You know you want to live healthier—it is a new decade, after all—but you just don’t know where to start. All the things you could and should be doing can overwhelm you into shutting down entirely, preferring the comfort of the latest season of You and enough mini Milky Ways to fill Candytopia over making actual, lasting changes. We get it, and that’s why we tapped Miami-based nutrition expert Michele Alonso of Essence Nutrition to break things down into four ridiculously simple steps to get us on the right track. (Spoiler: Binge-watching and Milky Ways are still OK...in moderation, of course.)
4 Foolproof Ways to Live Healthier in 2020, According to a Miami Nutritionist
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Published Jan 27, 2020
1. Prioritize Sleep
“I can’t emphasize this enough: Sufficient, quality sleep influences so many aspects of health, from your hunger and satiety hormones to your ability to recover from workouts and even lowering your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Figure out what time you need to be awake, and be in bed at least seven and a half hours before. Pay attention to your routine prior to bed: Avoid screens for those last 30-ish minutes, dim your lights, keep your room cool and try to keep your weekday and weekend sleeping patterns as similar as possible.”
2. Learn To Love Water
“Most people don’t drink enough water. It’s almost impossible if you don’t carry some type of water bottle with you, as we all tend to forget until we are thirsty. Generally speaking, women need around two liters per day and men closer to three. However, there are many reasons you may need more. Feel free to add flavor by incorporating plants such as lemons, limes, cucumbers, mint or basil, but ditch the sweeteners!”
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3. Rethink Your Workout Routine
“We all know the importance of regular exercise, but since this needs to be a lifelong commitment, it’s important to enjoy it. Don’t feel like you must participate in something you find torturous. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga and Pilates provide tremendous benefits. Try them all, and something is sure to stick.” (Psst: We have a few suggestions, in case you don’t know where to start.)
4. Relax Around Food
“Yes, it’s important to get in lots of colorful plant foods, lean proteins and healthy fats. However, food is a pleasure, so if you’re having coffee with a friend and that fresh croissant is calling you, enjoy. We have three meals a day and will eat until we die, so there are many opportunities to eat well. Restriction can lead to bingeing. Allow yourself that cookie, and I’m sure a fresh salad will be calling you next.”
