Walk daily
This one is probably the easiest and yet the most beneficial. Walking is just so good for you. There are physical and mental benefits. Try different routes outside or invest in a treadmill. A treadmill takes away the excuse of poor weather! Just do it!
Park In Back Of Lot
This one is mentioned often but really is true. It has the added benefit of lessening the possibility of your car getting those nasty shopping cart dings.
Eat A Little Less
I’ve been trying to practice this one myself lately. It is not a full fledged diet, but those few less calories can add up over time. I’ve found that once you get in the habit it gets easier. I read somewhere that it takes a while for your brain to catch up with what is going on in your stomach. This means that when you stop eating a little before you feel full you will probably feel full anyway in just a few minutes!
More Fruit, Less Sugar Desserts
You have always been given this advice, and the advice is good. Experiment and find what works for you. My favorites have become organic blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and Fuji apples (they are very sweet!) Give it a try.
Read On Treadmill
This one has become a habit for me. Some people like music or watching tv, but I’ve found the time flies when I read. Sometimes I even end up doing extra time when I’m trying to finish a chapter or reading an especially exciting passage.
Eat Less Carbs
This is another area that can be a big help even if you’re not on a real diet. It is generally understood that eating too many white carbs is not good for you. Unfortunately, today’s foods are often full of exactly that. Besides cutting back on whote carbs there are some carbs that are better for you. For example brown rice is better than white rice. Do some research. There is lots of good information out there if we bother to pay attention to it.
More Salad
This is another of the more obvious ones but we all know those greens are great for you. There is so much variety available and it’s easy with prepackaged lettuces and spinach. Go for it but pay attention to that dressing! (see below)
Find Low Calorie Salad Dressing
The dressing can make a salad into the equivalent of a not so healthy dessert. Just look at the calories and fat on the label. And that is usually for only one or two tablespoons, and who uses that little amount? I’ve fought this one myself forever; I love my Blue Cheese dressing! And I’ve found that low calorie versions just don’t taste that great. What I have found is good is simply to drizzle on a little olive oil and apple cider vinegar. It doesn’t take much. But I still allow myself Blue Cheese once in a while!
Go To Bed Fairly Early
Some people are night owls, and if that works for you, great. However most of us need our seven or eight hours. Start skimping and all kinds of problems can develop. Also most people are most productive early in the morning, so a reasonable bedtime is very beneficial.
Learn Breathing Exercises
This was a new one for me. I only learned the benefits recently. Give it a try to help with all kinds of things, from lowering blood pressure a little, to reducing the possibility of a panic attack.
What ideas do you have?
