Top 10 Ways to Stay or Get in Shape

Ten Things to help you stay or get in shape

1. Drink plenty of ice-cold water.

   Drinking water makes your body feel full. Your body also uses calories as it warms up the water.

2. Make plans to go outside.

   When you go outside, you generally are moving around, getting fresh air, and exercising a bit. Even having a picnic in the park, or window shopping gets you moving more than you would be if you sat at home.

3. Get moving.

   Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Take a bike instead of a car. Walk a note to your co-worker instead of emailing it. Clean your house.

4. Eat healthy foods.

   Have a salad and low fat protein. Skip the chips and cookies for carrots with dip or fresh fruit. If you are craving a bit of sweet, try jell-o with fruit or chocolate (low-calorie) pudding cups.

5. Eat proportionately.

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   All foods are alright in moderation. Do not skip the cake at the party, it will just leaving you craving food later and you’ll be more likely to overeat when no one is around. Have a small piece of cake and have some fun. At mealtime, eat smaller portions of all your favorite foods so you are not feeling deprived of great food. It is not food that is the enemy; it is eating huge platefuls of food that leads to problems. Eat slowly, enjoying each bite, so your body will have time to send the signal to your brain that you are full. It takes time for the signals from your stomach to reach your brain, so enjoy your meal instead of rushing and overeating.

6. Take time for healthy snacks.

   If you plan times to eat healthy snacks like a handful of nuts, one string cheese, a small portion of veggies and dip, a piece of fresh fruit, or yogurt, you’ll be less likely to feel hungry and begin munching on the donut on the kitchen or the chips and cookies in the break room. Plan ahead so you’ll not need to stop by the gas station or fast food restaurant for a snack.

7. Brush your teeth 3 times a day.

   Most people love that clean feeling they get when they brush their teeth and will skip snacking to maintain that clean, healthy, fresh feeling.

8. Get involved.

   Join a club or a sport. Join your kids in scouts or practicing their sports. Get your family involved in planning family outings. Getting out and about and involved with activities keeps you moving and helps you avoid sitting on the couch or at the computer.

9. Make time for a friend.

   Going out with friends helps your body and soul feel better. Make plans to go shopping, or visit a museum. Keep moving and laughing and you’ll feel great.

10. Exercise.

     I know, I know, it’s often thought of as a bad word. If you are like me you have a hard time keeping an exercise routine when you are keeping the house, working, running after kids, and completing all that you need to do in a day. Try exercising at irregular times. Do leg lifts and squats while doing the dishes. Walk slowly up the stairs and really feel your muscles work. Do squats while holding the laundry basket full of clothes before you begin the laundry. Work your stomach muscles by sucking in you stomach when you are out and about, hold it in for several minute each day and it will help tighten it. Do a few crunches during the commercials while you are watching TV. If you are able to fit exercise in your schedule and it is a scary idea, try Pilates or Yoga. Both of these forms of exercise are as relaxing and rejuvenating as they are good at getting you in shape.