Everyday tips for getting and staying fit

Try as we all might not to eat too much during the holiday season, the lack of exercise has probably taken its toll. Not only were you spending time with your family at the dining table, but you were probably hanging out on the sofa too much as well. All of this was fine until you stepped on the scale and noticed the unwanted figures. Do not despair: there are tricks which will help you lose those few pounds and you won’t even realize it is happening until they are gone!

Be on the move

Try to walk whenever you can, instead of driving. If you don’t live too far from the place where you work, you could walk there and back. It may mean starting out earlier than you’re used to, but a twenty-minute walk a day is all you need to start shedding those pounds!

If you still need to use your car, you could park at least two miles from your desired destination. When you get to work, take the stairs instead of the elevator! You’re not tied down to your computer and your office chair. Try to stand and work for a bit. If you have your own office, you might even try doing some exercises, which will help you focus and stimulate blood flow. Take a walk to the bathroom during breaks to refresh yourself with a glass of water and try to walk to the nearest market when you need something, not order food to the office.

You are what you eat and drink

The main key to being fit is a healthy, well-balanced diet. Don’t force your body to go through “super-effective” crash diets. They will probably cause more harm than good. Sometimes these diets have visible results after two weeks or even less; however, it’s not fat you’re losing, your body is simply releasing water. You don’t want your organism to dehydrate. On the contrary, you should drink as much water as you can and replace sodas with healthier drinks such as green tea.

Eat basically whatever you like, but try to have small amounts of food several times a day. Eating food in big amounts is not good for your body. Eastern cultures might have the answer: if you eat less spicy food, you will satisfy both your senses and your appetite.  The best formula to arrange your meals is 3-4 larger meals and 2-3 snacks (snacks mean a piece of fruit, not a bar of chocolate!). Of course, you can still eat sweets, just not in excessive amounts, and try to stay away from the pre-packaged stuff: you can make tasty sweats yourself, which are low in sugar, and which will satisfy your taste buds.

Another good idea is to add a little something extra to your diet, which will both keep you healthier and more energized. Even though you may think supplementing your diet is not necessary if you’re not aiming to be a bodybuilder, this is not the case. Adding vitamins to your everyday diet will help you, as your body will be better prepared for the exercises you are introducing it to, and it will also recover faster both from exercising and from any illness. Replacing your daily chocolate bar with a whey protein concentrate, full of amino acids, will boost your energy levels and get you fit faster.

Energize and be positive

The best way to start your day is with a smile. The beginning is the hardest part, everything else is much easier. If you did only a few easy exercises in the morning to warm up your muscles, you would feel much more energized for the rest of the day; and maybe you could even try some Yoga. Even if you don’t have the time to join a class, you can find some step-by-step guides and try incorporating them into your daily routine. By repeating some of these exercises for a week, you will get used to it very quickly and it will become a habit.

Every day is a new opportunity and a gift which you should take with gratitude and make the best of it. Stick to your decision to stay healthy and be positive. Keep in mind that your goal should not only be looking perfect, but living a long and healthy life as well. The best way to achieve this is to make small changes to your lifestyle, which will definitely pay off in the long run.

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