7 Ways to Focus on Your Metabolic Health

If your metabolism has been out of whack, or you're just interested in ways to make sure your metabolism stays healthy -- I have some tips for you.   

Ever since it was discovered just how intertwined gut health is with immune health, doctors and medical experts urge us to get metabolic health back on track.

Fortunately, you can make a few simple tweaks to your lifestyle to improve your metabolic health and improve your overall health.

1. Focus on your strength by making small changes

Healthy metabolic balance comes from taking small steps across the board with better nutrition, hydration, exercise, stress management, mindfulness, and sleep. Each of these things makes you healthier overall and will lead you to your health goals when you balance them. 

2. Find a way to move your body

Heading to the gym isn't always feasible, but you can get in a quick workout anywhere. Experts say you should do about 20 minutes per day, so find a yoga routine on Youtube or go for a jog around the block. Find ways to keep moving that work for you every day. 

3. Step away from those fad diets

Good gut health and metabolic balance come from eating a rainbow of colors, keeping portions in check, having more natural sources of fiber, plant-based foods, good-for-you fats, high-quality protein, and carbs with low GI. In other words, you do not have to starve yourself or eat bland foods to get your body in a healthy state. 

4. Water is the circle of life

Fill your cup and drain it often. Repeat. And if you feel bored with plain water, get an infuser so you can add fresh fruits to it for all the flavor without all the harm. 

5. Stop sacrificing your sleep

We so often burn the candle at both ends, and we may not realize how much it affects our entire health. It's not just about being tired and cranky -- it is affecting your metabolic health and immunity, also. Get the sleep you need every night, with the best-case scenario being no less than 7 hours.

6. Fight your stress head-on

If you can't get rid of a source of stress, find positive ways to fight it. Meditate, start a journal, talk to a friend, or seek counseling. Even breathing and a short exercise routine can be enough to chase them away. 

7. Kick bad habits for good

We all have bad habits. These will vary from person to person, but the way to change them doesn't. The simple way to ditch bad habits is to begin changing your routine. If you find yourself reaching for a glass of wine every night out of pure habit instead of an actual desire for a glass of Spanish Tempranillo, fill your glass with something else instead. Create a nightly hot tea routine to take the wine's place, or even a champagne glass filled with sparkling flavored water. Begin changing your "bad" habits by replacing them with better ones. 

By improving your metabolic health, you reduce your chances for chronic illnesses, you'll have more energy, and you'll start to feel better overall.