Exercise and nutrition aren’t always fun, but they’re essential to living a long, happy life. Eating well boosts energy and improves mood, while physical activity helps burn calories and build muscle mass. When doing both well, you can reduce your stress levels, improve sleep quality, and have a positive body image.
You don’t have to wait until next year or even tomorrow to begin feeling better. But, if you’re looking for ways to motivate yourself, these three simple tips will help you feel motivated to eat better and exercise more.
Determine Your Why
Define why you want to eat more healthily, lose weight, or get fit, and write them down. Your reasons can include preventing diabetes, looking your best for your wedding, fitting into your favorite dress again, improving your self-confidence, or keeping up with your kids. Many people start their health journey because their doctor suggested it, but you’re more likely to achieve success when your motivation comes from within. Your “why” will help you stay motivated to reach your goals. Read through them daily and use them as a reminder when the temptation to stray from your goals arises.
Recommit to Healthy Habits
Gaining a little bit of weight isn’t the worst thing in the world. On the flip side, some people forget to eat due to hectic schedules, stress, or anxiety. Either way, looking beyond body weight, your long-term eating habits impact your health. Snacking all day, even on healthy ones, can lead to a calorie surplus. To recommit to healthy habits, focus on one thing at a time. Maybe you want to eat less sugar or more vegetables every day. Tell others about your health and fitness goals to help you stay accountable. Invest in a gym membership or exercise classes. You’ll be surprised at the big difference a single change can make. Plus, you’ll be more likely to follow through.
Pick (and Stick) to a Plan that Fits YOU
Find an eating and exercise plan that you can stick to instead of choosing one that would be nearly impossible to follow in the long term. Strict diets that eliminate certain food groups, unless for medical or ethical reasons, may lead to weight loss at first, but most people tend to gain back the weight. When it comes to picking an exercise routine, it’s best to go for the one you’ll enjoy rather than something that will feel like a chore.
Consider creating your own custom plan. Make sure you speak to your doctor or a personal trainer about what type of exercises fit your current health situation or fitness level. When it comes to eating the right food to reach your health goals, a nutritionist can help you on the right path. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you’re healthy.
[RECIPE] FAJITA BOWL
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 pound frozen peppers and onions blend
- 2 15-ounce BPA-free cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (salt-free)
- Sea salt, to taste
- 8 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup organic sour cream OR vegan sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese OR vegan cheese
- 2 avocados, sliced
For an omnivore option, serve with shredded chicken or chopped steak.
Directions:
- Add oil and frozen blend to a cold large skillet.Turn the heat on to medium-high, then bring to a sauté.
- Allow to caramelize, cooking for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in beans and seasonings, then cook for 3 minutes to warm through.
- Serve mixture over lettuce, then top with remaining ingredients.
To Your Health,
Patti
