So you want to get healthy. Be more active, eat well, be more mindful and modify your behavior to make healthier choices. That's great! It's the first step in your journey to a healthier lifestyle. You also need to be ready to make the change. It does not happen over night, in a week, or even a month. It takes time to change your habits and see results. Lifestyle changes take time, patience and dedication.
Here is a photo of me in my early 20's (not sure why I was so tan) and one of me today. It took me 30 years to become truly heatlhy. I was overweight and made unheatlhy choices. It wasn't until the doctor told me that I needed to lose weight that it really hit home. I started running and managing portions better. I did lose the weight but was far from healthy. I ate tons of sugar, processed foods, didn't hydrate enough and did not eat enough protein or vegetables. As far as exercise, I had no understanding of what I should be doing. I just wanted to keep the weight down, so I ran. I didn't really understand nutrition or exercise. I just knew that I didn't want to gain the weight back.
Around 5 years ago, I started making healthier changes in my life. I made the changes slowly as I was ready. I became certified as a personal trainer and health coach and learned a ton about nutrition and how to exercise properly. It hasn't been easy, but I knew I wanted it and was ready. Now, I help others to do the same. I have listed below 35 goals that you can choose from as you are ready to make a change. Any of these goals will help you to improve. You won't be perfect everyday. No one is. You will lapse. Everyone does. You start back up and try again. Don't look at it as a diet and exercise plan. It's a lifestyle change. You are not on a diet and restricted. You are making healthier choices. You don't have to do a certain type of exercise. Just move. If you hate exercise, try to get your heartrate up by walking the dog or running up and down the stairs doing chores around the house. Just stay active! You will slowly find that you feel better, look better, sleep better, have less chronic pain, have more energy and so much more!!
35 Goals to Choose from (in no particular order)-Choose 1 at a time-once you master it, move on to another
1-Be more mindful
2-Practice portion control
3-Don’t over do it
4-Eat Whole grains
5-Drink lots of Water
6-Strength train-3 x a week
7-Stretch before and after exercise
8-Eat Fiber
9-Reduce added sugar
11-Take time to relax-try meditating, deep breathing or yoga.
12-Take care of YOU-make sure that you do things just for you and not just for others
13-Learn to love and accept yourself
14-Do 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week
15-Change up your routine
16-Get a good night’s sleep
17-Practice balance
18-If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
19-Don’t smoke
20-Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
21-Avoid trans fats -found in fried food, many baked goods, stick margarine and shortening
22-Do something you enjoy every day
23-Monitor screen time -includes phone, computer, tablets and tv
24-Keep your mind sharp by reading, drawing, playing an instrument, play games or learn a new language
25-Laugh every day
26-Build core strength
27-Avoid distractions while eating
28-Take time to digest
29-Go for annual check ups
30-Watch your sodium intake
31-Focus on good posture
32-Read nutrition labels when shopping at the grocery store and buying items
33-Take daily walks-with your dog, family, friends or by yourself
34-Change up your routine and try something new
35-Keep a positive attitude and don't give up!!
For more tips on living a healthier lifestyle, follow me on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/rachelm_trainer_healthcoach/
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