MarkComments Off on Habits: Turning FATbits into FITbits:
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” –Aristotle
What is your reaction when you see people around you in perfect shape? Jealousy? Envy? Or do you just shrug your shoulders and say, “I’d rather have this mac and cheese”? Either way, while we may not all care about body image, we certainly care about health. So finish that mac and cheese now but tomorrow we’re having spinach and going to spin.
This could be a habit worth your while; understanding that getting fit and healthy isn’t about deprivation. It’s about recognizing balance and listening to your body. I know, we’ve all heard that- “listen to your body”. What does it even mean?
In my opinion, it is being in tuned with how your body is feeling. Ever notice how sluggish you feel post McDonald’s chicken nuggets? There’s a reason. In the same breath, ever notice how much energy your body releases post workout? There’s a reason for that too.
Many of us say working out or eating mindfully is too difficult with the time crunched schedule most of us live with. Are you making excuses for yourself? Isn’t anything possible? What you’re really saying is that it’s not a true priority. If you can actively plan your social life around The Bachelor, you can squeeze some broccoli and weights in too.
Discipline can be tough, I’ll admit it. But remember for every time you dedicate yourself to a priority, you achieved something huge. Before you know it, the things you didn’t make time for become priorities and then your priorities become your lifestyle. Let’s get started.
8 Habits You Should Follow to Stay Fit, Remain Healthy, and Be Successful
Being on a diet doesn’t really work.
Yes, beginning your journey with a designed regiment, like the HCG Diet, is very useful in kick starting your body into gear. However, living off of a diet, especially an extreme one, for too long of a period will ultimately backfire. Diets are meant to start you, not to sustain you. Generally speaking, after your body has lost a bit of the initial weight, your resting hear rate has lowered, and you’ve found exercise you enjoy, you will naturally find the foods that work for you (while maintaining your new health).
Never, ever, skip a breakfast.
If you are among one of those who think that skipping your breakfast is an easy way to lose flab, you are in for a surprise. Statistical studies reveal that 80 % people who have lost 30 pounds and have been able to maintain it for over a year confirm that they never skip their breakfast. I always have a green smoothie and then perhaps an egg white wrap with vegetables if I want that extra protein. You can easily add protein your green smoothies though; collagen powder, hemp seeds, chia seeds, etc. Having breakfast will prevent overeating later in the day.
Don’t look at exercise as a burden.
One of my favorite workouts is spin or biking. It Not hard on the joints and you break a sweat. Additionally, it is very easy to track your progress as you realize every so often you can increase your resistance. You will find the competition you have with yourself is your biggest motivator.
Just like food, however, listen to your body. If things aren’t feeling right, take a day off. Or if you need that extra hour of sleep, skip the gym before work. Everything is at your own pace so it doesn’t have to seem like an obligation.
Drink water. A lot of it.
Juice, soda, or even green tea – none of them can take the place of water. Nearly 70% of the body is made of water. Water is crucial for the proper functioning of your body and is part of almost every conditioning program. Also, people who drink less water tend to overeat.
Eat more often, but in small amount
Research suggests that eating more often in small amounts lowers cortisol levels in our body. Cortisol is a stress hormone in our body. When we don’t have food for more than three hours the cortisol levels in our body increases.
High cortisol levels means more fat around your belly. When you have small quantity meals more often for longer duration your cortisol levels remain low which helps reduce your abdominal fat. Also, having small quantity food throughout the day reduces your urge to have big servings during the regular meals.
Eat whole foods.
Believe it or not, the people we look at as healthy and fit rarely deprive themselves. Fit, healthy and successful people have a habit of eating more of whole and unprocessed food. Whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, including oatmeal, salads, apples broccoli, and brown rice are all low calorie foods which helps you remain fit and healthy. Eventually you’re going to realize the way broccoli makes you feel better than fries taste.
Know what you eat.
No, I’m not necessarily talking about calories. While yes, they are important to moderately track them, calorie counting falls into dieting. Know the amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and general nutrients your foods can provide for you. You’ll quickly realize that naturally you’ll be more inclined to eat more whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Those are complex carbs and packed of benefits. You can pretty much eat as many vegetables as your heart desires.
The 80/20 rule.
This rule is to eat mindfully and wholly 80% of the time. The other 20%, you have that ice cream, that pasta, anything! But only 20% of the time. This way your body is benefiting a majority of the time and you’re still staying sane with a treat every now and then. I promise, your favorite foods will actually start to taste better when you limit their intake.
Like previously stated, diets are your place to start because they offer you a set of rules, guidance you may not already have.
Once that guidance has led to self-reliance, you can taking the healthy training wheels off! Think of Solutions Weight Loss as your training wheels for your initial ride. We offer the HCG Diet Plan and medical weight loss Orlando services.
More importantly, we provide you with the confidence and professional help that will assi
