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I will be the first person to tell you that I don’t like going to the gym. I don’t like all of the mirrors. I don’t like that other people can sit around and look at me and judge me (and potentially even Snap me). I also low-key don’t really know how to properly use most of the equipment at the gym, and I sure as heck don’t know how to properly lift weights. For a long time, my aversion for the gym kept me from living any kind of healthy lifestyle.
Living healthily was never a priority for me. When people think about getting healthy, they often associate that with going to the gym. Since I’m not a gym-going kind of gal, I just pushed the thought of me ever really living a healthy lifestyle to the side. Of course, my avoidance of the gym was just another excuse for me to be lazy.
Luckily, I have a group of friends who keep me motivated to live a healthier lifestyle. Now, I’m not going to lie to you and say that I portion my meals, eat all my veggies, and work out four times a week, because that couldn’t be further from the truth. Being healthy, like most long-term goals, is a journey. You can’t just flip a switch and all of a sudden everything is great. Living a healthier lifestyle takes many steps (so to speak), and your journey isn’t going to look the same as everybody else’s. Not everyone has time to work out every other day and cook a healthy, made-from-scratch meal three times a day. It’s nearly impossible. I work 40 hours a week, attempt to keep up with a blog and YouTube channel, and socializing and making time for friends is a priority for me. Fitting in a healthy lifestyle used to be low on the priority list for me, but I’ve discovered a few simple ways to fit it into my busy calendar.
JOIN A FITNESS GROUP
I’m telling you right now, if I didn’t have a group of friends to go running with, I wouldn’t ever go running. A couple years ago, my friends and I decided to put together a running group that meets every Tuesday. We call it “Taco Tuesday” because after every run, we try out a local restaurant that serves tacos or meet at someone’s house to enjoy some homemade tacos. There are instances when we meet outside of the usual Taco Tuesday run to go running on a different day, go run the stairs, or go to a local fitness activity, such as brewoga, volleyball, or a Zumba class, but outside of that, this group holds me accountable for running at least once a week.
Joining a fitness group will help make sure you’re getting in a workout at least once a week. You’ll also have people who motivate you and push you to do your best. On my own, I have no desire to go for a workout, but making it into a regular social activity makes me excited to both get my workout in and make some friends while doing it.
STAY HYDRATED
I think we’ve all been drilled by now about the importance of drinking water. The benefits are never-ending, including ridding your body of toxins, boosting your immune system, and increase your metabolism.
smartwater is the perfect hydration companion for you to take on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Their water is vapor-distilled for purity with just the right amount of electrolytes for a uniquely clean taste. At Wal-Mart, they have a variety of bottle sizes to choose from, whether you’re looking for a quick taste or all day hydration.
MAKE HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES
I always thought that eating healthily could never be on the table for me because I don’t like vegetables. I was a vegetarian for three days, and I realized I couldn’t do it because I literally do not eat veggies. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part, if it’s green, it’s not coming anywhere near me.
Luckily, restaurants and companies are creating more and more healthier food options for those of us who want to be better to our bodies, but don’t necessarily have time to cook every single day. The new Healthy Choice® Power Bowls are an amazing alternative to spending hours cooking a meal on the stove or in the oven. Each Power Bowl is made with an intentional combination of bold flavors and simple ingredients and a balance of vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to fuel your lifestyle.
Healthy Choice® Power Bowls only require a microwave and less than five minutes of your time, and you’re on your way to a tasty, quick, and healthy meal. I tried the Adobo Chicken Bowl, which is packed with vegetables that I will actually happily eat, including fire-roasted corn, poblano peppers, tomatoes, and spinach, along with several other delicious ingredients.
Waiting on your food to heat up in the microwave? Waiting on your documents to print? Watching your favorite TV show or the football game? Take advantage of that time to get a mini workout in. Do some jumping jacks. Drop down and do a few push-ups. Stretch out your muscles. Get active while your food is cooking or during commercial breaks instead of scrolling through your phone.
WALK IT OUT
If you’re like me, and you’re stuck sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, you may not realize the gradual weight gain you’ll earn from simply eating and just sitting all day. Make it a point to get up from your desk about every hour. Walk around the building. Visit your co-workers. Go run some errands that force you to be out and about and walking. Instead of taking the elevator, walk up the stairs. A little bit of walking goes a long way.
GET PLENTY OF REST
There is much to be said about the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. Several studies have shown that diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, have been linked to getting an insufficient amount of sleep. By allowing yourself to get a good amount of rest, you’re also increasing the likelihood of boosting your metabolism and immune system, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many health benefits to getting a good night’s sleep, so hit the snooze button already!
How do you fit your health into your busy lifestyle? Share your suggestions on social media using the hashtag #PowerfullySmart
