Happy Monday! It's a new day and a new week! It's also a new opportunity for change. School is getting ready to start back, and things are about to get back on a schedule again (somewhat!) and may be a good time to decide to do something for yourself, for your health, for your happiness. The only person who ultimately can decide to help you eat better, take better care of your health, and have a more positive outlook ....is YOU. We spend so much time caring for other people, it is time to carve out time and make it a priority to invest in ourselves. It is not selfish to take care of yourself! In fact, when we feel better about how we feel and how we look, it makes us better parents, spouses, friends, children, and workers. So I have listed 6 easy things that you can do to make a change and hopefully, stick to it and make it a habit.
1. Start a exercise program, or routine:
Maybe you don't exercise at all, or it is sporadic. Just start being consistent in your exercising. My morning workouts are what get me going! I feel energized and positive each morning after my workout! Just be determined to set a time each day to exercise. You may say that you don't have time. We all have the same amount of hours and minutes in our day, it's just a matter of making time. I have four sons so I know when the kids are young it is really tough, but you can get creative and you can do it! Personally, I have to get up earlier than most people are awake (haha) to exercise. If I don't do it then, it just won't get done. But everyone's schedule if different, so whatever you can do to make it a priority and be determined to stick to it, just do it! Remember, this is an investment in YOU, in your health and how you feel and how you look. You deserve it and you are worth it. Your family is also worth having a healthier YOU as well!
2. Eat a healthy breakfast, preferably at home:
I did a blog post a little while back with some quick and healthy breakfast ideas, Eggs, oatmeal, yogurt and fruit, and avocado toast to name a few. Get up a little earlier and plan to have the stuff you need at home for a good breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast actually weigh less than people who don't. If you eat breakfast at home, you are far less likely to give in to less-than-healthy breakfast that you might get from a drive-thru, or a donut at the office. If you eat a healthy breakfast, you will feel more energized and ready to have a productive day!
3. Pack your lunch:
Same as the healthy breakfast, a healthy lunch is also important and possible. It just takes a little planning to have what you need and taking the few minutes to pack it or have it available at home if you are going to be there. Not eating out saves a lot of money and calories, and you know what you are eating.
4. Cut out added sugar in your diet:
Many foods have sugar in them naturally, like fruit and even some veggies, but cutting out, or decreasing added sugars in the food you eat will not only cut out calories but you will feel so much better! Try to cut back on or cut out sodas, candy, cookies, energy drinks, and pastries. Just doing this alone will be a huge step in getting in shape and feeling better. Try to replace those foods I just named with healthier options, like fruit, cheese, nuts, veggies or yogurt.
5. Drink more water:
Water obviously hydrates every part of our body and keeps things working properly. It actually will flush out toxins and excess water the body holds when it feels like it's being dehydrated and it keeps you feeling full.
6. Lastly, but so important, have a positive outlook!:
Smile! Look around you and be thankful for all those blessings you have! Do something everyday to be a blessing to those around you,expecting nothing in return. These are just a few friendly reminders to stay positive and not get in a negative rut. Having a grateful attitude for all the blessings in your life is a great place to start!
So friends, when you read this, try one or all of these simple reminders to do something for yourself this week and beyond to make positive changes in your health and your state of mind! But be sure to do Number 6! Have a great week friends!