8 Healthy Tips For Women To Live By
Striving for a healthy lifestyle can feel like climbing a mountain. But with each step, you'll make progress.
Ditch The Latte: Studies show that coffee might help prevent diabetes. But ordering a venti mocha Frappuccino would negate any benefits, says Abdallah. “Black [coffee] is best because of the calorie content when you add all those very tasty additions,” she says. “If you want to drink one cup, sweetened, for dessert, that would be reasonable.”
Do Cry Over Spilled Milk: Although calcium is helpful in combatting osteoporosis, a 2015 British Medical Journal study found calcium supplements don’t necessarily prevent fractures. Kathryn Teng, director of Internal Medicine and Community Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center, says a daily supplement is too much. So ditch the pill and stick to regular milk or fortified options. “Better to have it come from diet than take a supplement,” says Teng.
Beat Him To Bed: Get this: Men need less sleep than women — about 20 minutes less, according to a recent study by Loughborough University’s Sleep Research Center. “The theory is that women tend to do more multitasking, so they may need more time to recover,” says Dr. Dennis Auckley director of MetroHealth Medical Center’s Center for Sleep Medicine. He recommends women go to sleep first to make sure they’re well rested.
Get Baby Bumpin': According to an April 2016 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, exercise may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. “That means runners can keep running, and you won’t have to give up yoga, pilates or swimming,” says Elizabeth Brandewie, an OB-GYN at
Find Your Zen: Even if your body is feeling right, don’t forget the mental side of health care. “Depression and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms and affect daily life,” says Brandewie. She recommends visiting a cognitive therapist. “Just talking things out with someone can help.” Meditation can also be soothing, and modern apps such as HeadSpace make it easy to incorporate into a daily routine.
Plan Ahead: Between the office, softball games and dinner, it can feel impossible to find a fitness schedule that fits into a working mom’s life. Use the warm-up time before your kid’s game to take a jog in the park or walk at lunch, recommends Steven Gorsuch, an OB-GYN at Women’s Health Group in Tallmadge. Try to pack sandwiches and fruit in the cooler instead of stopping for fast food. “It’s a matter of planning ahead,” he says. “But it can make a huge difference.”
Forget The Numbers: As hard as you may be trying, that number on the scale might remain the same. That’s OK. “I know you want to see the scale move, but you’re still healthier,” says Gorsuch. Don’t overlook the harder-to-see victories of improved blood pressure, and joint and bone strength. He recommends keeping a journal of your healthy eating and weekly exercise. “It can prove to the person, ‘Hey, I am doing positive things,’ ” says Gorsuch.
