A friend sent this to me. It was originally published in the New York Times in October 2016. I thought they were great basic ideas to follow, so thought it should be repeated here. This was based partly on research out of Northwestern University which showed if you adopt this healthy habits in your 20s- lean BMI, moderate alcohol consumption, no smoking, and healthy diet, and regular work outs- you stay healthy into middle age. There were other studies cited too.
1. Weigh yourself often. They counsel against the issue of the slow creep of 3- 5 pounds… because that will eventually add up to 20 pounds.
2. Learn to cook. It saves you money and helps you eat healthier.
- eat a rainbow, eat variety,
- focus on veggies and fruits and nutrient rich ingredients
- * I would add protein and healthy fats keep you sated longer.
3. Cut back on sugar.
- Biggest culprits? sugary soft drinks, breakfast cereals with added sugar, and adding sugar to food
4. Live an active life
- This doesn’t have to be at the gym. Try to get 20-30 minutes, even if it is riding a bike or briskly walking to work.
5. Eat your veggies.
6. Practice portion control. (I had a dietician talk to my Girl Scout troop on this. Very helpful to have a visual)
- Protein = palm sized
- Starch = fist
- High fat condiments= tablespoon = thumb tip
- Veggies= unlimited
7. Adopt a post party exercise routine
- When you eat drink and be merry on weekends, up your exercise to counter those extra calories
8. Find a job you love.
- This one I found interesting. But their thought was if you are not happy in your job, you are depressed, stressed, and sleep poorly.
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