From The Straits Times    |
easy health fitness changes to improve your life fitness singapore THUMBNAIL

It sounds like a chore to embark on a healthy lifestyle but it really isn’t that hard. Start with these baby steps and you’ll be on your way to a healthier you. It’s as simple as A-B-C!

easy health fitness changes to improve your life fitness singapore DECOR

DRINK UP!
About two-thirds of our body is made up of water and it’s important to keep ourselves hydrated, especially in a hot climate like ours. Water has some pretty amazing health benefits – it energises your muscles, helps you maintain normal bowel function and hydrates your skin. And it helps with weight loss too, as it indirectly curbs your appetite. Drink a glass of water before you have a meal and there’s a high chance you’ll feel full faster.

ENJOY SUN-DAYS
Even though the heat in Singapore is unbearable most days you should soak up the sun and get some vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium so you can’t do without it. While overexposure to the sun can lead to problems like skin cancer, short bursts of about 10-15 minutes a day is considered safe. And remember that using sunscreen will not soak up any vitamin D so go without it for a bit.

GET MOVING
You don’t even have to join a gym, just make sure you move around more. Take long walks – brisk ones are best – when you have the time and don’t be sedentary for too long. In the office, walk away from your desk for a few minutes every half an hour or so if you can. It also helps to reduces stiffness in your muscles and joints, which makes you more relaxed.

EAT HEALTHY
There’s no need to try any fancy diets, all you need to do is eat more fruits and vegetables. They are bursting with nutrition, are low in calories and high in fibre. And, best of all, they are good to go in any form – fresh, frozen, canned or dried – as long as there are no preservatives or other ingredients added. So snack on some fruit in the office instead of that chocolate bar and you’re already on the first step to a healthier you.

DON’T STRESS
Whether it’s that ridiculous deadline from your boss or the constantly annoying posts by your Facebook friends, the key thing to remember here is – don’t sweat the small stuff. Stress can lead to health problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, depression and heart disease. So the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, keep your problems in perspective and focus on the now. The healthier you will thank you for this.

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