8 Easy Swaps To Be Healthier And Happier In 2017

Part of the problem with New Year’s resolutions is that it can sometimes feel like replacing something with nothing: finding time to go to the gym, finding time to cook healthy meals and all that come with both of the above.

Instead, why not take something you do now and change it for something healthier?

1. Swap cereal for porridge

We know that some cereals can be packed with added sugars, with porridge having barely any.

But the one main reason to eat porridge is that it actually fills you up in the morning. Unlike cereal, you won’t feel hungry again 30 minutes later. A better start to the day, and a good way to avoid snacking.

Here are some ways to spruce up your porridge.

2. Swap mindlessly scrolling through Twitter for a couple of hours of sleep

Looking at your phone before bed is really bad for you, and in the morning you often think to yourself ‘that was a complete waste’.

If you have problems switching off, either turn on airplane mode or leave your phone outside your room completely.

3. Swap fizzy drinks for water

Water is great for you. Drinking it frequently gives you more energy, reduces the frequency of headaches, helps you feel fuller, improves mood, keeps you focused... basically it’s a wonder drug.

Fizzy drinks, on the other hand, are packed with sugar.

4. Swap driving to work for public transport, walking or cycling

As well as being good for the environment, it’s good for your long-term health as well.

For many people the only exercise they get is walking to and from work, and it’s a much easier way of incorporating some walking into your regular routine than having to force yourself to go out when you get home.

5. Swap pizza for sushi

Sushi is great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart health, as well as iodine and vitamin A. You'll feel fuller after a sushi roll than you will a few slices of pizza.

Alternatively, Thai and Vietnamese dishes tend to be pretty healthy too – packed with veggies.

6. Swap some meat for vegetables

An easy way to add some vegetables into your diet.

Say you’re making a Bolognese sauce. Just reduce the amount of mince you cook and add in the requisite amount of veggies. Mushrooms, carrots, corn – anything at all will do and you'll feel feckin' fab.

7. Swap your flavoured coffee for a herbal tea

Herbal teas are great. They’re warming and they basically have no calories.

By comparison, the flavoured coffee you get is probably half sugar. The Starbucks caramel macchiato has 25g of sugar, almost as bad as a soft drink.

Tut, tut.

8. Swap the lift for some stairs

Do we even need to say this one you lazy sod? Lift those legs luv.

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