Healthy Living Tips to Whip Mind, Body Into Shape

So, you’ve made the resolution to start living a healthier lifestyle. Obviously, all you need to do is jog a few miles each day, right?
Wrong!
Healthy living is all about making smart choices for your body, diet, mind and overall well-being. The following tips can help you stay active and grounded to promote your goal of happiness and a healthier lifestyle.

Discover a new hobby.
Outdoor activities are great ways to get regular exercise that’s enjoyable and rewarding. Cold-weather sports are exhilarating hobbies, and the slopes are open until March or April. Other uplifting physical activities with hobby potential are biking, running, rock climbing, horseback riding, dance and martial arts.

Try something new at the farmers market.
Don’t get stuck in a rut by eating the same boring veggies; locate the nearest farmers market for fresh, seasonal produce. Try a new vegetable each week to up your intake and keep you interested. Unique veggies like kale, bok choy and butternut squash are high in fiber and antioxidants.

Trust your mom, don’t neglect breakfast.
Morning preferences vary, but it’s important for everyone to get an energy boost to face the day — and breakfast is a great way to do this. You should wake up early enough to enjoy a meal, and if time is of the essence, rely on nutritious cereals or oatmeal. Malt-O-Meal is a nutrient-rich cereal line with hot and cold varieties. To see the health benefits of each cereal choice.

For afternoon tea time: go red.
Red tea is the hot new health drink. Green tea and black tea are full of disease-preventive antioxidants, but they’re also caffeinated. Red tea, or rooibos tea, has the same advantage of antioxidants without the consequences of caffeine. Plus, it’s recommended to help with anxiety, tension, allergies and digestive issues.

Unwind with a daily stretch.
Whether it’s in between tasks at work or after your commute home, stretching your muscles increases blood circulation, improves posture and induces relaxation. Consult yoga or pilates instruction for a new stretch each day to build up your repertoire and make it a daily habit. You’ll notice long-term benefits like increased range of motion and less back pain.