How to Begin Making Healthier Choices…It’s Easier Than You Think

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 14, 2009 – A healthy lifestyle begins with the choices we make in everyday life.  When finding ways to life a healthier lifestyle, it’s important to take a personal inventory and understand who we are.

How do you define your lifestyle habits? Gym rat, couch potato, or somewhere in the middle?  Most people are somewhere in the middle.  Here are a few things you can start doing today to live a healthier life:

Cut Back on Foods and Beverages with Added Sugars
Many of today’s on-the-go foods and tasty drinks are crammed full of added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.  Food and beverages high in sugar generally contain little to no nutritional value.  What we put in our bodies gives us the energy we need to be happy and healthy; the more sugary foods and drinks we consume, the less room our body have for healthy, nutritional foods.  Plus, eating sugar makes us crave more, ending with a vicious cycle of consuming foods and beverages with nothing of value for our bodies.
Read the ingredient list before you consume.  Examples of added sugars are sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, corn syrups, and concentrated fruit juice.  These items will be listed on the food or drink ingredient list.  If you see any of these ingredients, you are best to stay away.

Read Labels Before Making a Decision
The next time you are tempted to pick up a quick meal or gulp down a tasty drink, read the label first.  Healthy choices start with adopting healthy eating habits.  If you know what is in your food, you are more likely to make smart decisions about what you are putting in your body.  Foods that you might not think are too bad might surprise you.  Many foods with saturated fat or trans fat can raise your cholesterol.  Salt and sugar are two of the biggest culprits to an unhealthy lifestyle.  Foods high in sodium raise blood pressure in some people and extra sugar gives your body a quick boost of energy without anything to nourish your body.

Worried about the foods you are eating?  Not sure what some of those ingredients are on the nutritional labels?  The American Heart Association has established a Food Certification Program to provide you with an easy reference to develop a healthful eating plan.  Make use of your online resources to start making smart eating choices, one day at a time.

Complement Your Busy Lifestyle with Nutritional Supplements
To make sure you are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs, consider picking up a nutritional supplement.  Gender, age, and other health factors should be taken into consideration before committing to a nutritional supplement plan.  Many people today are lacking important nutrients like calcium, Vitamin C, iron, and fiber.  There are many healthy options available for you to get essential vitamins that you may not be getting from your everyday diet.  Talk to your doctor about devising a plan that would work best for you.