5 Ways to Kick-Start a Healthy Day

Start your day off on the right foot by making the most of your morning. Here are five healthy habits you can easily fit in between the alarm clock ringing and walking into the office. These simple actions can help set you up for a great day.

• Stretch in Bed -Rather than start your day by hitting the snooze button, begin by stretching in bed. Get your blood flowing by wiggling your toes and circling your ankles. I like to start my day by doing cat and cow to warm up my spine.
• Drink Water Before Breakfast - After sleeping for seven to eight hours your body needs water as well as food - being slightly dehydrated can actually slow down your metabolism. Before downing your latte, green tea, or juice, have a glass of water because according to the journal Obesity, well-hydrated cells not only work better, but they help you flush out fat.
• Eat Breakfast, Eat Protein -Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast ensures that you will eat fewer calories throughout your day, and a simple morning meal helps you think better too. Make the most out of your breakfast by including protein in the meal. These Mini Veggie Frittatas certainly fit that bill.
• Get Your Blood Moving - Exercising in the a.m. is like drinking a cup of physical caffeine. I find that firing up my metabolism with an early morning workout, helps to keep the daily stress at bay. Plus, working out in the morning is a great way to ensure you fit your workout in before your day becomes too hectic. If you can't fit in a full fledged workout, doing 10 minutes of exercise will certainly get your blood flowing.
• Say No to a Second Cup of Joe - After a long weekend, it's tempting to partake of a second cup of coffee, to rev up for your first day back in the office after thee days of play. But it is best to just say no to that second cup of joe. The extra caffeine will most likely make you anxious and increase your heart rate. Sip on a cup of green tea or herbal tea instead.