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7 Habits of Healthy People

Posted by Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT on May 14, 2015
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7 Habits of Healthy People | Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT | Improving Health blog by CareATC, Inc.Believe it or not, extremely healthy people aren’t just lucky; they do things differently than the rest. Healthy routines keep them on the right track.

Take a look at the following 7 habits of healthy eaters. Hopefully some are already habits of your own!

1. Eat.

Frequent meals are the way to go when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. If you go for an extended period of time without eating, say 4 hours, it causes a rise in the stress hormone cortisol, which triggers your body to store fat in the abdominal region! Eating small frequent meals can help keep your cortisol levels low and your hunger under control to prevent both the storing of abdominal fat and overeating!

2. Eat early.

It’s found time and time again that people who successfully lose weight, eat breakfast! Breakfast eaters commonly also have better vitamin and mineral status, intake fewer calories from fat, and experience less hunger throughout the day, preventing overeating.

3. Drink water.

Healthy people drink water. They don’t mess around with juices or sodas, they stick to the basics. Water gives the body the hydration it craves while it helps flush toxins out of your system. Drink half your body’s weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you are 180 pounds, be sure to drink 90 ounces!

4. Include fermented foods.

Fermented foods are probiotic powerhouses. They increase the amount of good bacteria in your digestive tract and can help with weight loss, better skin, and increased immunity. Some great fermented foods to include in your diet are miso, pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh and kombucha. Kombucha is an ancient raw, fermented, probiotic tea and a delicious afternoon treat!

5. Choose sprouted grains.

A common sprouted grain choice of healthy eaters is Ezekiel Bread. Ezekiel bread is different than conventional breads. It is made from organic, sprouted whole grains (wheat, millet, barley, and spelt) and 2 types of legumes (soybeans and lentils). The combination of whole grains and legumes make a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. Most grains and legumes can be sprouted before processing, which changes their nutrient composition. Sprouting allows grains to germinate, increasing healthy antioxidants and nutrients such as the amino acid lysine, soluble fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin E, and beta carotene. Sprouting grains decreases their levels of phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors which could interfere with the absorption of nutrients such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Sprouting also partially breaks down starch leading to a product that is slightly lower in carbohydrates and slightly reduced in gluten content. Try Ezekiel bread today!

6. Love smoothies.

Smoothies are no secret trick in the health world. Pinterest and Instagram are constantly boasting new super smoothie recipes. A smoothie is the perfect way to incorporate superfoods you would otherwise miss. For example, take a fruit smoothie and throw in a handful of baby kale, half a juiced lemon, acai berries, maca powder, flaxseed, chia seeds or grated ginger and BAM…your smoothie has turned into a nutrient powerhouse.

7. Move.

Healthy eating and exercise come hand in hand. Healthy people move. They don’t just go to the gym and jog briefly on the treadmill; they choose active hobbies such as biking, hiking or dancing. They take the stairs. They walk the golf course. They even stand at their desks. Any time there is an opportunity to be active they are more than happy to take it!

Conclusion

Incorporate two or three of these habits into your current routine. Eventually, try them all!

Healthy living isn’t accomplished by making one simple change. It is a lifestyle people commit to that becomes a part of who they are as a person.

Take your first step in the right direction by adopting one of these 7 healthy habits!

Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT

About The Author

Mairead Callahan, RDN, CPT

Mairead is a registered dietitian, media personality, and founder of the popular health and wellness blog "My Healthy Ending." She studied Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, completed her supervised practice at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and is an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. Mairead’s philosophy is grounded in the power of whole foods, plant-based nutrition, and an active lifestyle.

Post Topics Healthy Lifestyles