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Committing to Getting Fit Is Step One
One of the unexpected takeaways from the recent worldwide pandemic known was how much people became more aware of their health and how vital it was to ward off the devastating effects of the disease. Coupled with the quarantine that prevented us from socializing, we began educating ourselves on how to get healthier and more fit from home. If you are looking for ways to get healthier, then this guide can help.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. A balanced diet consisting of whole foods, rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, can help in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other health problems. Incorporating healthy eating habits, such as consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can also enhance mental well-being and improve immunity. Eating a nutritious diet not only nourishes our body but also provides us with the energy and vitality to lead a fulfilling life.
Holistic approaches to fitness go beyond traditional workouts, incorporating natural methods to enhance recovery, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Acupuncture can help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote faster recovery after intense exercise. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, is known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, boost endurance, and enhance muscle recovery. Check application with MD or Naturopath before using.
Pay Attention to Food Labels
Food labelling doesn’t have to be that mysterious, however. There are some basic numbers you should look for when deciding on what to purchase and consume.
● Serving Size. If the serving size says one cup, then that’s how many calories and other nutrients are contained in that amount (one cup) and not the entire package.
● Daily Value. Those are the percentages of each nutrient a person who consumes 2,000 calories per day should have daily.
● The Right Percentages. Choose foods that have lower percentages of sugar, sodium, and saturated fat and higher numbers of Vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
● Ingredient List. Foods with more than one ingredient must list them all in order based on weight/amount. Those with the largest amounts are listed first.
Giving Exercise a Chance
Few people actually get the recommended amount of exercise per week. That lack of exercise can lead to mental/cognitive decline, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, increased risk of cancer, weakened bones, and premature death. Most people cite time as their excuse for not getting enough exercise with time at work being the key reason. However, it is possible to incorporate fitness into the workplace.
● Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Climbing stairs regularly lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your bones, builds lean muscle mass, and even helps you sleep better.
● Stand more often. You can purchase a desk that allows for standing or sitting or a converter to use with your current desk. Before you make any major purchases like this, spend a little time looking through reviews so you can locate the best products for the money you’re spending.
● Create a fitness group with your co-workers with challenges like “The Biggest Loser” or “Daily Step Challenges.”
● Care for your mental health, too, by keeping your office (and home) free from clutter. And use natural remedies to clean. It will remove debris and cleanse the energy in your space.
● Use break times to walk outside or if the weather is inclement, find a route to walk inside the building, and wear a step tracker to help you reach your step goals.
No More Excuses
You don’t need a gym to exercise. Walking around the block while carrying weights, practicing Yoga or Tai Chi in front of an instructional video, or riding a stationary bike or rowing machine in your own home means gym fees or hours of operation won’t stop you from getting fit. You can even use chairs or kitchen counters for tricep dips. Lean against a wall and see how long you can hold a “wall sit.” Put on some upbeat music and dance while you wait for your food to cook.
Taking time to understand how to become healthier is far better than trying to manage disease caused by a poor diet or a sedentary lifestyle. And remember – No matter how slow you go, you’re still lapping everyone on the couch.
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