Healthy tips for getting fit in 2015 – part 1
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EmailTips to help you start your year on the healthy track.
The New Year has arrived and people are thinking about making lifestyle changes for the year. Michigan State University Extension recommends that individuals follow healthy lifestyle tips to obtain health benefits. Nutrition experts at CHI Health recommends 15 healthy tips for 2015:
- Forget the willpower: It will only get you so far. Instead, set yourself up for success by keeping processed junk foods out of the house completely. The American Heart Association recommends having healthy snacks on hand that are crunchy, munchy, sweet and thirst quenching to help you avoid eating foods that are sugary, salty, high in fat and calories.
- Shake it! Dancing not only burns calories but the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention says that regular exercise improves mental health and mood.
- Tailor your workout to your moods; if you’re:
- Angry: Kickboxing, boxing, etc.
- Bored: Spinning class, step aerobics or a new fitness DVD can provide good mood-busting exercises
- Lonely: Any group fitness class
- Depressed: Try outdoor walking, biking or running
- Stressed: Turn to mind-body exercises like yoga, Pilates or tai chi.
4. Revamp your workout: Try having a session with a personal trainer. Boredom and cold weather tend to make people lazy. Work on something new to keep things fun. Find access to an indoor pool and try swimming.
5. Turn everyday chores into a workout: Shoveling snow is a great way to get some fresh air and a quick workout. If you really want a workout, shovel your neighbor's walks as a friendly gesture.
6. Start moving first thing: People who exercise in the morning may be more successful at losing weight than those who exercise at the end of the day.
7. Find a reason to re-energize every day: Make a list of your goals, design an inspiration board or find a motivating picture and put it on your mirror. Anything that reminds you why you want to do whatever it is you are trying to do. Finding even one way to avoid backtracking gets you one step closer to your goal.
8. Figure out what your body's really telling you: It is easy to confuse your body's signals for thirst and hunger? If you're feeling hungry, you might actually be thirsty. Drink a glass of water, distract yourself with something and see if that “hunger” doesn't go away.
Before starting any exercise program or engaging in physical activity it is recommended that you first consult a physician.
Read tips nine through 15 in Healthy tips for getting fit in 2015 – part 2.
