Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle
We all want to do right by our bodies. While some of us are good about keeping up with what we eat, what we do to stay active and how we treat our bodies, others might be otherwise wrapped up in day to day activities that a healthy lifestyle seems too cumbersome and the idea gets put on the back burner of our lives for a rainy day. It’s important to remember that each of us is only ever given ONE body, so we should do our best every day to be good to it.
Working out for many feels like a chore. Unless it’s a routine you are already used to keeping up with, it might feel more like a punishment than a treat for your body. No one ever said that working out was meant to be ‘easy’ but the more you do it and keep up with it on a regular schedule, the easier it becomes. My dad is famous for saying to me “I don’t like working out.” My answer to him is always the same – when you realize the benefits of what working out does for your body, it won’t feel like such a burden, but you put your mind to getting out there and DOING something. Anyone who is an avid runner will be the first to tell you that if you start a running regimen and then suddenly stop and don’t get back to it for a while, getting back to it can feel like you are starting all over. To prevent this feeling, it is best to start out slow and train your brain to use your workout time as “you time” or “meditation time.” Most of us get so busy that it can be difficult to cut away any time for ourselves, but if you can use some time away at the gym, you are essentially killing two birds with one stone – your body is getting a workout and you are getting a break from the hustle and bustle of life. It doesn’t have to be a two-hour spin class, but if you can do that – hats off to you! It can be as simple as a brisk walk for 20 minutes, a light job around your neighborhood or an afternoon bike ride to de-stress from your day.
Another good thing we should do for our bodies is eating right. Yes, who doesn’t love a good cheese steak or ice cream sundae? Most of us enjoy a sweet treat or a junk food splurge every now and again. As the saying goes – everything in moderation – is great. This DOES NOT mean we should eat that in small portions every single day. If you spend time planning your meal plans for your entire week and keep your grocery list to healthy foods, you will be less likely to stop on your way home from work for “fast food” when you know you have spent money on food that is waiting for you at home. Pre-planning meals is one great way to spend less during the workday, as well. When you pack your lunch, the tendency to go out and spend money on unhealthy food choices is also smart for your wallet! It is a win-win situation, right? Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables are your best bet for your buck and keep you feeling fuller longer.
Lastly, it is important to see you see your healthcare provider if something begins to not feel right as you get adjusted to your new healthy lifestyle. If you begin a running regimen and you have chest pains or knee pains, you could be doing yourself more harm than good, by ignoring your body’s signals. Physicians can tell you what you can do to overcome any obstacles you face and offer you suggestions for work-arounds if you need to throttle back on your workout plans.
Physicians and Nutritionists can also help you work out an eating plan to help you maintain your weight goals and keep you feeling on track.