We all have bad habits that we obtain over the years. All bad habits can range anywhere from biting our nails to smoking a cigarette when we are stressed. It is important to keep in mind that while some of these bad habits won’t hurt our health, many of them do. (However keep in mind some of our so called “bad habits” can actually IMPROVE our health as well) Knowing the difference between good and bad habits to keep while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important!
Bad Habits
Smoking
You probably could have predicted this to be one of the worst bad habits a person can have. Smoking not only increases your risks of lung cancer and heart disease, it also can slow you down when trying to be healthy. Even though by picking up a cigarette the thought of eating food might subside for a little while, picking up that cigarette will only increase your inability to work out efficiently. Many people use the excuse from going to smoking a pack a day to maybe two cigarettes a day, however a study in Tobacco Control, researchers have found that moking less doesn’t reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. If you have to choose to break one bad habit, this should be your number one!
Drinking
A glass of wine is nice to have every once in a while, and it even is good for you and your heart. However having a Margarita every night you go out with the girls or having those shots of liquor will all catch up with you in the end. Not only can these extra calories add up in the end, they also can take a toll on your skin’s appearance and having frequent hangovers will remove your motivation to work out and decide to stay in bed. So next time your out with the girls, opt for a glass of red wine instead of that long island ice tea.
Stressed Results in Overeating
So you get to work and find out your boss wasn’t pleased with the performance you have been showing for the past month at your work. You already had a bad night of sleep, so when you get to work the last thing you want is to be yelled at by your boss. The first thing you do when you get to your desk is open up your drawer and grab a candy bar.
Over eating when you’re stressed out is a very bad habit to have. Times get hard, so your only comfort is eating. Emotional eating can be the pitfall to having a healthy lifestyle and a successful work out routine. Even though you may go to the gym later, these extra calories that you decide to eat this very second aren’t going to be able to be worked off as easily. Being aware of what you are eating during the day when you are feeling gloom can help prevent over eating or eating unnecessary food. Think before you eat it and ask yourself if you really need it and if it is really going to make you feel better.