It’s 2016, and New Year's resolutions have been made. Many people make it their goal to have this year be the year they lose weight, but after a few weeks go by, that goal slowly fades into the background of everything else going on in life. The goal of this article is to hopefully help you kickstart your health resolution, without telling you to actually go to the gym. Try to incorporate these 12 things into your weekly routine, and you will discover that a little effort can go a long way.
1. Drink water
You’ve probably heard this a hundred times before, but there is a reason for that. It works! Not only will water help keep you hydrated, but it will also help make you feel more full throughout the day. This can minimize the need for snacking, and it replaces the sugary drinks that you might normally consume during meals.
2. Take the stairs
Instead of taking the elevator to get to your class or job, take the stairs. It is a super easy way to increase your heart rate and burn some calories, even if only for a few minutes. Make this a habit and it won’t make you feel out of breath after a while.
3. Make your own meals
As fun as it is to go out to dinner with friends, don’t make it part of your routine. Most restaurants don’t use the healthiest cooking methods (that’s why the food is always so good), so try to limit yourself to eating out only once a week. It can be helpful to make a meal plan on Sundays before going to the grocery store, that way you know what to get instead of roaming up and down the aisles grabbing random items. Learn to love cooking, and it will definitely help to eliminate excess calories.
4. Go for a walk (or a run!)
When the weather starts to get nice, there is nothing better than enjoying the fresh air while burning some calories. Going for a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to clear your head, and if you are feeling motivated, try running instead.
5. Try to limit your stress
Stress can unfortunately lead to weight gain, so try to minimize how much stress you experience if possible. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is released when we become stressed, which can cause you to eat more. To help lower your stress level, try to avoid procrastinating and find something that will help to calm you down, such as yoga.
6. Eat healthy fats
What? I’m telling you to eat fats? Yes, I am, but not the kind found in junk food. Healthy fats are found in foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds, salmon, and olive oil. These omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats can help increase your metabolism, therefore burning more calories throughout the day.
7. Take vitamins
If you aren’t taking a daily multivitamin, it is time to start. It helps to make sure that you receive all of the vital nutrients you need throughout the day. Other vitamins that can be beneficial include green tea, fish oil, and other vitamins that can make up for any nutrient you may be lacking. For example, if you don’t get a lot of calcium in your diet, it may be a good idea to take a calcium vitamin. Always make sure to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before taking supplements though!
8. Avoid late-night eating
Ordering pizza at 2 a.m. may seem tempting, but don’t do it. Your metabolism slows down when you sleep, so anything you eat within a few hours before sleeping will not be used for energy, and is usually stored as fat. If you start feeling hungry at night, try drinking a big glass of water instead.
9. Find a workout you actually like
Instead of forcing yourself to go to the gym and run on a treadmill, find a cardio workout you are interested in. Biking, swimming, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, or other exercises that get your heart rate up are great ways to increase your energy and improve your overall health. Working out doesn’t have to be annoying, just find something you enjoy!
10. Find a fitness buddy
Know anyone else who is looking to become healthier, or someone who has already created a fitness routine? Ask to join them in your quest to improve your health. Working out is so much more fun when you have a friend to motivate you, and they are also great for staying in with and making a yummy, healthy dinner!
11. Don't compare yourself to others
“Fitspo” is great and all, but don’t let their bodies intimidate you. Everyone is made differently, and for all you know, they may be naturally thin. Don’t try to lose weight for someone else, and don’t get worried when you’ve been working out for a month and don’t see a difference. I promise you are making progress, it just takes time for your body to show it.
12. Learn to love your body
It may sound cliché, but it’s true. When you have a positive mindset about yourself and your body, becoming healthier won’t seem like a chore. Eat your fruits and veggies because you know it will make your body and mind happy, and work out because you like to feel strong and empowered. When you learn to love your body, you will be much happier, and being healthy will come naturally to you.
