In our busy world, there is precious little time to eat healthfully and squeeze in daily fitness while meeting the demands of jobs and family. The idea of doing it all can be daunting -- unless you decide to adopt a "can-do" attitude and make healthy eating and exercise a priority.
You've heard it before: eat less, get more exercise, and you will lose weight. It's a very simple formula, yet so difficult to put into practice. Just about every day, most of us can find a reason why we "can't" follow this weight-loss mantra. But when having nutritious foods available, eating healthy meals, and getting physical activ- ity truly become priorities in your life, you find the time to get the groceries, pre- pare the meals, and fit in fitness.
Do you really want to lose weight once and for all and improve your health? Then stop making excuses and just do it! Granted, that's easier said than done. But it's essential to have the right frame of mind if you're going to succeed.
10 Tips for a No-Excuses, Healthier Lifestyle
Say goodbye to all the excuses and break the cycle of bad habits with these 10 tips that will set you on course toward a successful weight loss journey:
1. Find a buddy to join you in regular physical activity. It's always more fun to walk or work out with a friend. And when you know your buddy is counting on you, it strengthens your commitment.
2. Make a commitment to yourself. Acknowledge that making an investment in your physical and emotional well-being is important both to you and your family. Give yourself permission to spend time on you. The "to-do" list can wait.
3. Learn to enjoy healthier foods. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These foods are the foundation of a healthy diet because they are low in fat and high in nutritional value. They also provide great satisfaction, allowing you to feel full on fewer calories.
4. Discover an activity you enjoy. It could be riding a bike, walking in the mall, playing tennis, swimming, or Pilates. Consider signing up for an exercise class where you can meet new friends. When your physical activity is fun, it becomes a part of your day that you look for- ward to.
5. Establish a time of day for activity that works in your schedule. Many folks get up a little earlier to ex- ercise; otherwise, it gets squeezed out of their day. Early-morning routines energize you for the rest of the day and leave little room for excuses.
6. Be realistic with your physical activity and healthy eating goals. Start slowly, and gradually increase the duration and/or intensity of your workouts so you don't burn out quickly. If you're not a vegetable fan, try some new recipes, experiment with unfamiliar tastes, and you may well begin to appreciate the deli- cious and versatile nature of low-calorie and nutritious veggies.
7. Track your progress in a journal, or keep it sepa- rately in a notebook. Writing it down is a testimony to your commitment, and it's rewarding to see your ac- complishments in writing.
8. Words of wisdom can help when you need a boost. Jot down inspiring words you see on message boards, read in articles, or get from friends. Keep them with you, and turn to them in time of need.
9. Reward yourself when you meet your goals for a week or longer. Give yourself something special (preferably not food). Go to the movies, get a mani- cure, or get your car washed.
10. Change your lifestyle once and for all. Eating more healthfully and getting active for a few weeks is great, but it's not the answer. Adapt your lifestyle by incor- porating healthier behaviors and keeping at them until they become automatic. Take a hard look at the way you're eating and exercising, and commit to making small changes that you can live with over time. Small changes add up to big results if you keep them up.
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