Two Good Deeds in One!
Do you like to walk in nature? (The correct answer is "Yes"!) Even if you live in the city, there are usually some parks you can walk in, or lakes, rivers or oceans you can walk along the edge of. How about a nieghborhood tree you can stare at and hug?
Getting out and getting moving as we move towards spring is really important! Not only is it good for your body, but your mind will improve too! Movement gets you breathing, and breathing brings oxygen to the blood, the muscles get the blood moving around, and pretty soon you've got lot's of oxygen going to your brain, and Viola! You feel refreshed and smarter! And who doesn't feel like they've let the pressure out of a cola can once they've had a good trek outside after a day of being cooped up at school or at home?
So find your favorite place for a good long walk, and add this: a big trash bag and rubber gloves... and maybe one of those trash picker uppper things if you can find one! You guessed it! Now, you can clean up your favorite outdoor area, and make it an even better place to hang out in!
It's best to take a grown-up along on these kinds of expeditions, as they can decide what you should not attempt to touch, and what's fine to pick up and trash with rubber gloves on!
Gotta love nature!
Replacement Foods
Just because you want to eat healthier, doesn’t mean you have to starve to death! And it doesn’t even mean you’ll never have something tasty to eat ever again either! Relax! And learn to substitute healthier, calorie lighter options for the ones you’re currently binging on! It will require some shopping, and that you prepare the foods yourself instead of just eating whenever and wherever you like! Hey! There’s something that made you read this article, and I’m betting it’s a sneaking feeling that you could be eating better than you are!
So here are some indulgence replacement tips to get you off the bad stuff and into better eating habits! So enjoy!
- Ice cream
Try some low-fat vanilla yogurt mixed with fat-free Cool Whip for some sweet and creamy fun!
- Cookies
Low calorie, high protein granola bars
- Pizza
A whole grain pita covered in spicy marinara sauce and low-fat mozzarella – just toast it in your toaster oven, and you’re back in the pizza business!
4. Chips
A large handful (not two) of salted mixed nuts should take care of those salt cravings – and you get some healthy fats and protein in the mix as well!
5. Pasta
Use whole wheat pasta, add fresh tomatoes, some spices, and some feta cheese! Makin’ me hungry!
6. Chocolate
If you gotta, then go with dark chocolate! It should be at least 60% cocoa, and then you’ve got some heart healthy food! It’s pretty intense, so approach the bar with caution!
Now see if there are any other ideas you can come up with at home to replace your ‘less than perfect’ food choices with ones that are healthy! One step on the way to a happier you!
