Small Steps To A Healthier Future

Switching from soft drinks to water can save thousands of calories each month and help you lose weight easier. It also will reduce the health issues that soft drinks can cause. Getting started is confusing for people who live a very unhealthy lifestyle. They don’t exercise, get adequate sleep, or eat healthy. That’s a lot to change. It can be overwhelming. Start slowly. Each step will get you closer to one goal at a time.

Find ways to move more, then start an exercise program.

You can increase your daily steps by parking further from the store and walking. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you’re really out of shape, take the elevator up and the stairs down, or use the elevator for several floors and the stairs for the rest. Start walking more and increase your pace as you get fitter. You’ll be ready to exercise in no time.

Change your eating habits slowly.

Make an effort to cut out sweets and refined carbohydrates. If that’s too big of a goal, eliminate your favorite or cut back on it significantly. Let’s say you love donuts and eat several a day. Postpone eating each one by a few hours. You’ll eat one less by the end of the day. You’ll reduce the number you eat and eventually cut them from your diet. Sometimes, it becomes a habit that’s hard to break. If you try and fail, no harm. Get back on track immediately and say no to seconds. Substitute refined carbohydrates with fresh fruit. You’ll be amazed at how sweet it is when you cut back on food with added sugar.

Create a sleep schedule.

If you aren’t getting adequate sleep, you’ll be drowsy. That can contribute to accidents and poor work performance. It also can cause you to eat more. The body produces more hunger hormones when you don’t get enough sleep and fewer satiety hormones. That contributes to weight gain. Lack of sleep increases your risk of heart disease and interrupts the circadian rhythm. Sleep helps your brain reorganize and clean itself. It gives your body a chance to heal.

• Take time when you eat. Chew your food longer and savor every bite. Chewing food longer and taking your time improves digestion and allows the stomach to signal to the brain that it’s full.
• If you find it hard to give up unhealthy snacks because you’re hungry between meals, prepare ahead. Have healthy snacks ready to prevent the temptation of junk food. Plan to have healthy snacks.
• Fried food isn’t healthy. It’s also fattening. If you avoid fried food, you’ll cut calories while eating healthier. Don’t cut fat from your diet. Instead, focus on healthy fat from foods like avocados.
• Drink more water. Water can give you more energy if you’re slightly dehydrated. Your body requires adequate water to function best. If you drink water before you eat, you’ll eat less.

For more information, contact us today at Thrive Fitness!