Everyone wants to be their best and healthiest selves. It can be difficult to decide which healthy lifestyle tips to try with all the advice available.
We’ve collected some of our favorite diet and exercise strategies to make your life easier.
Keep hydrated
It doesn’t matter if you’re going to boot camp, spin class, or another exercise class; it is important to stay hydrated so that you are energized and able to do your best. You don’t need to grab anything just for hydration.
Electrolyte-loaded sports drinks can contain unnecessary calories. Jackie Newgent RD, author of “The Big Green Cookbook,” explained Health.
Regular sports drinks are recommended for those who exercise regularly for long periods of time. You can get a good replenishment boost from them, especially since they often contain minerals, electrolytes, and sometimes vitamins.
You can find lower-calorie options in your grocery store if you don’t mind the calories, but still want to enjoy the flavor.
Find a Workout Buddy
It’s very important to have a friend who you can exercise with. However, it is also vital to find someone who will encourage and not discourage you. Make a list of your exercise-loving friends and then find someone who meets this criterion, Andrew Kasstor, an ASICS running coach told Health.
Is it possible for your friend to meet up and exercise regularly?
Are they supportive of your goals (not demeaning)?
Is your bud able to keep up? Or push you in key workouts?
Make the call if you know someone who fits all three criteria and starts forming fitness plans together. You may also be able to find ways to exercise together if you don’t have a workout buddy nearby.
For more information on group workouts, personal training sessions, or exercise-focused groups, you could visit a gym or recreation center. Ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is looking for a gym buddy.
Healthy Foods for Your Fridge
For your fitness journey, eating fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and other healthy foods can make a big difference.
You can also enjoy delicious and healthy snacks like grapes and walnuts or apple slices with cheese.
You may also find it easier to reach your weight loss goals by adding key ingredients. You might also want to consider Newgent’s top 3 diet-friendly products in your grocery cart.
Balsamic vinegar is a low-calorie condiment that adds flavor to vegetables and salads.
In-shell nuts (their fiber and protein keep you satisfied).
Plain yogurt, which is fat-free and creamy, is a comforting source of protein.
Newgent said that Greek yogurt is a great low-calorie option for dressings and dips, or as an alternative to sour milk.
Get rid of those aching muscles
You’ll feel sore legs and tight calves after a hard workout.
You can get relief from post-workout aches and pains by taking ice baths or cold water immersion. You can get relief from post-workout aches by using cold water immersion in the form of ice baths.
Kastor said that this is a common trick used by many top athletes to reduce soreness following training sessions. To aid in recovery, athletes should get at least one massage per month when training for an important race.
It is important to note that cold water can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. 5 The body can lose heat quicker in cold water than it can in the air.
Comfortable sneakers
Kastor said that you shouldn’t buy shoes with a swollen or sore sole.
Your feet will swell throughout the day and then stop in the afternoon so you should shop for shoes when your feet are the largest. You should also ensure that the shoes you choose are roomy enough to allow you to move your toes.
Kastor said that they should feel comfortable right from the start, but will become even more comfortable after they have walked or run 20-40 miles in them.
Choose Your Perfect Tunes
Running to music is a great way of getting into a good running rhythm. You can choose the perfect playlist by focusing on what motivates you and what you find inspiring.
Kastor said, “I know many elite athletes who listen to what we’d call relaxing music’ while they do hard workouts.”
Music during exercise is the best thing about it. The right music can help you feel happier, perform better and get more oxygen. 13
Know when to weigh yourself and how often
After starting a new exercise or diet, it’s normal for you to want to weigh your body soon. Newgent said, “It is best to weigh yourself in the morning before you eat or drink–and before you get into your daily routine.”
How often should you weigh yourself? Be sure to do so consistently, perhaps every week, to get the best number. Don’t be discouraged by unexpected results. Weight fluctuations are normal.
What’s more: Fat or muscle?
Keep your Portions in check
Portion control is a great way to manage your weight.
You need to pay attention to what you eat. If your steak is taking up more than half your plate, it may be worth cutting down on your portion.
Newgent said that it is best to fill half of your plate with vegetables or a combination of fresh fruits, in order to get a healthy balance of carbs, fats, and proteins.
Slowly sip
Newgent suggests that you order water between drinks if you are certain you will be drinking more than one. Newgent said that water is good for you and can keep you hydrated.
Your H20 does not have to be boring. Newgent said, “Make it fun by ordering sparkling varieties with lots of fruit, such as a lemon, and orange wedge in martini glasses or highball glasses.”
You can plan your runs ahead of time
It’s important that you plan what you will eat for a run, whether it’s a 5K or 10K.
Kastor said that while everyone is unique, they have found good luck with high-carbohydrate breakfasts like oatmeal with fruit or toast with peanut butter and cream cheese.
Kastor also advised that you eat 200-250 (primarily carbohydrate) calories approximately 90 minutes before starting your run.
Don’t be alarmed if you have to skip your caffeine intake on race day. Kastor said that coffee is great for athletic performance because it sharpens your brain and can even increase your energy.
