Staying fit while keeping the weight off is everyone’s goal. Make it easy on yourself without breaking the bank or adding hours to your schedule with these five tips you can do every day.
1. Have plenty of snacks.
Yes, snacks between regular meals are important for managing both calories and nutrients. The right snacks can curb an appetite, making it easier to eat the right amount and make the best food selections at the next meal. In the long run, you can save calories and increase nutrients to fuel the body for the entire day.
Plan ahead so snacks are easy to grab and go. On the weekends, prepare and package snack-size portions for you and your entire family for the week. Hard-boiled eggs provide protein, as do nuts and roasted seeds. Cut up fresh fruits and veggies for vital phytonutrients. Think complementary combos: carrots and hummus, grapes and almonds, cranberries and yogurt. Find your favorite combinations and get them ready to take the stress out of making good snacking choices.
2. Find the shady parking space.
The Florida sun can heat up a parked car in minutes, so it is always nice to come back to a cool car parked in the shade. Let this choice add steps to your daily routine by parking in the space furthest from the entrance — hopefully, in the shade. It’s all about finding ways to get an extra mile of walking done each day.
Take a stroll — maybe with your family. Can you skip one car trip each day? Walk the kids to school. Leave the car in front of one store and walk to the next. Walk to the bank, around downtown or take the long path to get your coffee. The extra time spent in the Florida heat can be part of your detoxing plan.
3. Exercise sporadically.
Start with squats while brushing your teeth. Try back bends and twists while in the shower. Take the stairs, perhaps even two at a time. End the day with a simple routine of exercises you like.
I do three yoga sun salutations each morning and three yoga moon salutations before going to bed. Find what works for you or come to my yoga class for ideas to do at home.
4. Make an appointment with yourself.
When we set an appointment with the dentist, we manage to get to the right place and get there on time. Our exercise is as important to our health as that trip to the dentist.
Plan your weekly schedule and write your appointment to exercise in the same place the dentist appointment would be written. By the way: floss every day too!
5. Go to happy hour.
Beverages can be a huge challenge for calorie consumption and getting proper hydration. Many drinks contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup that break the daily calorie bank. Water can be bland and boring.
Break from the boring with this low-calorie idea: treat yourself every day to a happy hour drink. Combine water, mint leaves and a slice of lime. Or try orange slices or strawberries in water. I like cucumbers in my water. It’s the drink frequently found in a spa setting. This combination acts as a natural diuretic and detoxing agent.
Make your special drink early in the morning so it is waiting for you in the refrigerator when you get home. Happy hour this way is pleasant, with no added calories.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. She teaches yoga classes at the Plant City Family YMCA on Thursdays. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.