Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes


As we are heading into the fifth month of the year, it’s likely our new year resolutions have long been forgotten about, especially to do with diet and exercise. Mainly because we often have unrealistic expectations of what we can achieve and when we realise it’s not possible we give up altogether. But you don’t have to.

By choosing to make simple healthier lifestyle choices that are maintainable in the long term, you are more likely to achieve your long term goals. You owe it to yourself to take care of your body and taking care of your body is also taking care of your mind and your soul. These are our tips to making sustainable changes in your life for the long term.

Take It Slow

Slow and steady wins the race. The problem a lot of people have with improving their life with diet and exercise is they often expect to turn everything around within a week and when they don’t they get disheartened. But in actual fact, if you take it slow you are far more likely to maintain it in the long-term. For instance, if you are a sugar addict and have it with most meals it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be able to cut it out cold turkey. Start by cutting it down to one meal and go from there.

If you haven’t exercised for a year then there’s no point kidding yourself that you’ll be running a marathon the first time. Start with a twenty-minute walk and go from there.

Sign Up A Friend

Studies have shown that participating in physical activities with a friend helps you keep each other motivated and on track to reach your goals. Sometimes when you are feeling lazy and would rather spend the day on the lounge eating pizza and watching a movie, your friend wants to take a hike through the mountains and then have a healthy lunch. Leaning on each other for the support you need will help you keep each other in check.

Do Something You Enjoy

Let’s face it. If you hate running you’re only going to pursue it a couple of times before you throw it in. If you’re not the most coordinated person in the world you might hate team sports or you might feel awkward in gym classes. I can’t tell you what you are going to enjoy, but keep going until you find it. There are so many different physical activities you can participate in from yoga to boxing to surfing to volleyball to weight training and pilates, dancing and more. There is something out there you’re bound to love. Don’t give up till you find it!

Don’t Feel Guilty About Food

When making lifestyle choices people often go on strict diets that are horrible, and unattainable. And then feel guilty if they don’t stick with their diets.

It’s better to try and make simple better choices with your food. Try and eat well and nourish your body with delicious healthy food as much as possible and if you do splurge out on the food you love occasionally don’t feel guilty! It’s all about balance. It’s easier to keep it going if you don’t completely deny yourself the food you love!

Did you make healthy lifestyle changes and are feeling a new improved you? Take some photo’s and turn them into beautiful canvas prints with The Canvas Factory to keep you motivated in the long term.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Lahore Times.

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