by The Puritan's Pride Editorial Team
This is a great time to reflect on your own healthy habits. Every day you have the opportunity to take the steps needed to become the healthiest YOU that you can. Small daily changes can make a big, long-term impact on your body. Add one of these 31 steps into your day each day in the month of March and beyond to reap the benefits!
Aim to eat within the first two hours of waking up.
Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Increase your fiber intake and maintain your overall health by eating more fruits and veggies.
Make all grains whole grains, such as whole wheat, amaranth, quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal.
Aim to eat 4-6 servings of vegetables per day.
1 cup = 1 serving. It’s healthy but also contains sugar, so portion control!
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times per week.
White meat poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, nut butter, beans and legumes, and lean cuts of meat are all examples.
Including unsalted nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and avocado.
Do not go longer than 4 hours without a snack or meal.
Make sure all those fruit and veggies are colorful to get an assortment of vitamins and minerals.
Don’t pick the non-fat or low-fat food counterparts, as they are usually loaded with hidden sugars and added sodium – go full fat!
Take a daily probiotic to promote good digestive health.* Choose one that also supports your immune system.*
Try to drink one 8-ounce cup of green tea daily.
Aim for 8 hours of sleep per day.
Avoid foods with more than 5 grams of sugar per serving, and do not add sugar to any meal – the same goes for sugar substitutes, keep them to a minimum.
Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and their “diet” counterparts that are made with sugar substitutes to help stay on track.
Try a new gym class or specialty studio to mix up your usual workout routine.
Keep alcohol down to a minimum (women, stick to 1 glass/day; men, stick to 2 glasses) and aim for at least 4 dry nights a week.
Agave is just as unhealthy as high fructose corn syrup – skip them both!
Get your Vitamin D levels checked, especially during the winter.
…just to make sure to vary the type to help prevent increased mercury consumption. And take an omega-3 fish oil supplement.
…it provides antioxidants, and it is delicious!
…at your next workout by bringing along a friend and giving each other that added motivation. Check out these perks of enlisting an accountability buddy.
It’s a good way to increase veggie intake and experiment with new plant-based protein sources like beans, legumes, pea protein, and tofu.
…this way you have a plan of action and are less likely to make unhealthy decisions out of hunger or a lack of time.
Do not add salt to any meals post-cooking. This will help control your salt intake and promote heart health.
…at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help promote deep sleep. Try melatonin for occasional sleeplessness.*
Multivitamins are an easy way to get the most basic nutrients you need.
For example, a Greek yogurt paired with your favorite type of apple.
…as a natural way to change up the taste without adding sugar.
