Bad habits are easy to learn and hard to get rid of. Chances are you've built at least a few in your 20s. But as you approach 40, it may be time to step back and assess what changes need to be made. These are the unhealthy habits you need to break before your 40th birthday.
Crash Diets If you're going on a vacation or have a party coming up, you might be tempted to go on a diet to shed some pounds fast. But a crash diet is a very bad idea, so don't start it.
Sitting all day Sitting all day is harmful to health. You don't need to do intense exercise or run to stay active and fit – even walking can do wonders for your general mood and health.
Never read books
We know how easy Netflix has made it for you to binge-watch, but you really should take the time to read. By reading you can keep your brain sharp and, among other things, prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Eating a low-fat diet
The time for low-fat cheeses and yogurts is over. Fatty foods have a number of health benefits that you don't want to miss.
Use artificial sweeteners
Some artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Instead of artificial sweeteners, try other healthy alternatives.
Staying up too late
Your body needs sleep. The health effects of sleep deprivation are actually quite disturbing. If you are around 40, you will notice these effects faster.
Skip meals Skipping meals is never a good idea. If you skip even one meal, it can damage your body. Your metabolism will drop and your blood sugar will fluctuate. Do your body a favor and eat consistently throughout the day.
Avoid dairy
Unless you're allergic or intolerant to dairy, avoiding it probably isn't the healthy solution you're thinking. Dairy products are one of the main dietary sources of calcium. Calcium intake is especially important leading up to your 40s. Your bone mass begins to decline, and if you don't supplement it with enough calcium, you could be at greater risk of osteoporosis or fractures.
Don't rest
We know you're busy. But take the time to de-stress and relax every now and then. Stress is bad for you. So take the time to relax to get rid of the daily worries.
Never stretch after training Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, strong and healthy, helping to maintain your range of motion and ability well into old age. Keep your joints mobile and cared for by always stretching after your workouts.
Counting calories
As you age, your metabolism fluctuates. There is a very real possibility that it will slow down as you keep counting the same number of calories for a different metabolism. Because your metabolism determines how much energy you need from food each day - and your metabolism changes unpredictably - counting calories is pointless. It is better to listen and respond to your hungry signals.
Reduce carbohydrates Fiber is an absolute must for anyone over 40. This soluble fiber is often consumed in carbohydrates – whole grains such as bread, pasta and oats are rich in it and should be eaten liberally. If you reduce the carbohydrates, you will probably feel really tired.
Drink Binge
You're not 20 anymore. You've probably lowered your alcohol consumption a bit since then, if not for health reasons. Binge drinking is characterized as consuming 4 or more female drinks in the span of two hours. Stop it because you shorten your life!
Drink a lot of soda
Soda has no nutritional value, but it does contain a lot of sugar. Overdoing it puts you at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Not drinking enough water Drinking enough water is important for health. Make sure you drink enough. Water helps to regulate your digestion, which aids in the absorption of nutrients. Water is also used in many of the body's basic functions; Hydration helps keep your organs running smoothly.
Smoking
There is no wrong time to quit smoking. But if you're almost 40, it's definitely time to stop. After just one day of quitting cigarettes, your risk of heart attack begins to decrease. After one year, the risk is halved. Given all the other age-related factors that increase the health risks for your heart, you really should give up the cigarettes now.
Never go to the doctor
People often neglect to keep up with their preventive health care and ignore serious symptoms because they appear benign. The faster you respond to a health problem, the better. Visit your doctor regularly so he or she can monitor things like cholesterol, blood pressure, and lung health.
Forgot sunscreen
If you don't put on sunscreen, you risk more than just wrinkles. The sun can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. So never forget!
Neglecting the skin care
Your skin can benefit greatly from just a few minutes of care a day. Remove your make-up from your face and then wash it off before going to bed. Also in the morning you should wash your face and use a moisturizer.
