Developing habits that are beneficial to our bodies is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. A question that I asked myself recently is, “What are the habits that you are doing/eating every day, and how are they impacting your body long term?”

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “everything in moderation” and the things we consume or do every day definitely don’t fall into that category, when looking at your entire life.

Consider coffee, something that many of us drink as a daily habit…

Did you know that coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops with pesticides out there? If this is something we are going to be consuming on a daily basis, don’t you think we should be doing everything to ensure that not only is it not damaging our body, it is benefiting it?

Luckily, there are better options. You can buy shade-grown organic coffee, which contains a high amount of antioxidants, minerals, and a bunch of other good things, that hasn’t been bleached out by the sun or ruined by pesticides. (Another way to “health” up your coffee is to change your source of cream. I have been using full fat coconut milk and oil with maple syrup, and am quite happy with the taste and health benefits.)

Granted, the super-healthy option is usually more expensive, but if you’re on this journey with me, you know that good health comes at a price these days.

Aside from considering what you’re putting into your body on a daily basis, what are some other good habits you can develop to ensure optimal health throughout your life?

I can’t possibly be surprising you by telling you to drink more water. But if you start drinking a full glass before every meal, you will be prepping your body to eat a reasonably sized meal, and absorb it efficiently. Some studies show that this is even a good tactic for weight loss.

Aside from the multitude of benefits that come from drinking water before a meal, it’s just a great way to ensure that you are getting enough water, as many of us don’t on a daily basis.

The last habit to get into, which I am working on myself, is eating a full three meals per day. I am a breakfast skipper, and have found that when I actually do eat breakfast it is easier for me to continue with healthy eating habits throughout the day. I snack less, feel less sluggish, usually have a better attitude.

According to an article titled “Why Breakfast is the Key to Weight Loss” published by Everyday Health, “People often feel that they ‘get hungry more often if they eat breakfast,’ but that’s a good thing, it means your metabolism is up and going, which means your body is burning fuel, or calories. And because eating gives you energy, you feel better and are more likely to be able to fight the urge to overeat.”

Source:
Why Breakfast Is Key to Weight Loss – Weight Center – Everyday Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/why-breakfast-is-key-to-weight-loss.aspx