Do you incorporate healthy habits into your everyday life?
The problem is, you may not even know what those unhealthy habits are.
I went to the experts to find out what you’re doing that’s ruining your health.
Using plastic containers
Are you one of those diligent people that plans for meals ahead of time?
This is because, as she revealed, many of these containers may contain BPA.
She recommends that if you are doing meal prep, to double check the container is BPA-free.
Amanda Frick, lead naturopathic doctor for Harvey Health advised allowing yourself some wiggle room.
She shared, “Your mindset is so important; don’t eat your cupcake with guilt.
Instead, top it off with a little joy and move on to tomorrow.”
Mandy Enright, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and creator of the couples nutrition blogNutrition Nuptialsagreed.
Get rid of the ‘All or Nothing’ attitude."
Natalie Carey, certified personal trainer and author ofEvery.
She explained this is harmful because our brains are impressionable.
Look in the mirror and say aloud (or think it really hard) what you like about yourself.
Replace every negative comment with a positive one, and you’ll rewire your brain."
Instead, she recommends trying gratitude first thing in the morning.
She explained, “This can lead to excessive caloric intake and high glucose levels in the blood.
These conditions increase the risk of becoming overweight and developing diseases such as diabetes.”
“Instead of sugary drinks, reach for the black coffee and infused water.”
Even though diet soda doesn’t add calories, it may hurt your health in other ways.
First, the chemicals disrupt your body without providing any benefit.
“Instead of drinking diet soda,” she suggested, “drink water.”
She also suggested drinking half of your weight in ounces of water every day.
If so, welcome to the club.
But unfortunately, having electronics in your bed isn’t the recipe for a restful night.
Sleepless nights aren’t just annoying, either.
They can cause other health repercussions.
She suggested, “venture to avoid electronics and bright lights prior to bedtime.
Skipping sleep
Just as electronics in bed is a no-no, so is skipping sleep.
In fact, losing sleep has a negative impact on your entire body.
Dr. Robin told me that a lack of sleep can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
She suggested, “Instead of skipping sleep, plan for seven to nine hours of sleep.
Plan your bedtime and give yourself time to wind down.”
Looking down at your phone
Let’s face it.
You probably spend more time looking at your phone than pretty much anything else.
But did you know that the way you hold your phone can impact your health?
This can put up to 60 lbs.
of added pressure on your neck.”
Skipping meals
Lucky for me, I never even consider skipping a meal.
In fact, I look forward to them!
Enright explained that eating regularly keeps your energy levels and metabolism where they need to be.
She continued, “Snacks are as equally important as main meals.
These are small meals to sustain hunger and energy levels until the next meal.
Instead of skipping, plan to eat every two to four hours to maintain energy levels and promote metabolism.
Set an alarm or create a personal calendar to ensure meals aren’t skipped.”
Enright shared, “Planning is the number one habit that can make or break health goals.
She warned that failing to make these plans can lead to ordering takeout or otherwise making less healthy choices.
But skipping breakfast is a no-no for your health.
You’ll have more energy and you’ll be less likely to gain weight.
If it’s less than 15 seconds, chances are, you’re not actually getting rid of germs.
Instead of rushing through it, take your time to wash completely and thoroughly.
Forgetting to sretch
If you’re working out, you’re already ahead of the game.
But don’t skip the all important step of stretching afterward.
Failing to stretch can cause injury and prevent you from doing your beloved workouts later on.
Stretching allows our muscles to gain flexibility and can help muscles to recover more quickly.
Without stretching, it’s likely you will experience muscle tightness and poor circulation.”
