December 29, 2015
89 Incredibly Simple Swaps That Could Change Your Life
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Whole grains for white, quality for quantity, Wii Fit for Mario Kart—just one smart swap can pave the way to a healthier and happier life. We decided to go all out and provide 89 “this for that’s,” so there are no excuses when it comes to making healthier choices!
Stretching out cold muscles could lead to injury. So incorporate some active movement into a stretching routine—try lunges and arm swings before working out. Congrats on that 26.2-mile marathon. Now try a 20-minute interval run that involves lots of sprinting with some walking recovery. It may kick up the heat even more. In a perfect, outdoor world, flat roads rarely exist. (Sorry, midwestern readers!) Add some hills to that treadmill run by cranking up the incline, and feel the muscle-building burn! Trash that Cosmo-reading elliptical routine and surprise the body with a fun, calorie-burning cardio session. Sure beats staying stuck to a machine. OK have we said this enough? Crunches may not be the secret to six-pack abs. Give planks a try instead to work that wholecore. Extra points for holding it for a minute straight! We know that barbell looks tempting. But before hitting the weight rack, do an activewarm-up to loosen up limbs and get the most out of the workout. How often does someone complain about having to sit in a cubicle all day? We have a simple solution (no college degree required)… stand. Use a pile of books to prop up the computer, or purchase one of these. Okay, we get it. Some people really don’t want to stand at their cubicle. So stay seated, but on a Swiss ball! It can help with balance and that six-pack. Fitness at the fingertips! Falling asleep at the wheel? Pull over. Tired in front of the TV? Hit the gym. It provides a big boost of energy and burns calories. Skip the big machines (they’re sweaty anyway) and go for the little guys—free weightsare more versatile and allow for a full range of motion in the joints. Isolating muscles is so 2012. Pull-ups are not only impressive (I can do two,thankyouverymuch) but they work way more than one muscle. Talk about multitasking. Forget staying seated to work out the legs. Amp up the training sesh and do some squats to strengthen all the leg muscles, with some gluteus maximus work in there too! Just when we think we’ve had enough, trainers may help push us through that second set of burpees. Look for a deal online to cut the cost in half! Need to get the knots out? Try using a foam roller instead of sitting and stretching to the toes. It’s almost like a personal massage. Mario may be booking it through the race course, but holding the remote control does next to nothing for our own heart rate. Try out Wii Fit or Just Dance—they’re designed to provide light to moderate exercise. How often can we row, row, row a boat indoors? Take advantage of the rowing machine instead of the good ’ol bike; it’s a super upper and lower body exercise. We’ve heard the tip a million times, so here it is for the millionth plus one. If the option’s available, go the old-fashion route and climb the stairs to burn some extra calories. Loathe the elliptical? Try the stair-master. Hate the bench press? Do push-ups instead. We can still challenge ourselves without doing exercises we hate. Save a night at that French restaurant for retirement and go on a fun, active winter date with a special someone. Sledding can be just as intimate as duck confit, and it sneaks in a hill-climbing workout, too. There’s no need to circle the parking lot five times looking for the perfect spot. Just park further away and walk the extra 100 feet to Target. (Doesn’t count as a trip to the gym, though!) New to running? It’s okay. Even if a mile is all that’s possible, keep walking for a good cardio workout. Hold some light weights to up the intensity even more! Grab that special someone or just a friend and hit the gym; working out with others maystrengthen trust. Plus he or she could help motivate us through that final set of push-ups! Hands off! On the treadmill, don’t rely on the handlebars. They take some of the stress off the body and make that workout less challenging. Feeling sore? Rather than popping some pills, try drinking a glass of cherry juice. The antioxidants could help keep muscle swelling down. (Take that, Aspirin!) Bring a PB&J or another post-workout snack to the gym rather than buying a protein bar. We need some after-exercise fuel, but don’t get it in the form of excess sugar! Even if we try to eat healthy at a restaurant, that pesky bread bowl or sneaky salad may pack more calories than we planned for. Trust those top-chef skills and turn on the (skillet) heat. Cooking at home will more likely result in a healthier meal, not to mention a happier wallet. A glass of O.J.’s missing the pulp, skin, and full fiber content of an orange. Skip the glass and go with the whole piece of fruit to reap the benefits of this sweet, healthy snack. Obvious news flash: Deep-fried food is unhealthy. Keep things crispy by pan-frying lean protein or veggies in the skillet with some cooking oil. We promise it’ll be just as tasty! Take a trip to the farmer’s market instead of Walmart’s produce aisle. According to the USDA, local, seasonal fruits and veggies may be more nutritious. It helps out local economies, too! Ever flip that dressing bottle around and see a million ingredients listed? Think “less is more” and lightly dress a salad with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar—no additives included! Let’s be real, iceberg lettuce is boring. Besides, spinach is full of vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Plus, Popeye loves it. Can’t go wrong! Sour cream can taste pretty good in a burrito. To get that same creamy coolness, add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to amp up the protein and slash the fat. Here’s a spicy suggestion: Using cinnamon, rather than sugar packets, in coffee can heighten the flavor without adding extra calories. Try it in oatmeal too! You say tomato, I say salsa. Dip the chip into this healthy alternative to cheesy spreads. Plus, salsa packs a fiery, flavorful punch! It may sound a little weird, but hear us out. Stick a bunch of grapes in the freezer and snack on them a few hours later—it’s like eating bite-sized Popsicles with no added sugar! Need a carbonation kick? Say sayonara to fructose-filled sodas and fill up with sparking water. Try a fun flavor like lemon-lime, or even vanilla. So long, Vanilla Coke! Every now and then, there’s nothing like a good stack of pancakes. Cut calories by skipping Aunt Jemima and spreading those cakes with fresh fruit. On a salt spree? Air-pop some popcorn and add a dash of salt—three whole cups is only about 100 calories. That’s way more satisfying than six measly and greasy chips. How often do we leave a restaurant actually having room for dessert? Forget trying to lick the plate clean, and take half the meal to go. To avoid eating more than planned, ask the waiter to wrap half of it up before serving! It’s in our manifesto, so we can’t ignore it: White rice is stripped of many essential nutrients (like fiber), so get the full, nutritious benefits of brown rice that’ll also help fill us up! Just like rice, whole-wheat pasta has a nutty flavor that’s filled with antioxidants and fiber. White pasta just doesn’t do the trick! Cap’n Crunch and Frosted Flakes should stay a part of our childhood past. One bowl of cereal can be filled with sugar (and who eats only one bowl?), so choose some heart-healthy oatmeal instead. If the office is a few miles away, skip the Sedan and hop on the bike (weather permitting). A little bike-ride can boost endorphins before the workday starts! (Paying for gas is no fun, anyway.) Lunch boxes aren’t just for middle school. Pack a sandwich or some leftovers to bring to school, work—wherever. It’ll make that vending machine look far less appetizing. We should only eat when we’re hungry, but being too busy to squeeze in a mid-day meal can leave us feeling tired and grouchy—not to mention depriving us of essential nutrients to get us through the day! For tomorrow’s turkey sandwich, skip the fat-filled mayo and spread some tasty (andnaturally fat-free) mustard on the bread! Take plain old bread to the next level with avocado spread instead of butter. Add a dash of sea salt and some sliced tomato for a mid-day snack! Bacon is overrated. For a boost of protein when watching fat intake, go after lean meatslike turkey and chicken over pork and beef. We doubt penne ala vodka is made with Grey Goose, and besides, all the extra calories in white sauce aren’t worth it. Choose marinara sauce for that next bowl of spaghetti—thegarlic and tomatoes will spice the meal right up! Wanna’ stay healthy at the bar? Ask for a glass of red wine or a beer on tap over a sugary-filled margarita. About half those calories will disappear! What’s the rush? Slow down and chew food—studies show people who eat faster consume more calories. Dining in front of the television can lead to serious overeating. So forget multitasking and carve out time in the day to enjoy a meal at the table. It may be temping to hit the snooze button more than once in the morning, but allow some time for breakfast—it may help jumpstart metabolism, and at the very least could help some of us wake up before heading to the office. If that caffeine fix is calling, order a simple black coffee. A soy-mocha-extra-shot-frappuccino extravaganza isn’t worth the calories (or dolla dolla bills). How often do we eat five slices of toast for breakfast? Well, that’s what a bagel can amount to, so fight that Dunkin’ Donuts craving and enjoy a slice or two of whole-wheat bread. Using a larger plate may have us eating more than planned. Switch to a smaller one (about 8 to 10 inches) and save more than 20 percent of the calories a large plate could pile on. Some mindless handfuls of cereal can turn into more than a bowl’s worth. So portion out food rather than eating straight from the (soon-to-be-empty) box. Who needs extra grease in the morning? Drop some eggs in boiling water and cook them up for a protein-packed breakfast. Slow down and eat that Pad Thai with some chopsticks. It may be a challenge, but it’ll stop us from speed-slurping those noodles with a fork. Whole Foods may damage our bank account if we head in with hungry eyes. (Wait, how did three packages of all-natural cookies get in the pantry?) Shop when full to avoid buying more than what’s necessary. Sorry mom, but telling us to clean our plates before leaving the table has led to some bad habits. Listen to the body and stop eating when it’s had enough—a plate half-full means more leftovers and fewer calories! Nut butters can sneak in extra fat and sugar that raw nuts don’t have. Plus, eating three spoonfuls of peanut butter may be easier than we think! For a quick pick-me-up, take a 10-minute snooze rather than grabbing a Red Bull. Energy drinks can pack as much sugar as six Krispy Kreme donuts, while a catnap is alwayscalorie-free. Feeling thankful can actually make us happier and healthier, so don’t forget to appreciate every bit of good in life! Soak up the sun—even in the winter. Exercising in the cold is safe, and getting outdoors could help battle Seasonal Affective Disorder. All those zombie shows may not only freak us out, but also give us nightmares. Get a dose of knowledge and read a good novel before bed. It may help us get better sleep too! When stress strikes, don’t grab a tub of ice cream for comfort. Try dimming the lights and meditating for as little as five minutes—it’s totally calming. Got a spare 30 minutes? Those Facebook friends won’t post any shape-shifting statuses. Use the free time to roll out the yoga mat and work on flexibility and strength while alleviating stress and anxiety. Roommate forgot to clean the dishes again? Rather than bottling up that anger, be forthright (but nice!). Working out issues is better than building up inner frustration. Calm breathing can boost relaxation and calm the mind. Take a long, deep breath to relax the bod rather than stressing out. Finish that assignment at a desk rather than between the sheets. Working in bed could make it harder to fall asleep! Who wants to be woken from a peaceful slumber thanks to an irritating beep? (Waking up early is hard enough.) Choose a fun little melody on the cell phone to wake up to instead! Let’s get a little classy— even in that shabby apartment. Using some nice forks and knives will add some style to that bowl of ramen noodles, making us feel like real adults. H.O.V. lane aside, carpooling with a pal can make a morning commute less boring. Besides, it reduces air pollution and cuts down on gas money. Sometimes a cookie or two can lift our spirits, but writing down our thoughts can be just as therapeutic—no calories involved. Even when we’re alone, smiling can improve mood. Try grinning in the shower or on the way to work—it may really make us feel cheerful. Science suggests wearing red can boost confidence and self-esteem. So save the black for the Batman costume and brighten up that wardrobe. Setting a bedtime schedule may help us fall asleep faster, so pick a good time and try to stick to it! Thinking big is great, but huge goals may take time to reach. Don’t forget the small achievements we can make—they’ll also add up to big, positive change! Take some time to put away the laundry and organize the paper-piled desk. Having a clean space may make us more organized and eager to tackle the day. Sometimes life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. When sad or stressed, reach out to a trusted friend instead of holding in the feelings. Just talking could make us feel better! We often focus on our faults rather than our worth. Stop pointing out the negative and focus on all those redeeming qualities! Don’t focus on yesterday’s issues. Think of the possibilities and go after that goal! We can still be healthy without skipping dessert. As long as we regulate our indulgences, they can help keep that smile around. So go ahead—treat yo' self. Phone a friend rather than shooting them a text. It’s more personal, and hearing a friendly voice may lift the spirits. The gym wasn’t too crowded, and the bus actually didn’t come late. Skip the excuses—being honest with others and ourselves is the best option. Blisters and sore soles are never fun, no matter how suave those shoes may look. Better keep it comfy in the foot department. Sometimes saying no is hard, but agreeing to too much can be overwhelming and bring on sickness. Figuring out what we can realistically commit to will help keep stress away. Got a lot to do? Making a plan, rather than waiting ’til the last minute, helps ensure we get things done. Originally published March 2014. Updated December 2015.
Fitness
1. Dynamic for Static Stretching
2. Interval Workout for Relaxed Run
3. Incline for Flat Treadmill
4. Zumba for Elliptical
5. Planks for Crunches
6. Warming up for Rushing Right To It
7. Standing for Sitting at a Desk
8. Exercise Ball for Office Chair
9. Gym for Napping
10. Free Weights for Machines
11. Pull-Ups for Biceps Curls
12. Squats for Leg Press
13. Personal trainer for Guessing Games
14. Foam Rolling for Static Stretching
15. Exergames for Mario Kart
16. Rowing for Biking
17. Stairs for Escalator
18. Fun Workout for Dreaded Workout
19. Active Date for Dinner and a Movie
20. Parking Farther Away for Getting A Spot Up Close
21. Walking Farther for Running Shorter
22. Working Out With a Pal for Exercising Alone
23. Hands-Free Running for Holding Handles
24. Cherry Juice for Muscle Medicine
25. Homemade Post-Workout Snack for a Protein Bar
Health
26. Cooking at Home for Eating Out
27. Whole Fruit for Fruit Juice
28. Pan-Fried for Deep-Fried
29. Local Produce for Supermarket Veggies
30. Oil and Balsamic for Other Dressings
31. Raw Spinach for Iceberg Lettuce
32. Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream
33. Cinnamon for Sugar
34. Salsa for Cream Cheese Dips
35. Frozen Grapes for Popsicles
36. Sparkling Water for Soda
37. Fresh Fruit for Syrup at Brunch
38. Air-Popped Popcorn for Chips
39. Doggy Bag for Food Coma
40. Brown Rice for White Rice
41. Whole-Wheat Pasta for White Pasta
42. Oatmeal for Sugary Cereal
43. Biking to Work for Driving
44. Packing Lunch for Eating Out
45. Eating Three Meals for Skipping and Snacking
46. Mustard for Mayo
47. Avocado Toast for Butter
48. Lean Meats for Fatty Ones
49. Marinara Sauce for White Sauce
50. Red Wine or Beer for a Margarita
51. Chewing Slowly for Speed Eating
52. Eating at the Table for Chowing in Front of the TV
53. Eating Breakfast for Hitting Snooze (Again)
54. Black Coffee for Latte
55. Toast for Bagel
56. Medium Plate for Large One
57. Eating From the Bowl Over Digging Into the Box
58. Hard-Boiled Eggs for Fried
59. Chopsticks for Forks
60. Grocery Shopping When Full for Shopping Hungry
61. Stopping When Full for Cleaning the Plate
62. Raw Nuts for Nut Butter
63. Power Nap for Energy Drink
Happiness
64. Gratitude for Complaining
65. Outside for Inside
66. Book for Television
67. Meditation for Comfort Food
68. Yoga for Facebook
69. Being Upfront for Acting Passive Aggressive
70. Breathing for Being a Stress Mess
71. Working at a Desk for Working in the Bedroom
72. Fun Alarm Clock Song for Annoying Ringer
73. Fancy Silverware for Plastic
74. Carpooling for Driving Alone
75. Journaling for Emotional Eating
76. Smiling for Frowning
77. Color for Drab Shades
78. Keeping the Same Bedtime for Winging It
79. Little Milestones for Big Goals
80. Clean Workspace for Clutter
81. Venting to a Friend for Bottling It Up
82. Self-Love for Self-Criticism
83. Focusing on the Future Instead of Dwelling on the Past
84. Moderation for Deprivation
85. Calling a Friend for Texting
86. Honesty for Excuses
87. Comfy Shoes for Fancy Footwear
88. Saying No for Over-Committing
89. Planning for Procrastination