You think gymming is tough?
There seems to be a bit of confusion among us humans. Most people think that exercise is the be-all and end-all of becoming healthy/ healthier.
Now, don’t get me wrong – leading an active life, and making sure you are strong, fit and mobile are all key concerns that any person should prioritise.
BUT in a general sense, it’s really not as complicated as we make it sound.
- Exercise can occur in other places than a facility that you pay for.
- Exercise can occur in short bursts of time.
- Exercise can be incorporated into life’s most basic tasks.
NEWSFLASH Eating good quality, nutrient-rich food is what is really difficult!
The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is in eating good, clean food. In my opinion, this would equate to a good balance of good fats, protein and loads of vegetables. For me, unprocessed foods are key. If I can’t tell what something is without looking at the label, I will think more than twice before I consume it. Reading labels of food items is key – sadly, often, there is sugar hiding in the most unexpected places. I know one of our popular “more healthy” food stores puts sugar in the salmon… can someone help me figure out why? awkward
While eating clean food is crucial to build a healthy system, adding just a bit of exercise is enough to keep the average person in a great state of health going forward. Again, exercise is secondary. It’s pretty easy to add a 20-minute walk into your daily activities without even leaving your office premises.
It often takes a while to get one’s brain around to the decision point. Once you’re committed to eating right, you will know exactly what I mean. Our lives are busy, and to avoid the convenience “food” trap, one must be prepared.
Preparation is key
In my life, this means that I spend my Sunday afternoons/ evenings cooking and preparing food for the coming week. I must shop, ensure there is enough food in the house to be cooked for the week, ensure there are enough healthy snacks, and ensure that the fridge is filled with goodness. Then I cook a few dishes and put them away for use during the week. Each morning I get up early to pack food for my husband and me to take to work. This may not sound that complex, but it does take a lot of time.
This week I challenge you to cut out ONE unhealthy thing that you eat or drink for 30 days.
E.g. Soft drinks, sweets, crisps, french fries.
Assess how you feel and then decide for yourself whether you want to keep it off the shopping list.
One last tip – what you don’t buy, you won’t eat! 🙂
