HEALTH

We all know that our quality of life is in part dictated by one factor: our physical health. And staying healthy may seem like it just comes down to mundane decisions like choosing to eat an apple over a packet of chips or going to the gym daily, but there are actually plenty more, less obvious ways to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Want to live to 100 years old (er, at least close to that)? Then read on.

Floss!

Dental hygiene is an obvious must, but brushing your teeth and gurgling mouthwash are not the only two tasks to supporting healthy teeth and gums. Flossing your teeth is important too, as it prevents the buildup of gunk known as plaque, early gum inflammation known as gingivitis and tooth decay.

Drink lemon water

Look no further than a squeezed lemon for numerous health benefits.

Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is especially vital to your health, but there are most certainly added benefits to gulping down some lemon-infused h20. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also detoxes your bod, rejuvenates your skin, boosts your mood and even cleanses your liver. Who knew?!

Meditate

Meditation is an approach to training the mind, as well as a gateway to ultimate relaxation and less stress. Fortunately, it also offers other significant benefits for your body, including lower blood pressure and improved blood circulation.

Don't worry if you've never tried it—although it is certainly difficult for beginners to obtain an "empty mind," there are many different techniques that help in achieving ultimate relaxation, and besides, practice makes perfect!

Eat dark chocolate

This cocoa product is chock-full of nutrients that can positively impact your health. Not only does it contain a ton of fiber, it's also loaded with antioxidants, which work in your body to make your skin healthier. Studies have shown that dark chocolate also leads to a sharper focus and less anxiety. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, ditch the sugary milk chocolate and go dark.

Get your Vitamin C

This vitamin not only holds the unique status of being considered an anti-aging superstar by skincare experts around the world, but it is also one of the safest and most effective nutrients. Apart from actually taking a supplement, it can also be found naturally in many foods, including: oranges, green peppers, watermelon, broccoli, tomatoes, winter squash, mango, kiwi and berries.

The main health benefits include treatment of the common cold and boosting the immune system. So the next time you are offered orange juice at breakfast or slices after your soccer game, be sure not to pass them down.

What are your tips for healthy living, GL gals? Share in the comments below! 

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by Cecelia Yost | 9/25/2016