As 2013 moves along we can continue with the old habits or start practicing healthy habits so we can start shrinking slowly. We start January 1st with mighty force maybe because everyone else is trying to take off a few pounds or because we listened to a health show or watched a successful dieters show that really motivated us. Unfortunately, most people will probably fall off the wagon by the end of the second week in January – just about right now! So to help you stay motivated I want to share my five best secrets for embracing life changing habits for good:
Juicing – I can’t emphasize enough what a life saving tool this habit brings. This is an easy way to eat your 5 a day (five fruits and vegetables) and prevent chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, digestive problems to name a few. This is not a license to drink all the fruit and veggie juice you want – the key is moderation. You only have to juice 8 oz. but if you want a quick pick me upper save another 8 oz. for the afternoon snack attack! Here is my favorite juice = 2 large carrots, 1 to 2 apples and 1 teaspoon lemon juice – yummy! If you don’t have a juicer use the blender!
The easy moves – This means exercising without even wearing gym clothes! Here it goes: Place your phone really far so you have to run to answer it, get off the train or bus a few stops earlier so you can walk a few blocks to work, walk around you’re building a few times during lunch, while watching novelas do squats, sit ups or if you just want to stay in the couch grab a couple soup cans and lift them up and down. My favorite: dance with the broom. This is when I let all my anxieties run away while singing to Ricky Martin songs from the top of my lungs while sweeping la casa.
Add colors – Not difficult for Latinos since we love just about anything that is edible! But, I am talking about filling your plate with a variety of colors. This will help you have a well balanced diet without counting calories, fat, vitamins, minerals, etc.
Think twice about skipping meals – This is the number one mistake dieters make – they starve themselves during the day and eat the house and more at night! If you are in a rush grab a glass of low fat milk with a fruit, or a low fat yogurt, dried cereal, leftovers from the night before – anything! Just don’t leave the house with an empty stomach. Skipping meals will lead to overeating later in the day. Try to spread your calories during the day instead of eating all your calories at night – it will make a huge difference!
Rest – Take time for yourself and truly enjoy your well deserved rest. Turn off the phone and have some “me time”…you will be a happier and more energized to tackle just about anything that comes your way.
Go ahead and take the first steps to a healthier life style – these tips are very doable but they will make a significant difference in your life 🙂
