Save a little now, live big later. That’s the message many
of our members have taken to heart recently when it comes to their finances.
Saving a little at a time will result in big savings down the road.
The same is also true when it comes to health, as even the
most simple and easy everyday changes can be worth a lot in terms of your
overall well-being. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure.”
We’re all going to cheat every now and then to satisfy our
cravings for burgers or pizza, but the important thing is to keep plugging
along.
Here are some little ways to improve your health over the
long haul by taking little steps - the same way many people do with their
savings accounts:
Celebrate National
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month All Year - June is National Fresh Fruits
and Vegetables Month, and the farmers’ markets are bustling from Plymouth and
Canton all the way up to Gaylord and everywhere in between in the Great Lakes
State. Visit the Michigan
Farmers’ Market Association’s website to search for a market in your city.
Including fruits and vegetables in your diet all year long
can produce great results (pun
intended)! Eat fruits and vegetables
throughout the day because they provide a huge amount of nutritional benefits
such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and more. Most farmers’ markets are
open through October and fresh produce is always better for your health.
Even a few extra servings can make a huge difference, so
find your favorites and start working them into your meals and snacks for
better overall health.
Can’t Run? Walk! - Many
people have a hard time making time for exercise at the gym, but even a walk
around the block can be crucial for staying healthy. Walking can slash your
diabetes risk, relieve stress, and even help prevent heart disease according to
an American Heart
Association survey, and it’s especially important to do after a big meal.
Park your car a little farther away than usual on a nice day either, because
every few extra steps can help.
Drink more water – People
often mistake thirst for hunger and doing so could lead to big penalties in
terms of putting on unnecessary weight or eating unnecessary extra calories.
Try drinking a glass of water next time you’re hungry and you may be surprised
to find your cravings on the backburner for a while.
Eat protein at every
meal - Whether it’s a handful of dry roasted edamame, nuts or a serving of
lean meat, having protein at each meal, and throughout the day will keep you
feeling full and allow you to minimize overeating problems.
Eat consciously - Many
people have emotional reasons for eating or even do it out of boredom, leading
to consumption of unnecessary foods that they sometimes don’t even truly enjoy.
The simple act of being “in the moment” while eating and making sure you savor
every bite will help you save plenty of unnecessary calories.
And of course, saving a little bit now is the way to achieve
long-term success, for both your finances and your health.
Sources: 15 Best
Diet Tips Ever http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/15-best-diet-tips-ever
8 Astonishing Benefits of Walking: http://www.rodale.com/benefits-walking?page=0,2