By Dillon Kreider
Honestly, it's a rare person who doesn't want to change or improve something about their body or their health. Many of of us probably would like to change our size, shape, proportions, or health and fitness level. We each have something that we think could be a little better or even a lot better.
These tips are simple and some are small, but they are all ideas that everyone can include in their day to day activities. These ideas will improve your fitness and your health. And when you improve those things, you will feel better about your body and yourself.
You know it's important to take care of your body. Now do it!
1. Stay hydrated. Drink water with every meal and every snack.
2. Eat breakfast every day!
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Sleep at least 8 hours per night.
5. Drink zero calorie beverages.
6. Don't eat fried food.
7. Bike or walk instead of driving.
8. Use sunscreen.
9. Cook at home.
10. Eat with your family.
11. Eat healthy snacks.
12. Do not buy food from vending machines.
13. Try a new class.
14. Exercise with a friend.
15. Do Not Smoke.
16. Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all.
17. Save desserts for special occasions.
18. Buy real food. Not processed food.
19. Park far away from your school, office or the store.
20. Plan your meals for the week on the weekend.
21. Meditate.
22. Listen to music during cardio. Don't read.
23. Sweat when you workout.
24. Choose exercise that you like to do.
25. Smile and laugh.
26. Make mini-goals to get to your bigger goal.
27. Food portions should not be larger than your fist.
28. Start each meal with a salad or plate of steamed vegetables.
29. Do not skip meals.
30. Eat meals. Do not nibble.
31. Eat fruit for dessert.
32. Do stretches at your desk a couple of times per day.
33. Avoid condiments whenever possible.
34. Join an exercise group.
35. Exercise with your kids.
36. Cut down on sugar.
37. Read food labels.
38. Eat at the table.
39. Eat lean protein.
40. Enter a race even if you have to walk.
41. Go for a walk on your lunch break.
42. Steam or bake instead of frying.
43. Keep healthy snacks with you.
44. Buy organic whenever possible.
45. Go to Farmers Markets.
46. Go swimming or learn to swim.
47. Write down your goals. Read them weekly.
48. Journal.
49. Have a healthy weight loss contest at work.
50. Challenge a friend to be healthier with you.
51. Do things that make you happy.
52. Keep workout clothes/shoes in your car or at work.
53. Reward yourself when you complete your goal.
54. Eat colorful meals.
55. Skip baked items at the coffee shop.
56. Eat as healthy as you can 90% of the time.
57. Have a cheat meal, not a cheat day.
58. Go hiking.
59. Walk to the grocery store.
60. Do not eat white bread or white rice.
61. Avoid food that have been enriched.
62. Play tag with your kids.
63. Motivate yourself and others.
64. Hang out with smart people.
65. Get rid of energy vampires.
66. Get a new job if you hate your job.
67. Commit to living a fulfilling life.
Dillon Kreider is an ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist.
