5 ways to a healthier lifestyle

Over the years, I feel like I have developed a fairly healthy lifestyle for myself, without obsessing over things too much. I enjoy the meals I eat, I have grown to love exercise and I am content with the way I look (most of the time). Personally, I am not a fan of certain diets, but instead prefer to make subtle long-term changes for the better. For me, radical changes are only short-term solutions, and in the end, I think it is more about being and living healthy. I do, however, think that a juice cleanse is an amazing thing. I did a 5-day cleanse back in December, and have noticed significant changes in my metabolism and well-being since then. To the point where I am actually already looking forward to the next cleanse in the Summer. But that’s off topic. Today, I want to share 5 ways to a healthier lifestyle, that will be easy to adapt and maintain over time.

1. Drink Lots of Water!
This is such a common thing, but do you really stick to it? As someone who has dealt with eczema and super dry skin since birth, I have gotten to know my body over time. If I don’t drink enough H2O one day, I can see the immediate consequences the next. Apart from the fact that about 2.5 – 3 L of pure water will make your skin glow, it also helps with digestion and regulates your hunger. In a society with a surplus like we’re used to, we sometimes even mistake thirst for hunger. Drink those 8 cups!
Personal Tip: I have a super pretty bkr water bottle (at home and at the gym) or our MyEQUA bottle (at work), which both equal about 500ml of water. I always have those around and filled up, that way I have a better understanding of how much I have already had to drink. The daily goal is 6 of those bottles!

2. Go Green!
I have mentioned a few times, that I am blessed in a way that I simply love the taste of fruits and vegetables. What is hard for some people to eat, is pure bliss for me. A bowl of fruit and granola is 10x more appealing to me than waffles, and a salad with a ton of amazing ingredients beats pizza on most days. It is simply what I like, so it is easy for me to preach getting your veggies in. However, try to go green by simply matching your serving size of whatever you’re having with the same amount of vegetables. If you want pasta for dinner, go for it! But make sure that the salad on the side is just as big as your plate of pasta. If you’re having a big BBQ-feast, make sure that there are plenty of healthy side options, not just the normal garlic bread. Lots of salads, grilled bell peppers or zucchini, a healthy tzatziki with low fat greek yogurt and cucumber or steamed broccoli can quickly turn an otherwise unhealthy meal into the exact opposite.

{healthy hummus chicken – find the recipe on The Daily Dose}

3. Listen To Your Body!
Everyone always preaches to have breakfast. While I do believe that it is important to start your day right, I am also someone who doesn’t necessarily need breakfast. I can get by until lunch just fine on a grande latte or 500ml of fresh juice and a few berries. Personally, I like to listen to my body. Some days I crave a huge bowl of yogurt with chia, walnuts, fruit and whatever else I can find in the kitchen – on other days, all I want is a big cup of coffee. Of course it is not the best thing for your metabolism, but I simply don’t see the point in eating when I am not hungry. A (healthy) breakfast, can quickly add 400-700kcal to your daily intake, so if your body doesn’t ask for you, don’t force it!

4. Take The Stairs!
This is something I adapted fairly quickly after moving to Vienna. When you get around town by public transportation, there are so many opportunities to burn a few extra calories throughout the day. I always took the stairs, and if the weather was nice, I would even get off a stop or 2 early and walk the rest!
Since I drive most places now, I don’t get in as many stairs anymore, but for example when I visit friends who live on the 2nd or 3rd floor, I always take the stairs. We live on the 6th floor, so that makes it a bit more difficult. In all fairness and honesty, I always take the elevator at home … unless I’ve been on a run, then I like to finish my workout by making my thighs burn a little with 6 flights of stairs.

5. Be Realistic With Your Workouts!
Let’s face it, if you’re working full-time or have exams coming up at school, there is simply no way you’re going to be at the gym 5 days a week. It quickly become frustrating when you set yourself goals that simply aren’t realistic. For me, the magic number is 3 when it comes to sweating. I know that 3 workouts per week are absolutely manageable with my schedule. If I can only get moving twice, at least I almost made my goal, and if I squeeze in a 4th workout, I finish the week feeling proud! In the end, even a quick 30 minute workout is better than no workout.
Personal Tip: Treat your workouts just like other obligations or appointments and make the necessary time. Being healthy and feeling fit is at least as important as that lecture at college or a meeting at work!

Do you have tips for a healthier lifestyle? I’d love to know!