With everything we have going on in our lives, how do you fit fitness into your everyday life? It can be done but you must remember the small things that you can do that don’t take a ton of time but create the lifestyle. It is all about doing these small things daily, until they become a part of your routine without giving it much thought. Consider these reminders and integrate them into your life.
-Drink water throughout the day. Carry a 32 oz water bottle with you and ensure that you drink 3-4 of them a day. If you carry your water with you, wherever you go, you are more likely to drink your water.
-Cut back on the cola. Sugar is a no no and a sure way to add on pounds quickly! Even diet colas are not the best option with all the loaded dyes and additives that can literally rot your teeth and insides. Substitute cola with green tea, plenty of water, and flavored waters.
-Say no to sugar. In todays world, sugar intake has gotten out of control! Cut back on refined foods that are high in refined sugar. Wherever possible use natural sugar alternatives. Opt for natural healthy snacks. If the foods come from the center isles of the grocery store, it may not be the best choice.
-Stock up on healthy grab and go snacks. When you are grocery shopping, think about things that are easy for you to grab when you are on the go. Some of my favorites are fresh fruit, string cheese, nuts, yogurt, wholegrain crackers, Quest bars, veggies (carrots, jicama, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers). Snacking on the wrong foods is a sure way to add calories but if you have the right snacks you are good to go.
-Take the time to plan each day in advance. Use one or two days a week to cook food and plan out your week. Once you have everything prepared, it only takes a few minutes to prepare everything the night before so when you wake up you are good to go. Not being prepared can lead you to a drive-thru, later in the day, so be sure to have your meals and snacks prepared.
-Frozen fruits and veggies is not a bad idea! Believe it or not, they actually can have higher amounts of vitamins and minerals because they don’t sit around losing these nutrients, while on the truck getting here or sitting at the store waiting to be bought. (another reason to buy organic and local) Get frozen organic fruit and veggies and see how easy this makes your life!
-If you don’t pick a few days to cook for your entire week, cook double servings, at dinner, so you have your left overs ready for your lunch the next day!
-A good rule of thumb is to stick with the “80/20” rule in your eating. If 80 percent of what you eat is healthy, you are in a good place and well on your way to healthy living! 80/20 is very realistic and allows for your nutritional plan to be realistic for your everyday life. If you are 100% all the time, that may not be completely realistic. Don’t beat yourself up if you are following 80/20, you are in a good place and doing great!
-Fit in exercise whenever you can. If you can’t do the recommended 30-45 minutes 4-5x/week, just get it in when you can and wherever you can. A little bit or something is better than nothing!
-No time for the gym- don’t worry, you can get it done at home or outside! Master your 20-30 minute at home workout routine. Have hand weights handy and combine simple dumbbell exercises with crunches, leg-lifts and lunges and that is a great workout!
-Walk! Where ever and whenever you can, walk! If it means walking to the bank, walking up the stairs, parking and walking farther from your parking space to the grocery store, walk on your lunch break, wherever… just walk! Every step adds up.
-Sleep! Get enough sleep, enough said!!
Hope these reminders help you and keep you on track with your goals. As you may see, these are all simple things that will make HUGE differences!
Keep up the great work!