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\nYes, we know there is a “day” for everything now \u2014 but\u00a0today is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, a holiday we are wholeheartedly getting behind. Because what’s more important than your health? Spoiler alert: Nothing.<\/p>\n
Now we’re not talking about morphing into an exercise and nutrition\u00a0guru or quitting your job to become a fitness influencer \u2014 though of course, you’re more than welcome to do either of those if it feels right for you. No, our goals are smaller, more manageable, and, we think, more realistic. It doesn’t take a total transformation to become the healthier version of you \u2014 even little changes can have major<\/em> impact on your overall well-being. So today, we’re celebrating National Women’s Health and Fitness Day by giving you seven super\u00a0simple ways to get healthier.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1. Swap diet\u00a0soda for seltzer.<\/strong> We love us some carbonated sweetness. That said, it’s not exactly the best thing for us. So instead, try reaching for seltzer and get the fizzy fix (and water intake) you’re looking for \u2014without the added sodium, aspartame,\u00a0and sugar.<\/p>\n 2. Eat veggies first.\u00a0<\/strong>Treating your side dish like the main event can keep you from eating more calories. So chow down on your vegetables before you dive into the rest of your meal \u2014 you’re more likely to eat something you don’t like as much when you’re hungriest (ie: at the start of a meal).<\/p>\n 3. Add 5 minutes of meditation to your day.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>It’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting your mental health by saying you’re just too busy. But the truth is your emotional well-being is as important \u2014 and linked to\u2014 your physical health. There are plenty of apps (we like Insight Timer) that let you choose ultra-short, guided meditations to start your day, unwind after work or school, or get you through a midday stress-out. We promise, you have 5 minutes. Once you start, you’ll find yourself craving those zen moments\u2014 and maybe even work up to longer ones.<\/p>\n 4. Have a glass of kombucha tea instead of wine in the evenings to unwind.\u00a0<\/strong>Don’t get us wrong, we love us some wine, but it can disrupt your sleep and cause you to put on weight. An ancient Chinese beverage also known as the \u201cImmortal Health Elixir,\u201d Kombucha tea is made with tea, sugar bacteria and yeast: This fermented drink\u00a0will give you the texture and carbonation\u00a0of its alcoholic counterpart, without the negative effects.<\/p>\n 5. Do girls’ night at the gym or go to a class before you go out to brunch.<\/strong> Who doesn’t love getting together with her girl gang? Too often though, our plans revolve around food and while catching up over a big brunch is just fun (and delicious!), try instead meeting up with your ladies to do an activity like a workout, a dance class, or something that’s enjoyable, active, and unrelated to gorging yourself.<\/p>\n 6. Commit to a workout challenge online or at your gym.<\/strong> The best way to keep fit is to keep yourself accountable. From Tone It Up\u00a0and the SWEAT app to Instagram trainers and local gyms that do boot camps or 30-day challenges, there are tons of ways to make yourself answer to someone. If you’re waiting for a sign to start, this is it!<\/p>\n