For the longest time I’ve been trying to lose weight in my stomach area and I was just not managing it well. I was exercising often, but I wasn’t yielding the results that I expected. So, in my bid to become fit, I decided to lead a healthier lifestyle.

I started my healthy journey by doing some research and below are some of the best tips that I’ve found.

Tips for a healthier lifestyle:

Drink more water – I always find that water helps in every aspect of healthy living. When I’m craving a fizzy drink I’ll remind myself to drink water instead.

Avoid unhealthy snacks – people tend to buy chips, sweets and chocolates as snacks, but when trying to be healthy we need to take a different route. Making homemade goodies is probably the best way to save money and eat healthily. For instance, you could make oatmeal cookies. They are tasty and won’t break the bank. For snack time I’d also try and have a fruit with some yoghurt.

Say no to sugar – Try to cut sugar out of your diet. This can be a bit challenging at the beginning but with time it becomes easier. Cutting out sugar also helps with weight loss and builds a stronger immune system as well as helps with blood sugar levels.

Frozen vegetables/Buy in bulk – Buying vegetables in bulk is cheaper, but can go to waste if not careful. At times I freeze veggies that I have bought, such as broccoli or butternut. And if you have too many veggies to spare then give some away to family or friends, or someone who is in need.

Meal plan – This is where I tend to falter a bit. It’s best to create a meal plan for the week so you don’t have to feel rushed when coming home from a long day of work or school. Adding legumes, such as beans and chickpeas to your dish is a healthy and cheap choice too.
I’ve found that going meatless once or twice a week also helps to stick to a healthier lifestyle.

Example of meal plan for a day

Breakfast:
Oats
Fruit
Tea (I personally prefer tea to coffee)

Snack:
Fruit or yogurt

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread

Snack:
Fruit

Supper:
Chicken stir-fry

And if you’re still hungry later in the evening, you could always opt for some homemade bran muffins. They taste yummy and are good for the digestive system.

Leftovers for lunch – Leftovers are a perfect way to save time and money.

Grocery list – Don’t be swayed by things you don’t need. Once you have created your grocery list, stick to it.

Brown bread – I think it’s also important to be aware of the ingredients in your products, especially when considering the nutritional value. Switching out your white bread for brown bread is also a way to help with your protein. And if you have some extra cash to spare then by all means buy whole wheat bread as it is packed with nutrients and is incredibly filling. Remember that unprocessed foods are healthier than processed food, and unrefined carbohydrates, like whole wheat bread, is a healthier option.

Eating healthily shouldn’t be seen as a chore, it’s something that we should never compromise on. Eating healthily, coupled with exercise, makes us feel good and improves our overall mood. Remember, “A healthy outside starts from the inside.” – Robert Urich

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Read more here of the health benefits of exercise

Tell us: Do you have any health tips to share?