Busy schedules are the norm nowadays, and making room for any additional activities can seem virtually impossible. However, exercise and healthy diet choices should be pushed up the priority list and squeezed into every person’s daily routine somehow. Before you protest this possibility, consider some of these suggested tips for including a healthier diet and exercise routine in your week.

Eat breakfast. Eating breakfast restarts your metabolism after an all-night fast. Once your metabolism is on the move again, your body will work harder to burn calories throughout the day.

Make the time. Finding time for exercise is often a matter of making the time. Whether that’s setting your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier to fit in a brisk walk or shuffling your work schedule to join a Zumba class, make exercise a priority.

Have healthy snacks on the go. During your day, keep snacks such as almonds, cheese strips, a healthy protein bar or a bag of carrot sticks accessible to keep hunger at bay. Once it is mealtime, you will be less likely to eat as much. And don’t forget that drinking water will keep you feeling full, too.

Play with the kids. Instead of watching the kids play on the playground, join in. Play tag or start a family game of soccer. That way you can accomplish two goals at once: family time and exercise.

Walk at lunch. Grab a workmate and plan regular walks on your lunch break. Having another person exercise with you helps keep you both accountable for your routine.

Find exercise in your day. Take the stairs, park far from the store, walk to lunch instead of drive–get creative and efficient with your time as you find new ways to stay active during your day.

Don’t buy junk. Go to the grocery store well-fed. That way you won’t be as tempted to buy junk food and sabotage your healthy eating habits throughout the week.

Join a team. By joining a team, your teammates depend on your participation and keep you motivated. Plus, team sports can be so fun that you forget you are actually doing exercise. Busy parents, consider finding a family kickball team that meets over the weekends so childcare is not an issue and the whole family stays active.

Set goals. Whether it’s finishing a future 5K or working towards a certain weight, create goals for yourself to keep yourself motivated.

Be realistic. Don’t start a new exercise routine only to wear yourself out after the first week. Set realistic goals and, as you reach those, increase those expectations of yourself gradually.

If you have any questions regarding nutrition, diet or exercise, please contact us at University Hospital and Medical Center. Visit our website or contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® service any time of day at 1-888-256-7728.

Sources:

Make Exercise Work for You (American Cancer Society)

Healthy Diet Goals (American Heart Association)

Related Posts:

Prevent the 7 Most Common Sports Injuries