How To Improving Your Fitness Regime
Being in good health is important to your overall well-being. This includes eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet and getting enough exercise. A lot of people think that living a healthy life means giving up on a lot of old habits that do not fall into the category of healthy living. Although this is true, for the most part, it does not mean that you will live a life doing things that you dislike and eating bland foods. This article will give you some ideas on how you can begin healthier living and still get enjoyment out of life.
First, learn about nutrition and what your body's essential requirements are. There are plenty of foods that are both delicious and good for you, that do not require you to sacrifice on taste. For example, if you have a sweet tooth and usually satisfy that with cookies and candy, make a conscious choice of eating dried fruits. These are packed with nutrients, and they can satisfy any level of sugar craving because of the concentrated fruit sugars. Try dried apricots or banana chips. Although this does not mean that you should gorge on them, this is still a better alternative to candy. You do not have to give up your favorite desserts either. Just save that for special occasions, or just allow yourself to eat a small portion of that every week.
If you like the crunch of potato chips, try lightly salted pita chips instead. These are much lower in fat and are just as delicious.
Cooking oils are not created equal. Cook more with olive oil because it contains good fats that are healthy for your heart. Avoid corn oil or other unhealthy vegetable oils.
When you have your nutritional plan set, you can turn your focus to proper exercises. You need regular exercise every day to build strength and endurance, and to improve your body's circulation. You do not have to purchase a gym membership if you do not want to. You can get creative in how you can fit in and exercise routine.
You need aerobic exercises to strengthen your heart, lungs and to build up stamina. A bike ride or a jog around the park is a good form of aerobic exercise. You can take dance lessons with a friend for added fun. Even working in your garden by mowing the lawn, tilling the dirt, etc. can be a form of exercise. Get together with some friends for a group sport every week.
You should also include some weight and resistance training. This builds up your muscle strength, keeping them lean and enabling them to burn off calories more efficiently. Get some inexpensive dumb bells and do some arm curls while you watch TV. You can walk around with some ankle weights strapped around your ankles.
Whatever you decide to do in your personal fitness program, make sure that you let your doctor know about it. Be creative in your routines, you can get in shape and have fun at the same time.
