Most of us realize we could be living healthier lives, but we struggle with implementing the behaviours that would make such a change possible. While it isn’t super easy to do, following a plan others have set out makes the process easier versus trying to figure stuff out on your own.
In this post, we have put together a road map we hope will get you on the path to a healthier you. Check it out below…
1) Put together a smart eating plan
It’s said that hot bods are made in the kitchen – we agree with this assessment, as it is far easier to adjust the amount of calories we intake than to ramp up physical activity. This isn’t to say that working out isn’t important (it is), but the first step towards health for most people is to start by shedding the excess pounds they are carrying.
By figuring out your daily energy expenditure, and ramping down the amount of food you eat so you are in a caloric deficit, you will lose weight over time. Of course, it is important to ensure you are getting enough vital nutrients and to eat vegetables like spinach to keep hunger pangs in check, but if you are eating less calories than your body needs to maintain itself, your metabolic system will begin to draw on your fat stores.
Finally, to ensure long-term compliance to a healthy eating regime, have one cheat day per week where you are permitted to eat any food you desire, so long as you don’t eat more than 1000 calories over maintenance. Exceed that and you’ll set yourself back on your weight loss goals and you’ll feel like crap the next day – so don’t do it.
2) Participate in a sport/physical activity you enjoy
While a smart eating plan will help you shed considerable amounts of weight, physical activity has benefits of its own as well. It increases your daily energy expenditure, improves your cardiovascular health, and helps to strengthen bones and muscles.
Unfortunately, many feel they are limited to running or going to the gym, even if these activities bore or intimidate them. Do look into the endless fitness apps to help you on your way. Fortunately, the ways one can break a sweat are virtually limitless – from swimming to playing tennis, we’re confident there is something out there that is both physically engaging and interesting to you personally.
By taking it up, the motivation to keep going will keep you from breaking the habit, making it easy to tone your body and keep your metabolism in tip-top shape.
3) Find ways to get your steps in
Even if you are too busy to engage in sports or other physically active pursuits on some days, you can still find ways to up your activity level in the run of your daily routine.
Bike to work instead of driving, at least during the summer. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Park at the back of the lot at the grocery store instead of hunting for a spot near the doors.
All these acts increase energy use over the path of least resistance, making it easier to stay in an energy deficit or maintain your current body weight.