedometer or fitness tracker. Monitor your daily step count for a few days and then start to increase it until you get to the recommended 10,000 steps – or challenge yourself to do even more.
Keep your bones strong and improve your overall fitness by adding some simple weightlifting routines. You do not need any fancy equipment. Use your body weight for resistance and grab some cans to use as weights. Of course, if you are feeling motivated, you may also choose to join a gym or hire a personal trainer to help you get into a good workout routine.
Between the healthy food you are eating and the exercise you are getting, you will start to feel better, get stronger, and become healthier. As a result, your immune system will be in a better position to protect you from whatever cold and flu season sends your way.
Tips for a Healthy Holiday
President's Day, also known as Washington's Birthday, is on the third Monday of February each year.
Many will celebrate the holiday with an "indoor picnic." If this sounds fun, choose healthy foods to add to the party.
Start with light and crunchy appetizers such as asparagus tips, broccoli bites, sliced carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Serve these with a nutritious dip such as hummus, salsa, or low-fat yogurt with herbs and spices.
Add a colorful arrangement of luscious summer fruits like cherries, berries, watermelon, kiwi, or mandarin oranges. These will satisfy hungry appetites and hydration while offering delicious flavors and textures.
Options like wraps with hummus, avocado, and veggies are a great refreshing choice. Combining foods rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates will provide lasting energy to power you through the day. Try your favorite fruit or vegetable with some almond butter.
