Spring has sprung. Is that cliche? Maybe. But it’s true. This is the time of year when the snow begins to melt away and so do the layers of heavy coats and sweaters. Many of us also start to notice that we’ve put on a few pounds over the winter. That’s okay. It’s a survival mechanism. Today most of us live in houses heated by electricity and gas. Many of our ancestors who lived in the colder climates relied on a wood burning stove to keep warm – they didn’t have the luxuries we do. So as the snow melts away, we realize we have a bit of melting to do ourselves.
Hopefully you’ve kept active this winter and continued to eat healthy. After all, if your body is healthy and used to being in shape, it will be that much easier to recuperate that ideal healthy body. If you’re taking a new fork in the road (so to speak) there are many things you can do this spring to get you on your way. We really do suggest starting to think ahead now. If you wait until late May to realize it’s almost bathing suit weather, you may feel forced into unhealthy dieting. Let’s work together to avoid that and incorporate these healthy habits starting today.
1. Get walking. Simple enough. Try to incorporate a walk into your daily routine 4-7 days a week. Walk to the bank, walk to work or take public transportation, walk your dog or a neighbour’s dog (or cat! I’ve seen that before) or take a walk around the block with the family before or after dinner each night. Just a brief walk gets your blood flowing, gets fresh air into your l
ungs and cheers you up. This will also influence you to eat healthier and work out more throughout the week.
2. Decide on a fun activity to do. Perhaps you are a ball hockey player and play twice a week or maybe you used to dance in your younger days. Maybe you go to the gym 3 times a week for cardio and weights. It may even be that you are so darn busy, you don’t get any real exercise in aside from lifting the laundry basket and chasing the kids around the house. Wherever you’re at, think about something you would love to do and make it happen. Once a week for 40-60 minutes be active. Get your heart rate up. Get some friends together and go trampolining or hire a private Yoga or Zumba instructor to come to your house. Add in an extra class at the gym. Whatever works for you…plan it out and make it happen.
3. Add in a glass of water. Many of us have trouble remembering to drink enough water throughout the day. Water is so important for our bodies. It helps organs and skin stay healthy and hydrated, but it also help cleanse our body. Our bodies and metabolisms function better with water so get on it! Decide on a specific time of day you will pour and finish a full glass of water. Whatever size you want. You don’t need to rush to finish it, but make sure you do within 20 minutes. I usually make the extra effort to drink a glass right after brushing my teeth, I pour myself a tall glass when I get home with the kids from school and I drink a warm mug of water every night. This is above what I drink throughout the day (when I remember) because let’s face it, no one is perfect. So when will you add yours? Say it now, outloud and make it stick!
4. Choose one healthy food a week to add to your shopping cart you don’t normally add. It may be fennel one week and rutabaga the next. Try out new vegetables and fruits. Google how to prepare them or email us at info@planttrainers.com or Facebook us and ask us how. We would be happy to help. You never know, you may find a new staple to add to your repertoire. And perhaps, a really unhealthy staple may magically disappear. It’s really funny how it happens that way.
5. Finally, use the power of positive. If you want to learn more about it click here to listen to our podcast on The Power of Positive. Come up with an attainable goal and create a sentence that describes you once you have achieved that goal. It can start with “I am a healthy, energetic woman/man who exercises 4 times a week and eats a salad daily…” Whatever you want
to achieve… Write it on a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror so you see it, read it and say it often.
I hope you find awesome ways to get moving and eat healthy this spring. Spring IS the time for cleansing, renewal and rebirth. Take advantage and make some changes to grow simultaneously with the nature around you. (Wow, that sounds either profound, earthy or cheesy. I have not decided yet, but it is true!)
P.S. We normally don’t advertise Plant Trainers in these blogs, but we do have some open spaces for phone consultations. We can help you with your fitness or nutrition plans to get you off on the right foot. See our services page or click on the button below for more information.
~ Plant Trainers
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