Healthy Habits for a Hectic Life
Author: Mary Guarino, Ph.D.

There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything you need to do. And it can feel like an added stressor when you try to integrate healthy habits into your already hectic schedule. But if you make time for nutrition and fitness, you'll find yourself with extra reserves of energy that will lower your stress and help you get through life's challenges.

Here are a few things you can start doing right now to make healthy habits a relatively painless part of your routine:

*Drink water throughout the day.
You don't hear this nearly enough, water is an all-purpose wonder-substance. It's great for your skin, your digestive system, circulatory system and it aids in weight loss and cellulite reduction. If you feel fatigued during the day, it's often because you aren't hydrated properly. Drink water throughout the day, sipping from a large bottle or glass. If you have it nearby, it's easy to remember. If you don't like the taste of water, keep a supply of lemon so that you can add a slice to your water: it cuts any bitterness, adds a bit of vitamin C and makes it taste more festive!

*Cut back on the amount of soda and coffee you drink.
Sugar and caffeine act to dehydrate you and contribute to cellulite production. They also create energy rushes followed by crashes, which are ultimately energy-depleting.

*Replace high-sugar foods with low-sugar versions.
Cutting back on the amount of refined sugar you consume helps reduce calories and weight gain and also helps you avoid the energy slumps that come from sugar withdrawal. Items high in refined sugar include most soft drinks, sodas, cereals, baked goods, and of course candy and ice cream. If you need something sweet, opt for something naturally sweet (avoid artificial sweeteners).

*Stock up on healthy, portable snacks.
When you are grocery shopping, pick up bags of baby carrots, string cheese, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, single serving packs of apple sauce, yogurt, wholegrain crackers, peanut butter, turkey jerky, etc. Having healthy portable snacks around will help you avoid bad vending-machine, convenience store and fast-food options.

*Take the time to plan healthy meals for the week.
Spend 15 minutes or so to map out your meals. Keep it simple. Then, when you shop for groceries, make your purchases with a general idea of the meals you will make during the week. This will help you avoid relying on less healthy take-out or fast food choices.

*Purchase frozen, ready-to-cook ingredients.
Frozen fruits and vegetables have high vitamin and mineral content because they don't sit around losing these nutrients for long before they are preserved. Although you'll want to keep plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables around, it's great to have frozen produce available for quick meals and smaller servings. Also, some grocery stores offer frozen boneless chicken breast and a wide variety of seafood items in re-sealable packages. These are great for quick healthy meals.

*Cook double batches of whatever you're cooking.
When you prepare dinner, especially on weekends, cook extra and freeze to use for another dinner or lunch.

*Give yourself some slack.
If you are stressed out about preparing healthy meals every day, use what some experts call the "80/20" rule in your eating. If 80 percent of what you eat is healthy, then allow yourself to eat what you want for the remaining 20 percent.

*Fit in exercise whenever you can.
Experts recommend that adults exercise a minimum of 30 minutes three times per week. Aim for this amount, but don't kick yourself if you can't meet this goal. Any amount of exercise is better than none. No time to go to a gym? Build a stock of exercise tapes ' many have routines that you can complete in 20-40 minutes. Use hand weights, do crunches, leg-lifts and lunges while watching television. Or invest in an exercise bike ' you can pedal while catching up on your reading. Think of what would be most interesting to you and what best fits your schedule and budget.

*Take a walk break during the day.
Even 20 minutes can make a difference in your energy level, plus it gives you time to clear your head. If you walk with a friend or colleague, it also gives you time to socialize.

*Get enough sleep.
Even if you gain more time in your day by cutting back on sleep, you will be less effective throughout the day, as your energy level and cognitive functioning will be reduced. Insufficient sleep also makes you more susceptible to illness. By getting enough sleep, you become more efficient during the time you are awake.

Begin integrating some or all of these habits today. Make them part of your normal routine. You'll be surprised at how little time is involved and how much better you'll feel!






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Dr. Mary Guarino is a life coach who specializes in helping people evaluate and improve their lives, particularly in the areas of life transitions and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Guarino is the author of “>“It's Your Time Now: What Will You Do With It? An 8-Week Plan for Figuring Out the What's Next In Your Life" and owner of The Art & The Science Life Coaching. She holds a Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology and a coaching certificate from the Institute for Life Coaching.

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