We all want to live a healthy life, but really, how can we do that? Is it challenging or do we think that it is a challenge to be fit and healthy? Well, it’s not as hard as you think it is because little changes in your lifestyle can go a long way. Here are some ideas on how to do just that:
Get More Shut-Eye
While not a lot of people might know it, sleep is crucial in losing weight. One of the easiest ways to lose weight is by getting an adequate 7-8 hours of sleep at night. This is because sleep deprivation activates and releases hormones that make you feel hungrier and harder to feel satiated. Stress hormones can get in the way of fat storage and exercise recovery, so you better sleep!
Tip: Turn off your gadgets one hour before sleeping.
Research has shown that exercise can improve sleep, including for people with sleep disorders and other sleep-related illnesses. And now there’s even more evidence of the sleep benefits that can come with regular physical activity. — Michael J Breus Ph.D.
Hydrate
Eight cups of water, or roughly half a gallon, will significantly help you in losing weight and being healthy. Drinking lots of water help increase your metabolism and keep you satiated and full between meals. This then prevents you from overeating or eating something when you’re not supposed to be munching.
Tip: Skip the soda, juice, and coffee. Go for green tea, water, or detox water instead.
Skip The Gym
Going to the gym isn’t the only way to exercise your body. Don’t go if you’re not comfortable. Try doing exercises at home or walking around the neighborhood. There are many types of activities that you can slip into your daily routine and even at your workplace. You can also try going to a martial arts program or be involved in sports. Exercising works better when you’re having fun doing it.
Objectively, exercise goes bad if it interferes with maintaining a healthy weight range, otherwise impacts your physical health (e.g., bone health), or occurs in proportionate, direct response to what you’ve been eating. — Deborah R. Glasofer Ph.D.
Tip: Working out doesn’t always have to be intensive. Start with a 10-minute workout and slowly ease yourself into it while increasing the intensity and time.
Clean Your Kitchen
One way you can avoid eating unhealthy food is by keeping them out of your kitchen. Get rid of the junk foods, processed foods and meats, and fast food meals. Instead, fill your kitchen with healthier alternatives like fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, lean proteins and meat like chicken, fish, eggs, and turkey.
Tip: You can treat and indulge yourself once a week but don’t linger in the restaurant as it increases the chances of you buying second servings.
Break Up With Happy Hour
Another thing you might have to avoid to lose weight is booze. Booze like beer contains hundreds of empty calories. They’re empty calories because they don’t have any nutrients in them that’s beneficial for your body. Drinking can also make you eat more and lose inhibitions. A study showed how inebriated participants ate 20% more than their sober counterparts.
Tip: Offer to be the designated driver of the group so that you won’t have to be tempted to drink.
Throw Out Your Scale
Looking at that scale sets you back instead of help you. It makes people lose hope because they expect a quick weight loss effect when losing weight takes time. People are so used to seeing an immediate ‘before and after’ image from the fitness and diet industry that they expect it to happen overnight. Weight loss occurs over time, not overnight, so be patient. Focus on your diet and routine, and you will eventually reach your goal.
Tip: You can focus more on your waist-to-hip ratio instead of the scale if you want to assess your progress. Do this by calculating the circumference around your hips in inches and divide it by the circumference of your waist. This is a better measurement of health as it focuses on the belly fat.
To exercise more efficiently and avoid or recover from pain, we have to learn to take more careful note of how the body feels. — Pirkko Markula Ph.D.
Take Time To Reflect
Always remember why you decided to start this journey. There will be times wherein you will feel down both physically and emotionally. Always take the time to remember your inspirations for losing weight like your family and health. Focus on the good things.
Tip: Have an alarm on your phone that would remind you of your motivation every day.