4 Simple Yet Effective Ways To Help You Lead A Healthier Life

By Ayesha Billimoria, Athlete, Coach, and Fitness Influencer

We all deserve to feel great and keep our body and mind clear. But making everyday healthy seems so time-consuming and exhausting- is a complaint I often hear. In fact, recently, this person came up to me and said, “Life was busy enough as is, and then came these testing times. How am I supposed to maintain a healthy mind and body while juggling with home chores and work from home?” I’m sure this is a question that’s haunting most of you!

Honestly, our body and mind aren’t expecting us to spend hours sweating it out at the gym or chug health-boosting drinks one after the other, all of a sudden. The secret to making everyday healthy lies in incorporating simple and achievable habits into our daily lives.

Let Water Be Your BFF!

Do not underestimate the health benefits of water! It not only helps flush out toxins but also transports nutrients, regulates body temperature, and energize sour muscles. If you’re not fond of plain water, you can infuse it with your favorite veggies, fruits, and herbs such as cucumber, watermelon, mint, and holy basil.

Move Your Body

You need to include at least 30 minutes of physical exercise in your daily routine. It can be any form of activity – a single one or a combination of exercises – but of moderate intensity. Think walking, yoga, pilates, spinning, and even dancing. You can even pick up stuff lying around the house, such as a pillow or a planter, and use it as exercise equipment if you can’t sweat it out without an equipment. Doing home chores such as running errands on foot, putting clothes for drying, sweeping, and mopping the floor are good options too. Moving your body approx. 30 to 45 minutes a day may not only help our circulatory system but also build immunity.

California Walnuts FTW!

To say that California walnuts are nutritious would be a bit of an understatement. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and protein, these nuts are associated with many health benefits. A handful of walnuts (28g) contain omega-3 ALA (2.5g), protein (4g), and fiber (2g). Relishing these daily may improve brain health1 and reduce the risk of heart disease.2These wonder nuts may also support gut health3 and weight management.

Catch on Plenty of Zzz’s

Remember, sleep isn’t a luxury but a necessity. For our overall health and well-being, it’s essential that we get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Getting a full night’s sleep may increase productivity too.

Incorporate these small changes in your daily life and notice how wonderfully it helps you in making everyday healthy!

References:

1Spencer SJ, Korosi A, Layé S. et al. Food for thought: how nutrition impacts cognition and emotion. npj Sci Food. 2017;7(1).doi.org/10.1038/s41538-017-0008-y

2Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.

3Byerley LO, Samuelson D, Blanchard E, et al. Changes in the gut microbial communities following addition of walnuts to the diet. J NutrBiochem. 2017;48:94–102. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.07.001