by Diana White
You are trying to eat healthy, exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle, but you often go through the day feeling tired, sleepy and completely exhausted. If it sounds familiar to you, read on to discover some of the most common health mistakes many women (especially those who are trying to drop weight) make. Sometimes, we make these small yet harmful mistakes without noticing it. We want to reach our fitness, weight loss and health goals, but often end up making at least three of these health mistakes. Now it’s time to consider your lifestyle once again and avoid making these 8 most common health mistakes down the road in order to live a healthier and longer life.
1. Not drinking enough water
Many women claim that it’s hard to drink 8 glasses of water a day. While I do agree with it, I think we need to find more delicious ways to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can add your favorite berries to your water, for instance. I love drinking lemon water. Moreover, I try to incorporate more water-rich foods into my daily diet. The problem is, dehydration can cause dry mouth, fatigue, mood swings, and even constipation. Drinking enough water helps curb your appetite and cravings, helping you reach your weight loss goals faster, and improves your overall health. Make a habit of drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration
2. Skipping meals and not eating enough whole foods
Skipping meals slows your metabolism and leads to overeating, weight gain and a number of serious diseases. Plus, when you don’t consume enough whole foods throughout the day, it’s no wonder you are feeling so sleepy and tired. Whole foods, such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, speed up your metabolism, improve your digestion, boost your energy, keep your food cravings under control, and improve your overall health. Opt for at least 3 servings of fruit and vegetables a day to get the most health benefits and the best protection against numerous diseases.
3. Not getting enough protein
Although many people think that it’s a myth that vegetarians don’t get enough protein, unfortunately sometimes it’s true. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you can also be at the risk of not getting enough protein. It’s vital to consume enough lean protein each day. It helps keep your blood sugar under control, helps keep hunger at bay, improves your mental focus, and can help build lean muscle mass and lose a few unwanted pounds. Incorporate buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds, spirulina, hemp, soy, eggs and other protein rich foods into your daily diet to be sure you are getting enough protein.
4. Not eating enough carbs
Not consuming enough carbs can lead to headaches, fatigue, mood swings, constipation and nausea. Moreover, it can make you overeat. However, when it comes to carbs, it’s important to make smart food choices. Consider adding whole grains, legumes, beans, seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables to your eating plan, but consume them in moderation. Avoid eating unhealthy high carbohydrate foods, such as cakes, crackers, dried fruit, bread, cereals, and jams.
5. Not getting enough fat
If consumed correctly, fat doesn’t cause weight gain. Not getting enough fat or completely eliminating it from your diet is extremely dangerous to your health. Your body needs healthy fats to function properly. The fats you consume give the body energy you need to go through the day. A few tablespoons of healthy fats a day will be enough to stay healthy and slim. Add avocado, seeds, nuts, nut butters, and olives to your diet but make sure you consume them in moderation. Avoid using animal fats and oils in your meals.
6. Exercising too much
Exercise is definitely good for you, but too much exercise can leave you tired and exhausted and can cause poor muscle recovery and even injury. Moreover, it can lead to anxiety and depression. People who work out hard tend to consume more food since they believe they can easily burn those extra calories. But it’s a huge mistake. 30-60 minutes of exercise a day is enough to stay healthy and keep your weight under control, of course, if you stick to a healthy diet.
7. Not getting enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep is one of the worst health mistakes most people make these days. Busy schedules, fun parties, and interesting TV shows are a few of the most possible reasons why many of us don’t get enough sleep. If you don’t sleep at least 7 hours a night, be ready to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, huge food cravings, obesity and numerous health issues.
8. Skipping exercise
‘Today I have plenty of important tasks to accomplish so I don’t have any free minute for exercise,’ ‘It’s my birthday today, so I deserve to skip my workout,’ ‘I don’t feel like running, so I think it’s okay to skip my workout today’… these are some of the most common excuses you make to avoid exercise. Not being active, however, can lead to numerous health issues, including overeating, obesity, poor digestion, muscle deterioration, and sometimes high stress levels and depression. Walking, jogging, running, and swimming are all fun and healthy activities, not to mention yoga. You can also take a dance class, if dancing is for you. Whatever you choose, make sure you stay active eve
It’s not easy to stay healthy these days, but avoiding making at least 5 of these health mistakes can make a huge difference to how you feel and look. Make some small lifestyle changes today to live a healthier, happier and longer life. What health mistakes do/did you make? Share your secrets to living a healthy life with us, please.
