Easy Ways to Get Fit and Healthy!
Trying to make healthier lifestyle choices can be a little bit daunting. Sometimes it's hard to know where to start, or maybe, how to keep going. So today, I thought I’d talk about breaking down some of these changes into small steps, so that they become habits over time.
Stretch! Every single day!!! A good stretch can help increase the flow of blood to your whole body, which will make you feel more awake and limber. It can also help with muscle coordination, range of motion and tension relief. It’s quite easy to reap these benefits when we stretch regularly, which is why it’s so important to make time for it, even on rest days.
Get creative with your downtime. A whole weekend spent in front of the TV isn’t all that good for you. I’m not saying you need to give up watching TV, but don’t let it be the only thing you do on your days off. Instead, look for fun new ways to get out and be active. Go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride. That way, you’ll squeeze in a little extra movement here and there and will feel better for it!
Perfect your squat technique and do them everywhere. Don’t waste those minutes you spend waiting around. Learn how to do the perfect squat and start doing them whenever you have a free moment. Brushing your teeth? Do a couple of squats. Cooking dinner? Do some squats. And during your lunch break? Take advantage of some of the time and get moving! It will not only get the body working as one unit, but it will get your NEAT up and provide mental clarity. The point is to get your body moving!
Add more veggies to your plate. If veggies are taking up less than a quarter of the space on your dinner plate, it might be time to overhaul. Vegetables provide you with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals to keep your energy up and fuel your body’s processes. Try out different preparation methods if you find vegetables a bit boring! Season them with herbs and spices, try sautéing or grilling them, or mixing them secretly into different dishes.
Eat at the dining table. When people eat in front of the TV, chances of overeating are much higher. Our favorite shows are such a big distraction, we don’t realize how fast or how much we’re eating. Sitting down at the dinner table with no distractions helps you to practice ‘mindful eating’, where you are more aware of when you’re starting to feel full and how much you’re actually eating.
Curb your sugar cravings with fruit. Keep lots of healthy fruit, veggie and protein options on hand! Instead of reaching for snack foods that are full of sugar, take the edge off with some fruit. Eating a banana or an apple with a little nut butter can take care of that sugar craving, while also providing you with some extra nutrition. And if you feel like mindless munching, keep carrots, cucumbers or other crunchy veggies on hand.
These sneaky changes can help keep you on the path to better health. Small steps add up over time, so keep at it!
Xoxo, MK
