We are heading into the summer months, maybe you had plans of leading a healthier lifestyle. It’s not too late. Here are six tips to get you started.
Manage your weight
What foods do you reach for when you’re hungry? Do you go for a pint of ice cream or a bag of chips? In what ways do you subconsciously eat? Automatic eating patterns may include eating when; watching television, driving and working. Begin to notice when you “automatically” eat. Many people complain that weight loss diets are too harsh and they don’t even work. I think they fail to take into consideration the smaller portions they eat subconscious throughout the day. Pro tip: Don’t buy snacks you won’t resist. Sweets, chocolates, and cookies are my guilty pleasures.
Do yoga
Practicing yoga is one of the most realistic fitness goals you could set. Yoga nourishes your mental and spiritual states while exercising. It’s often associated with increased flexibility and relaxing your mind. Besides the cardiovascular benefits, yoga is an adequate exercise for toning your muscles. Bikram yoga is an even better choice for those targeting weight loss due to the extreme heat. Practicing more often and having extended sessions is required for maximal benefits.
Routine check-ups are a must
Car owners take their cars to be serviced each month. How many of us take such good care of our bodies? While cars and planes get routine checkups, it’s sad we never do the same to our bodies unless we’re sick. During checkups, doctors determine what tests to perform based on our health conditions. Cardiovascular fitness should be complemented with regular visits to the doctor. Our lungs, heart, and muscles work together in more ways than we think.
Eating more protein
Protein-rich foods aren’t for bodybuilders only. Proteins help in losing those extra pounds by keeping you fuller for longer. While nuts and beans are good protein sources, fish, eggs, and meat contain amino acids essential to fitness. Know your limits. The same proteins that help in losing weight may make you fat.
Keep your cravings at bay
It is hard resisting chocolates. Especially dark-chocolate chips. Let’s be real, controlling cravings for unhealthy foods is the hardest part of dieting. How do we avoid craving for sugar-rich processed junk? Surprisingly, we often confuse thirst for food cravings. When desiring specific food, drink water. If it goes away, you were just thirty. Plus drinking a lot of water reduces appetite. It, therefore, aids in weight loss. Plan meals. By knowing your next meal, you eliminate uncertainty.
Drinking more water
Why should you stay hydrated? Your mind is mostly water. Drinking water increases mental alertness. Your psychological state is heightened, and you can concentrate. Plus, your energy levels get a boost too. More water leads to frequent urination and sweating. This flushes out toxins while reducing risks of forming kidney stones and getting urinary tract infections. Looking for an anti-aging solution? Water is your best friend. A moisturized skin is softer, smoother, glows more and less likely to develop wrinkles.
Guest Blogger
Abigail Perry, she can be reached at abigailperry159@gmail.com or her website.
