Living a healthier lifestyle will make you feel better, both physically and mentally. Most of us have indulged a little (or a lot!) over the festive period and are feeling slightly sluggish and lethargic, so thoughts turn to losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.
Here are some things to think about if you are looking to adopt a more healthier lifestyle:
1. You don’t have to eat less, you just have to eat right. If you’re just trying to be healthier and possibly lose some weight you don’t need to start drinking kale smoothies, eat nothing but chicken and broccoli and abandon everything you love! It’s about balance. Eat plenty of what is good for you with the occasional treat or two. Moderation and self discipline are key.
2. Create healthy habits not restrictions. A healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean cutting out or restricting the things you enjoy. It’s about making changes to your lifestyle that will be better for you. Don’t punish yourself with restrictions. Change your habits by eating well and you will feel better inside and out, whilst enjoying your treats even more.
3. Food is fuel, not therapy. We all have our comfort foods. For me it’s chocolate, but I know when to stop. Eating to fuel your emotions or to fill a void will give you an unhealthy relationship with food. This can quickly become a vicious cycle leaving you with negative thoughts about the way you look and feel. Eat to fuel your body, nothing else.
4. If you eat better, you feel better. There’s no question that what you eat affects how you feel inside and out. A better diet can improve your mood, give you more energy and help you think more clearly. Combine healthy eating with exercise and you will find it lifts your mood even more and improves your overall body shape.
5. Being healthy isn’t a goal, it’s a way of living. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise can lead to stress and tiredness. It can also contribute to the risk of developing illnesses and long term health problems. If you want to live longer and enjoy seeing your grandchildren grow up, you need to adopt a healthier lifestyle now.
6. Short term diets don’t work, long term lifestyle changes do. It’s a known fact that diets can help you lose weight initially, but as soon as you start eating “normal” food and don’t count points/calories, the weight will pile back on. Do you really want to eat according to points or calories for the rest of your life and yoyo in weight? I can think of nothing worse. Commit to changing your lifestyle and you won’t have to.
7. Mindset is key to living a healthier lifestyle. If you learn how to change your mindset you can change your eating and lifestyle habits. This will help you reach your health and fitness goals and thrive in life.
Healthier Lifestyle = eat better, exercise often, feel good, think positive.
Remember you don’t need a New Year to make a change, you can do it any day of the week. Focus on the long game. Knowing that you’re working continuously towards a goal can help you stay committed and positive.
Take the leap of faith. Make the Change. Not tomorrow. Not next week, but NOW.
https://www.oaxlifecoaching.com/book-your-free-consultation/
Chris