| As a health coach, I am often asked questions like, “What do you eat? How often do you exercise, and how do you exercise?” It can be very confusing to know what is healthy. Let’s face it, we are flooded with health information; some of which is contradictory. That doesn’t even take into account that each person is an individual, and what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another person. Still, there are some things you can follow to help you achieve some healthy habits.
Drink More Water Yes, this subject again! Every morning, you should get up and drink a glass of lemon water. (By lemon, I mean the fresh kind and not something out of a bottle!) Lemon water has great benefits. It flushes out toxins and stimulates the natural enzymes in the liver. In addition to that, lemons boost your immunity and also give you a good dose of potassium and Vitamin C. It is a great way to start the day. You can choose to drink lemon water throughout the day, but whether you do that or not, make sure you drink enough water to hydrate yourself. Exercise Don’t go more than two days without exercise. It doesn’t have to be a trip to the gym. You can run up and down the stairs at work, or you can take a walk. Whatever you do though, make sure you keep up a healthy exercise routine. Keep moving. Also, try some high intensity interval training (HIIT). If you don’t have time to go to the gym, buy yourself an exercise video. This type of exercising is where you will find that if you are smart about exercising, you don’t have to engage in long, drawn-out exercises. With HIIT, you rev up your workout because it involves basic intervals up to high intensity intervals that involve maximum effort, not just a higher heart rate. Combine your strength training and cardio into an interval format so that you feel energized and stronger in a shorter period of time. HIIT workouts can enhance cardiovascular fitness, increase lean muscle mass and boost your metabolism. One more comment on exercise. You have to do what fits best into your own personal lifestyle. For me it works to get up earlier and exercise in the morning before work, and then on weekends I work out with weights. For others, going to the gym after work fits into their lifestyle. While others might go for a jog when they get home in the evening. You need to work your exercise routine to best fit you. That way you are more likely to stick with it. Count nutrients and not calories When people mention “diet,” they automatically think of deprivation and a strict “diet” for losing weight. However, if you are eating the right foods, for example, eating a clean diet with everything from its natural form — not boxed, processed foods — you will find that you can eat more yet lose weight. If you are eating the right foods, you don’t have to count your calories because the natural foods you are eating work together nutritionally to balance your weight. Our bodies love healthy fats such as nuts, olive oils and avocados, not to mention fresh fruits and vegetables. Making the right choices makes your digestive system work efficiently, fuels your body with nutrition and leaves you more energized than you’ve felt in a long time. Have a preparation day Sunday for me is the day I prepare my meals week for the week. You will find doing this helps you to eat a healthy diet all week. You will not be tempted to stop by your favorite fast food restaurant to grab dinner because you don’t have anything to eat at home, or you are just too tired to go home and prepare all that food. Here are some ideas to help you prepare ahead:
Put these foods in containers or freezer bags and store them in the refrigerator. You can then basically “grab them and go,” ready for work, or you can use some of what you have prepared for meals in the evening. Whatever you do, you will find maintaining a healthy lifestyle so much easier if you “batch cook” or prepare your meals ahead and store in the refrigerator or freezer. This has just become a way of life for me, and has made my life so much easier, and has definitely helped me maintain my weight much more easily. I would highly recommend giving these ideas a try. If you already have a habit you regularly incorporate into your lifestyle, share it with me. I would love to hear from you. |
6 Fitness Tips to Get You Where You Need to Be
Good perspective and reminds us that adding in one activity a day can help nourish our body properly.
Thanks for the tips, I will follow your tips. cheer!
Hey Lynne,
Really great article!
proper hydration, healthy foods and more physical activities can help keep body fit and healthy.
Thanks for motivation 🙂