I have a list of 20 “things” to start doing every day for a happier, healthier life. I found it a couple of years ago and completely fell in love with it. The list is actually hanging in my bedroom next to my mirror so that I glance at it every single day. Each idea is so simple, yet the benefits and positive differences each step makes are huge.
In my next few posts I’ll go into detail about the “20 Things to Start Doing.”
Here are the first 5…
#1 Drink a lot of water and green tea
YES, WATER
This one may seem self explanatory. I mean after all, we have heard about the importance of drinking water ALL of our lives. But there’s a simple tip I have learned that identifies that right amount of water you should intake each day. Think about it, someone that weighs 180 lbs and works out an hour a day probably needs a different amount of water than a 115 lb person that never expels water through sweat (a.k.a. they probs aren’t working out.) So here’s how you figure out exactly what you’re needing…and shockingly it’s accomplished through a math equation.
weight in lbs (x) 2/3 = ounces needed per day
ex: 110 (x) 2/3 = 74 ounces…which is a little over 9 cups.
The other tip is to add extra ounces for exercise. So add an extra 12 ounces for every 30 minutes.
ex: If the 110 lb person works out an hour today, then they will need 98 ounces of water…which is a bit over 12 cups.
GREEN TEA
The benefits are almost infinite. Here are some of the most impressive…
tons of antioxidants- may delay deteriorization caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- lower risk of cancer
- lower death from heart disease
- lower death from stroke
- improve brain function
- burns calories, fat, and allows you to exercise longer
- reduce high blood pressure
- protects liver from alcohol
After reading that list I sure hope you are on the way to your kitchen to heat up some tea right now. The benefits are insane. Plus, green tea can be super yummy. Mix in some honey or throw in some berries for extra flavor.
#2 Eat a big breakfast, average lunch & tiny dinner.
It’s fairly well known that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” It jump starts your metabolism and gets your body going. Plus, who doesn’t love breakfast? It’s the perfect chance to start your day off right. I love to incorporate lots of fruit and protein. 
A fav breaky of mine…
- whole wheat english muffin
- topped with peanut butter and honey
- lots & lots of blueberries
- coffee
- protein shake (not pictured)
So delicious and super balanced.
#3 Eat fruits, veggies & natural food.
When you eat good, you feel good (and look good). What could be better?
#4 Go for a swim/bike ride/walk your dog
This step can be made fun. Basically, just go do something! Anything!
One super easy way to get some extra exercise is to simply go for a walk. Grab your dog, headphones and tennis shoes and take a 20 minute stroll through your neighborhood. It’s amazing how refreshed you’ll feel.
One tip I have is to make sure your dog can handle the walk…last time my pup and I went for a “walk,” I ended up carring him an entire mile back home because he was too tired (lazy) to go any further…thanks a lot Bruno.
#5 Read a book…or 10…
I really like #5. Being in college, I often feel like I’m drowning in homework, textbooks, papers and projects. Taking the time out to read a book usually isn’t my first go-to during the small bit of free time I have. However, I forget how much I really do enjoy to read a book I actually WANT to read. In my last few weeks of summer I’m going to make it my goal to read a book that I actually will like reading.
So there’s that. Your first 5 “things to do.” Start off slow and begin to incorporate these 5 pointers in your daily routine. In the next few days I’ll give you all the deets on the next 5 ideas on the list (#6-#10).
mydailyglow 