10 Things You Absolutely Must Avoid When You Want To Get Healthy

Mar 17, 2020

You have decided to commit to getting healthier. That is an excellent goal and one definitely worth pursuing. To make the journey a little easier, steer clear of these 10 common pitfalls that can rob you of success.

1. Procrastination

Why put off until tomorrow what you could do today? We don’t know either. Instead of putting things off, knowing you will probably never actually return to them, go ahead and get to work. You’ll be able to check them off your to-do list before you know it, putting you one step closer to your goal.

2. Extreme Diets

Any diet that asks you to completely eliminate an entire food group should be eyed with suspicion. Instead of adopting a diet, opt for a well-balanced, inclusive eating plan. Make it part of an overall healthy lifestyle and you won’t feel restricted or hungry. If you have concerns about meeting your nutritional needs, check out some thrive reviews to see if adding a supplement might be a good idea for you.

3. A Sedentary Lifestyle

Exercise is vital to a healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week for most adults. If you aren’t getting that, find ways to sneak a little extra movement into your everyday activities.

Start walking for 15 minutes at lunchtime or look into getting a standing desk to keep you on your feet. Join a fitness center or yoga studio to meet others who are also trying to improve their health.

4. Isolation

Whatever you do, do it with friends. There are serious health risks associated with isolation and loneliness. Having a solid support system can mean the difference between succeeding in your goals or falling far short.

5. Sugary Drinks

Since this isn’t a food group, you can cut it out entirely. Sugary drinks are a surefire way to go way over your recommended calorie intake and they offer no nutritional benefit. Instead, they may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Not to mention the havoc excess sugar can wreak on your gut microbiome. Avoid them if you can.

6. Smoking

If you are still smoking, try to take steps to cut back or quit. It’s not easy, especially if you have been a smoker for a long time. But, it is possible. Talk to your healthcare provider about resources that can help you succeed. If you are not a smoker, do not start. That goes for vaping, too.

7. Excessive Stress

You may not realize it, but stress is linked to a wide variety of health conditions, both physical and emotional. Some of the most common include heart disease, stroke, obesity, depression, and sleep disorders.

Not all stress is bad. In fact, some stress is beneficial. But too much can really cause problems if you are trying to improve your health. Find ways that help you manage your stress levels. Yoga, meditation, and spending time outdoors are all great places to start.

8. Processed Foods

No matter what type of processed food you are eating, it probably does not have enough benefit to outweigh the negatives. Instead of reaching for packaged convenience food, snack on fresh fruits and vegetables. Grab a handful of heart-healthy nuts or dried fruit to take along with you for later.

For meal times, try your hand at meal planning and prep. There are countless resources available to help you get started. Then you will have wholesome, homemade food that you can simply heat up after a long day.

9. Excuses

If you find yourself making excuses about why you are or aren’t doing things, it’s time to stop. Which is much easier said than done. It doesn’t even matter if you are making excuses for yourself or others. Find a system that works for you and stick with it. No excuses.

10. Aggravating Injuries

If your newfound exercise routine is causing you pain or discomfort, then your body is trying to tell you something. Learn to listen to these cues and respond appropriately to avoid aggravating injuries or illnesses.

Congratulations on taking the first steps to improve your health. Be on the lookout for these traps that can set you back to give yourself the best possible chance of success.