Weight Loss with HEALTHeME

Weight loss and good health made simple

Friday, January 6, 2012

3 Ways to Improve Your Health in 15 Minutes

Live better in just 15 minutes!

Do these simple things to lose weight, improve your mood, and live longer.


In our fast-paced world, most of us are searching for ways to do more in less time. We want to be healthy, fit, and reach our goals but we want to do it in record time. The current physical activity recommendations state that adults should do at least 30 minutes of activity 5 days per week, and this leaves many hustlers and bustlers cringing. But, new research suggests that you can enjoy big benefits with a small time investment.

1.  Stop Snacking, Cut Sweets
Do you think it’s impossible to pass by the candy dish at work? A recent study suggests that a 15-minute walk may be the cure to your sweet tooth. Researchers found that study participants who took a brief walk before completing a specific task ate 50% less chocolate than their sedentary counterparts. So, if you are trying to kick your snacking habit, stress less about your willpower and carve out some time in your busy day to get moving.

2.  Meditate
If you discovered a pill that would help you stress less, increase your confidence, and lower your blood pressure – all at the same time – how long would you stand in line for this drug? How about 15 minutes? Well, good news: you get to sit down for this “drug”! A recent study found that 15 minutes of meditation, practiced twice daily, helped a group of teens significantly lower their blood pressure. Not only did their blood pressure decrease, it actually remained at the healthier number several months after the intervention. Plus, meditation is well known for it’s stress busting, feel good benefits.

3.  Exercise
A 2011 study found that inactive people who added just 15 minutes of physical activity to their day could significantly reduce their risk of dying and add three years to their life expectancy. Fifteen minutes of daily physical activity also reduced their risk of cancer-related death. Researchers found that you could further reduce your risk of death by 4% with each additional 15 minutes you tack onto your workout.

No excuses! Even the busiest among us can find 15 minutes every day to live a healthier life. And, doesn’t it seem like almost a bargain that just a few minutes out of your day can add years to your life.