If you are like me, you always think that getting healthy is going to be difficult and require a lot of change. But, I have to remind myself that just a few small changes will eventually add up to big results. I have the same problem with saving money.
What small changes can you make right now to be healthier? Here are a few:
Eat pistachios, especially if you have high cholesterol. Just two to three ounces of pistachios (unsalted of course) daily can raise your HDL, the good cholesterol.
Avoid dry cleaners. I do this because I just don’t like the hassle of going, but you should avoid it because many dry cleaners use the solvent perchloroethylene, which has been classified as a Group2A carcinogen. That means it probably causes cancer and can enter the body through exposure to the skin. If you can’t avoid dry cleaning, look for a company that uses a silicone solvent that biodegrades.
Add cinnamon to your diet. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which may help you lower your blood pressure. Can’t think of a way to incorporate it into your diet? Add a little cinnamon to your coffee grounds each morning.
Ever feel like your skin is all dried out? Add a fern to your room or office. Houseplants, particularly ferns, keep you hydrated by adding moisture to the air.
Speaking of hydration, it is important to keep from getting dehydrated. How can you tell if you are dehydrated? It sounds gross, but check the toilet after you use it. If you are getting enough water, your urine should be a pale yellow – like that of lemonade. Anything darker and you may be dehydrated, which can zap your energy.
Wash your hands. Germs get under your nails, so for better health, put down the hand sanitizer and just get germ-free the old fashioned way – with a little soap and water!
Tomorrow, I’ll cover some more quick and easy ways to get healthy now.