Fitness 2021: Here Are 5 Steps For A Naturally Healthy Body

The outbreak of a deadly disease and different phases of lockdown which kept most of us trapped within the comfort of our four walls have undeniably changed our lives upside down. From our sleep schedules shifting to a rather unusual time to the work-from-home situation and trying a variety of mouth-watering recipes in this lockdown, our bodies have naturally inclined to the unhealthier side of the fitness scale.

Personally, lockdown for me just happens to be an excuse for procrastinating my workout schedules and avoiding eating healthy. Nevertheless, this lockdown made me realise that it's not only the eating habits that make one unhealthy but it's the overall lifestyle we all usually tend to follow. The little things we do in our day-to-day life have a huge impact on our health. I also realised that one need not do a strict Keto plan or follow an intense workout routine to lose weight, but a massive change can be seen if we begin with some little steps that will make our bodies naturally healthier.

Been said that fitness is not always about losing weight and having a slim sized body. Just as much as fitness comes in all sizes and shapes, it means to keep your body internally healthy to avoid health-related complications.

Here are 5 small steps that you can take in your daily life for a naturally healthier body: 

• Drink enough water

The benefits of drinking water have been a known fact for years now. Not only it helps maintain your temperature normal but it also lubricates and cushions your joints. Moreover, it also protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues and gets rid of wastes through urination, sweat, and bowel movements.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of fluids a day for men whereas 11.5 cups (2.7 litres) of fluids a day for women.

Since 50 to 75% of your weight is water, drinking some plain old water can boost metabolism and help you burn off some extra calories, thus keeping your body working the best it can and staying hydrated.

• A 30 min walk

Ditch your comfort zone of using the elevator and take the stairs. Or if you are working from home, move your body in intervals even if it's on the smallest distance from the bathroom to your living room. Remember, even the smallest amount of steps add up. Make it a habit to walk for some time, even a minimum of a 15-minute walk.

• Never skip your breakfast 

Breakfasts are an important part of our everyday meals. Eating a healthy amount of fibre and protein in your breakfast can keep you full and energised all day long.  If you start the day out right, you tend to eat better overall and it helps lower your risk of diabetes and improves heart health. And if you are tired of the same bowl of oatmeal, you can always try different alternatives or add toppings to make your breakfast more exciting. Omelettes don’t have to be boring, either. The options for quick, easy, and healthy breakfasts are endless.

• Fruits and greens

Incorporate a healthy amount of fruits and green veggies in your daily diet to have an extra amount of nutrients and water. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. They are also rich in fibre which helps to keep our digestion healthy. A daily intake of these essential nutrients helps our immune system to stay strong and helps our bodies fight cells that can cause damage to our body in a long term.

• Find substitutes for unhealthy foods

We are often attracted to junk food that is usually high in calories and low on their health benefit. But we can always try and substitute our junk cravings with a healthy alternative. Try using low-fat dairy, whole grains, healthy oils like avocado and olive oil, and natural sweeteners like fruit instead of high fat or sugary alternatives. Remember that building new healthy habits can take some time and it’s OK to treat yourself to avoid feeling deprived.