Here are a few quick changes you can make to your lifestyle to see faster results from your workout routines, boost energy levels, and feel positive changes to your internal processes.
So many people seem to get discouraged when they work out for weeks and barely see change. This causes them to just give up. What many may not realize, though, is that their bad habits are hindering their progress. Even if you are eating healthy, you may not be eating organic. I stress on my blog the importance of eating mostly organic. In order to truly improve your internal health, you should be ingesting organic and NON-GMO foods 80-90% of the time. I know it sounds hard and expensive, but if you learn to budget and buy bargains, it becomes much more feasible for many families. Here is an informative article on how I buy organic on a budget. Once we get our garden started, I will probably be able to cut that budget down immensely. Alright, now let's go over a few easy changes you can make to get your body right.
Leave fruits and vegetables in bowls on the counter
If you follow my health posts, then you know you should be spending about 70% of your monthly grocery budget on fruits and vegetables (preferably organic). Set out 2-3 bowls on your counter and fill them with the fruits and veggies. This will promote healthy snacking. Remember to keep filling them as they get lower. I always try to have pears, apples, oranges, bananas, avocados, and onions out. It helps when cooking dinner, as well. There may be things that have been sitting out for a while, so I’m forced to incorporate them into our meal. This pushes me to get more creative with my recipes.
Keep hardboiled eggs in the fridge
This is great for those who do not wish to have prepared snacks on hand at all times (who wants to be in the kitchen THAT much?). It’s an easy way to get a quick snack that is higher in protein, amino acids, nutrients, and healthy fats. If you don’t do eggs, find another healthy snack that you enjoy. Feel free to get creative. Every time you have a craving, look in the fridge for that ready-made snack or grab a piece of fruit or raw veggie. This will help to promote healthy snacking habits. Rule of thumb: go everywhere else in your kitchen to look for a snack before sticking your head in the pantry.
Don’t even keep soda in the house
Just don’t do it. Honestly, out of sight and out of mind. I really don’t miss it. The minute that stuff touches my lips, I can feel the bulge coming on in my belly. I may have a glass when going to a restaurant, or if I need a mixer for those fun nights. Other than that, it’s purified water all the way. If you drink coffee and juice, remember this: I endorse only organic coffee and juice, as the synthetic sugars, preservatives, pesticides, genetically modified ingredients, and heavy metals in everything else will do you no favors when trying to stay fit. Consider infused detox water recipes. Water can get old, but it doesn’t have to. Just keep in mind that you are filling your body with incredible nutrients, and that helps to maintain perspective.
Break up your daily workout routine
If you feel a 30-minute or hour-long workout routine sounds just absolutely daunting and you don’t want to do it, then don’t. Break it up. If you’re sitting in front of the computer doing something, watching television, or even in the kitchen making lunch, find a few moves that you can do utilizing your area. I regularly do core strengthening moves using my chair. I have found some interesting workouts using a couch. I also love doing “barre” workouts with leg extensions employing the bar in my kitchen. If you’re walking around trying to find something to do, just get on the floor and do a quick plank workout. I love moves that build strength and that you can really feel after just one or two sets. Try to make a family outing of walking around the neighborhood every night or three nights a week. Walking, or jogging, 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes, coupled with strength-building and core moves done throughout the day, is really all you need to get fit. Focus less on fat burning and more on muscle building. You will melt fat so much faster while strengthening the muscles underneath.
Get in bed
Go to bed by 10 pm most nights, if you can. Obviously, life happens and this is not always possible. You must remember the importance, though, of sleep. People die without it. It takes your body time to recover if you do not get enough after just one night. Sleep revitalizes your body, slows the aging process, improves memory and cognitive health, helps to reduce stress and depression, promotes muscle building and weight maintenance, and enables heart health. Those are just a few of the benefits. Go to bed already.
Look into fasting
There is a plethora of information on the topic out there. Fasting has been practiced by many cultures for thousands of years. From a health perspective, it allows your body to rejuvenate and replenish its cells. It gives your digestive system a rest, and it is the quickest way for fat to be consumed. If you are not interested in giving this a try, you must be willing to train your body to not overindulge, at the very least. The less you eat, the smaller your stomach becomes. I never go an entire day without eating, but I typically ingest only water, tea, or coffee until about 12 or 1 pm. My digestion is near perfect, I never feel bloated, and my workout results are seen quickly. Keep in mind that your body will become sensitive to change. If you have a “cheat day”, you WILL feel it. There are several different types of fasting schedules you can choose from. You just need to find one that works for you. It will take time to train your body. It is not an easy route. When you are eating, you must try and restrict yourself to fruits, vegetables, minimal protein from meat and dairy, and healthy fats. If you are consuming processed foods with synthetic ingredients, you will not reap many of the benefits from this practice. There are several internal benefits to trying this out. Look into it and give it a chance.
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