Say it with me: your health is important. Healthy living is important. Like really important. We all know this. But we often don’t know how to change our habits… or it seems like it’s just not worth it. Or it’s way too hard.
Tips for Healthy Living (Without Actually Hitting The Gym)
Listen. I totally get it. I mean, I go through rounds of arguing with myself. But it’s making healthy living a priority that really causes me to push for change. And there are little things (seriously-like barely ever leave your house things) that you can do to get started.
Try To Walk As Often As Possible
Seriously. You don’t even have to leave the house. Pace around your living room while you make that phone call. Fill the laundry baskets half full and make an extra trip from the laundry room to the couch to fold.
If you’re leaving the house, instead of taking the car, try walking to and from the store. Or, if you’re craving a latte, then walk to your nearest coffee shop.
If you’re like me and you live in the boonies, park far away from the entrance to Target or Sephora and get some extra steps.
While you’re at it, get motivated by listening to music. You just need your Smartphone and some headphones and walk around your neighborhood.
A quick walk will do wonders for your heart, health, and even your muscles.
Eat Less (But More Often!)
I get it.
I call it a win if I remember to eat before 7:00 pm.
And I know I’m not alone. Some days you’re so busy that you don’t eat breakfast, end up skipping lunch, and then have a HUGE dinner (or second and third dinner).
Other days, you eat breakfast, but lunch is thrown together or fast food and dinner isn’t happening.
And then there are the days when you eat only junk.
The problem is that all of these scenarios will slow your metabolism down.
This means you gain weight, and aren’t ‘on the ball’.
Instead of focusing on 3 square meals, try to eat 6 to 8 small meals each day.
Pack a series of snacks if necessary and store them in the fridge at work or in your desk drawer if there’s nothing that’ll spoil.
When you eat smaller portions regularly, you’ll boost your metabolism, which will keep your weight in check, and you end up burning more calories throughout the day.
Eat Soup
Not everyone likes soup. But it’s really, really good for you.
If you fall into the category of soup hater, don’t give up.
You can make yourself a very healthy meal when you make your own soup. Plus it’s super easy.
Try adding veggies like spinach or carrots to your broth to increase the flavor and add some extra nutrition.
Not into veggies at all? Try blending them into your broth and adding healthy protein to balance things out.
Love chicken soup? Try it noodle-free.
Just be careful to limit super thick, high starch soups like a baked potato and clam chowder-they’re delicious but not necessarily super healthy.
Give Yourself a Break
If you’re going to stick to a healthy lifestyle, you have to remember that you’re human too. You’re going to make mistakes…
…at least I do.
So if you just downed a chocolate bar, a burger, or a slice of pizza like it’s your job, don’t beat yourself up.
Get back on the wagon with your next meal. It’s only a problem if it’s happening all the time.
Remember, you’re trying to get healthy, not make yourself miserable.
If you control how much you indulge, meaning that you’ll have a scoop of ice cream instead of the whole tub, you can have the proverbial treat and eat it too.
