How to Stay Healthy and Fit

Being healthy and fit may flood thoughts of a rigorous gym lifting schedule, countless miles on the track, and a strict diet of chicken, broccoli, and rice. Luckily, you do not have to abide by such guidelines, nor even confide to a single one of those. The following ways to stay fit are not only effective, but discourage strict standards and encourage boundless success!

How to Be Fit and Healthy Tips

Change Your Mindset

Before focusing on the health of your body, is important to get your mind right. A negative perspective and outlook can lead to inconsistent outcomes and frustrations. View the process of obtaining and optimizing health as the total reward, gifting you with precious life to spend doing what you love, with the ones you love.

Eat for Health

When it comes to weight loss and health, negative associations stem around food. But rather than falling into fad diets and restricting foods, eat for health and start appreciating how they benefit the body. Whether it be a new vegetable or roasting, start trying various foods and techniques to prepare them. And as a general rule of thumb, go for whole foods and those colorful in nature, including whole grains and legumes, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Exercise

When it comes to being fit, exercise tends to flag great attention and for much reason. Exercise not only contributes to weight loss and maintenance, but fosters lean muscle mass, bone strength, heart health, and other benefits. Individuals are encouraged to partake in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day and incorporate strength training two to three times per week. Ultimately, try dismissing a sedentary lifestyle and try to keep as active as possible.

Keep Hydrated

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Did we mention hydrate? From contributing to an efficient metabolism to promoting bowel regularity, the importance of water cannot be stressed enough when it comes to overall health. Find out more on the importance of water and how much you should drink a day here.

Moderate Alcohol

Too much alcohol can be quite detrimental to health, as too much increases caloric load from the alcohol itself, along with heightening the temptation of non nutritious foods. And not to mention that unpleasant hangovers that plummets energy levels the next day…

Sleep

Although regular exercise and physical activity is encouraged, rest is equally as important. Sleep grants many benefits to health by lessening cravings to high-fat and sugary foods, managing hunger, regulating mood, and enhancing energy levels. Aim to sleep seven to nine hours of sleep each night and take a 20-minute power nap as desired.

Reduce Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on both mental and physical health, showing to increase the risk of weight gain, heart disease, depression, anxiety, and a number of other conditions. But rather than turning to alcohol, emotional eating, and other negative coping strategies, reduce stress through meditation, exercise, nature, and other hobbies you to do. Also allow yourself to take breaks from work, even if it is a two-day “staycation,” and scheduling activities you enjoy.

Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People

Although making healthy choices and following through with exercising is in your own hands, being around like-minded and supportive people can encourage and ensure your efforts. Whether it be getting your family on board with healthy meals or gaining a new workout buddy, confide in others for support, motivation, and advice whenever needed.

Schedule Annual Doctor Visits

One of the best ways to stay healthy is by being proactive and scheduling annual doctor visits. Their knowledge and expertise can help determine any potential health problems and concerns, along with assisting in a healthcare plan.

Stay Consistent

If wondering what the biggest tip is regarding staying healthy and fit, consistency truly is key… To maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle, make small and attainable changes that will lead to lifelong healthy habits. Ultimately, get back in the passenger seat when speed bumps arise and enjoy your very own health journey!