Simple Life Switches that Maximize Your Health

Sometimes trying to figure out how to stay healthy can be a complete chore. But there are simple subtle changes you can make in your everyday life to feel better, look better and be on the right path to great health.

Cold Cereal

Swap it for oatmeal. If you choose wisely (use the natural kind, not the instant kind), oatmeal is not only a great source of fiber, but it helps you feel full longer and gives you the energy to start your day off right. Unlike many cereals that contain sugar and empty calories, oatmeal can be eaten with fresh fruit for that sweet burst of flavor or you can add cinnamon, which is considered a power spice that helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol.

Orange Juice

Swap it for milk. Studies show that low-fat and fat free milk help you lose weight quicker than just diet and exercise alone. Plus you get the benefits of Calcium and Vitamin D for your bones, so your office duties or housework are done with ease and without aches.

Potatoes, Corn, Peas, Carrots

Swap them for greens. Green leaf lettuce, green spinach, green broccoli that is. Most green vegetables are packed with tons of vitamins, minerals and fiber to give you that satisfied feeling and improve your overall health. Just adding 2 to 5 servings of greens with your lunch and dinner can vastly improve your cholesterol levels, help you lose weight and even fight deadly diseases such as cancer and heart disease!

Working Out for 2 Hours 5 Days a Week

Swap this for working out for 30 minutes 3 days a week and getting a full night's rest. If you eat right, and sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a night, you don't need to kill yourself in the gym to build muscle and lose weight. Combine cardio and weights in your routine, doing more reps with less weight to get toned and keep your heart healthy. And the sleeping? If you stick to the routine, you can burn calories while you sleep, because as you rest, your metabolism is still awake, allowing your body to increase its burn.

Watching TV

Swap this for listening to the radio. If you can cut at least two hours of your tv time and turn on your radio, you are more inclined to get up and go do something. Either you hear a song you like and start dancing around the house, or you hear an interesting topic and clean house and wash clothes as you listen. If you have to leave the house, take your Ipod!

Snacking on Chips

Swap this for gum. But the sugarless kind. Not only will it distract you from eating salty and fattening snacks, but chewing gum stimulates the jaw muscles, increases saliva flow and some gums actually improve the health of your teeth!

Soaking in the Tub

Swap this for a shower. Though soaking in the tub can release stress and help you feel relaxed, taking a shower can have the same benefit in less time, using less water and decreasing the chance for your skin to dry out if you stay too long in the tub. Using lavender based soaps and bodywashes can help you feel relaxed, while the warm water starts to soothe away the tension in your muscles. And once you step out, you feel good enough to have a good night's sleep.

Just making the smallest change in your routine can make a big difference. Try it!