The nationwide lockdown saw us stay at home and stay safe. While several people saw this break from normal life as a chance to get back on track with their health and wellbeing, many more individuals took a backwards step.

According to a study by Slimming World, 65% of Brits found it very or somewhat difficult to manage their weight during lockdown. Team this with the fact many of us didn’t get our summer holiday this year, and our waistlines have grown a little more.

The NHS’ latest anti-obesity campaign is getting people thinking about their health once again, but weight loss and better health begin with the right habits.

Here, we share the five healthy habits to adopt right now to ensure better health and wellbeing in the months ahead.

1. Start the day off right

Eating a healthy breakfast provides the energy you need to start the day and replenishes the nutrients lost during sleep. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential to boosting health, improving fitness, and enhancing brain function.

People who eat breakfast consistently tend to have better control of their weight, with regular breakfast eaters less likely to be overweight or obese. Mayo Clinic explains the reasons why breakfast not only curbs your hunger earlier in the day but all day long:

“Eating breakfast may reduce your hunger later in the day, which may make it easier to avoid overeating. When you skip breakfast, you may feel ravenous later and be tempted to reach for a quick fix — such as vending machine candy or doughnuts. Also, eating breakfast may reduce cravings, especially for sweets and fats.”

2. Get out and get active

You don’t have to shell out for an expensive gym membership to improve your health and fitness. The weather outside may be getting chillier, but there’s still so much to enjoy outdoors. 

Britain’s beautiful beaches are stunning in the autumn and winter months so go and explore to boost your fitness levels.

3. Drink plenty of water

Water is vital to better health and wellbeing, yet so many of us don’t hit that recommended eight glasses a day target. As well as providing great hydration to ensure your body and mind have what they need to function properly, drinking more water has been proven to help you lose weight.

Water is a natural appetite suppressant, and as a result, increases the feeling of fullness, reduces hunger and curbs unnecessary snacking. It’s also a great detoxifier and cleanses the body inside and out to aid digestion, prevent bloating, and eliminate harmful toxins.

Whilst filtered water is the best, healthiest and tastiest way to fulfil those hydration goals, it’s important to remember that all fluids count.

So, why not mix it up by enjoying a perfect cup of tea or infusing your filtered water with your favourite fruits and vegetables?

4. Go back to basics with your diet

Processed foods are particularly unhealthy. By going back to basics with your diet, you can easily increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Opting for more natural foods, in general, will also help you to avoid the heavily processed foods that contribute to poor health and fitness.

Natural foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients too, which means you’ll feel more energised to take on the day and exercise more often.

5. Sleep better

Getting a better night’s sleep may not be the most obvious weight loss tip but it does work. By achieving better sleep quality and quantity, you’ll feel more energised come the morning and even curb your hunger whilst you’re awake.

Better sleep also helps to fight cravings, so you can make healthier choices when it comes to what you eat and drink, and how much you exercise.

Habits, including the ones mentioned above, can’t be established overnight. Your mind and body will need a helping hand to stay on track. Set daily reminders to keep your new, healthy lifestyle going, whether that’s a prompt to drink water, or scheduling a date with your other half to cook a healthy meal together.

By making these healthy habits a part of your every day, you’ll move closer to the healthier lifestyle you desire.