Healthy Time!

Recently, while watching TV, I've been making sure to sneak in a little workout on the commercial breaks!

Especially with how busy I have been this summer, it's very important to fit in a little heart pumping when I can. Think about it this way, if you are watching an hour long show, you can fit in 15-20 minutes of a workout! Over one week, at 15-20 minutes a day, it will add up to anywhere from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes. It's simple, keeps you moving, and keeps your heart pumping. 

During each of the commercial breaks I fit in a couple of these workouts:

• 30 crunches
• 15 push ups
• 15 squats
• Hold a squat while doing punches in front of you for 30 seconds
• While on hands and knees, do 15 leg lifts on each leg
• 20 lunges (10 on each leg)
• Jump "invisible" rope for 30 seconds (jump as if you are using a jump rope, use your arms too)
• Jog in place for 30 seconds

Basically make up any moves that will get your heart beating in a short amount of time! Make sure you feel the burn, especially with the lunges and squats :)

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Some other health tips I use to keep myself on track:

• If snacking, count every bite. It will keep you focused on what you are eating, so it isn't an absent minded snacking!
• Eat slowly, take deep breaths between each bite. It will help to keep your eating paced out better and also keep you conscious of your eating.
• If you are craving something, wait your age in minutes (if you're 20, wait 20 minutes). If after that time, you are still craving it, go for it. Make sure you eat controlled portions though. Even if you want to indulge in something, make sure you do it with moderation. Use the breathing in between bites to slow down the excitement for a treat! Don't let one treat override all the work you have already done!
• If you are serving yourself, start out with small portions. You can always go back for more, but don't overload your plate. The more food you have on your plate, the more likely you are to eat it. I find that even if I'm satisfied, if food is sitting in front of me, I'll start nibbling on it. 
• If you are going out to eat, remember to pace your food. If you find you are satisfied and you haven't finished your food, either put it in a to go container for leftovers later or push it out of sight, so you won't be tempted to eat it. 
• Plan ahead for your meals if you are going out to eat. It will be easier to stick to your plan if you already know what you can eat and where.
• Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can. When eating meals that include fruits and veggies, eat them first. It's better to start filling up on veggies than on starches!

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The most important thing to remember when you are trying to live healthier, is to eat and live consciously.

Know what you are putting in your body and doing with your body and how it affects you later. 

If I don't work out one day, I'll feel sluggish the next day. Knowing how your body feels and experiencing how much better you feel after working out and eating right is so important.

Remember, that a certain unhealthy food may make you feel good for a moment, but being healthy helps you feel good for a lifetime.

Do you have any good healthy lifestyle tips?

xoxo,

jamie brooke