Introduction
We all have bad habits that we wish we could break. Whether it’s eating too much junk food, smoking, or procrastinating, bad habits can have a negative impact on our health, our relationships, and our overall well-being. But the good news is that bad habits can be broken. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common bad habits and provide tips on how to break them. We’ll also look at how to replace bad habits with healthier alternatives, such as eating this instead of that. So if you’re ready to break your bad habits and start living a healthier life, read on!
Bad Habits Everyone Has Done — Eat This Not That
We all have bad habits, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of unhealthy eating. But it’s important to remember that there are healthier alternatives to the unhealthy snacks and meals we’re used to. Here are some of the most common bad habits people have when it comes to food, and what you can do to make healthier choices.
Eating Too Much Fast Food
Fast food is convenient and often cheap, but it’s also full of unhealthy fats, sodium, and calories. Instead of relying on fast food, try to make healthier choices when you’re on the go. Look for restaurants that offer healthier options, such as salads, grilled chicken, and whole grain wraps. You can also pack your own meals and snacks to take with you.
Drinking Too Much Soda
Soda is full of sugar and empty calories, and it can be hard to resist the temptation. Instead of reaching for a can of soda, try drinking water or unsweetened tea. You can also add a splash of juice or a slice of lemon or lime to your water for a bit of flavor.
Eating Too Much Processed Food
Processed foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead of reaching for processed snacks, try to opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they’ll help keep you full and energized.
Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they’re essential for a healthy diet. Try to make sure you’re getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. You can also add them to your meals and snacks for an extra boost of nutrition.
Eating Too Much Sugar
Sugar is found in many processed foods and drinks, and it can be hard to resist the temptation. Instead of reaching for sugary snacks and drinks, try to opt for healthier alternatives such as fresh fruits, nuts, and whole grains. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they’ll help keep you full and energized.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Water is essential for a healthy body and mind, and it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, and you can also add a splash of juice or a slice of lemon or lime to your water for a bit of flavor.
Conclusion
Bad habits can be hard to break, but it’s important to remember that there are healthier alternatives to the unhealthy snacks and meals we’re used to. By making small changes to your diet, you can make a big difference in your overall health and wellbeing. So, the next time you’re tempted to reach for an unhealthy snack, remember to eat this, not that!
No one is an island, as the saying goes, and when it comes to certain bad health habits, you are definitely not alone. Significant numbers of us (often nearly all of us) are failing to follow health experts’ recommendations, some of which are vitally important to overall health and a long life. But there’s no need to wait for a New Year to make resolutions to change up your routine. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Simply put, a lot of us are eating more added sugar that we should. The average American consumes the equivalent of 17 teaspoons a day, mainly through sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts and sweet snacks. The American Heart Association’s recommended limit: six teaspoons for women and nine for men. Added sugar and processed foods are major contributors to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Thankfully, Nutrition Facts labels now contain an added sugars category, so it’s easier than ever to cut down.
Do you always get a great night’s sleep? Consider yourself lucky. According to recent research by the CDC, one in three Americans aren’t getting enough sleep, and more than 70 million Americans have chronic sleep problems. “Sleeping less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and frequent mental distress,” the agency notes.
According to the CDC, 90% of Americans eat more than the recommended daily limit of sodium (2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon of salt) every day. That’s dangerous because excessive sodium can raise blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To stay healthy, check labels for sodium levels and limit your consumption of processed foods.
Even before the pandemic shut gyms and isolated many of us at home, almost 80% of Americans weren’t getting the recommended amount of daily exercise. That’s according to the National Center for Health Statistics, which in 2018 found that only 23% were meeting federal physical activity guidelines. Exercise benefits everything from your cardiovascular and immune systems to your mood, reduces the risk of cancer, and can literally make your body younger. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, each week.
What we did do before the advent of binge-watching favorite TV shows and movies from the comforts of home? Unfortunately, some things that were healthier. While binge-watching can relieve stress and promote relaxation, studies have linked it to health effects like insomnia, fatigue, decreased physical activity, and social isolation. One study at the University of Central Florida found that watching four or more hours of TV a day carries a 50 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease or early death.
Most of us are spending more time than ever staring at out phones, tablets and other glowing rectangular devices. The problem with this: they emit blue light, which can damage your eyes and may even accelerate aging. That’s the conclusion of a 2019 study that found blue light can damage cells in the brain and eyes. Researchers recommend getting as much natural light as possible, wearing blue light glasses, and limiting your screen time.
And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Michael Martin