When it comes to being healthy, there’s one major killer that I guarantee is affecting us all — it’s a little thing called laziness. Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know about overcoming your excuses with a search online.
At the end of a long day, when your couch and Netflix are calling, I bet the last thing you want to do is go for a run. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the metabolism of a fifteen-year-old boy. Luckily, there are ways to get motivated.
“I Work Long Days.”
Completely unavoidable, I know. We can’t quit our jobs for the sake of our hearts (unfortunately). But what we can do is incorporate healthy routines into our working days, especially if you work at an office job. Try to get up once an hour and walk around, even if it means you have to pretend you’re going to the bathroom! Little steps like that will help in the long run.
“I Don’t Have Time to Make Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast/Second Breakfast/An Afternoon Snack/Midnight Munchies.”
Let’s face it: we all grab a quick bite at a restaurant sometimes because it’s just that much easier. Who wants to worry about scrambling together a lunch in the morning before you head out? In that panicked mindset, you’re just as likely to steal your kid’s lunch instead!
However, eating out generally entails fast food, and even the non-fast food places usually aren’t great for you compared to a home-cooked meal. Taking the time the night before to make your lunch ensures a healthier diet, and it’ll probably save you some money too!
“My 10-Year-Old Eats Macaroni All the Time, and He Only Weighs 75 Pounds!”
The thing is, kids are growing. They can eat like ravenous monsters, wreaking terror across the kitchen, and not gain any extra weight. You, on the other hand, can’t. So while it’s tempting to snack on the food your kids chow down on, try to resist.
“Premade Meals Are Just Too Convenient.”
While there are some healthy options out there, a lot of those easy premade meals aren’t the healthiest choices. It’s another case of convenience. So try a trick my grandmother used to do! Whenever she had a bit of spare time, she would cook up a meal and stick it in the freezer. That way, then push came to shove, she always had something healthy she could pull out and warm up! It works really great when friends come over too.
“I Don’t Have Time to Go to the Gym.”
Yes, our days do fly by. Some people are lucky to have gyms nearby, while for others it can be a hike. Get creative with your exercise regime. You don’t need a gym to stay fit. You can go for a run, join a recreational sports team, or even train in your own living room.
“Exercise Is Boring.”
I completely agree with you. If it’s not a sport, it can get dull. For some, running on the treadmill for an hour is fine. But if you’re like me, after 10 minutes your eyes are wandering and you give up. I recently found a fix for this in the form of Storytelling Apps. Essentially they turn each workout into a mission, where you work towards something. They are awesome and amazingly entertaining.
“Healthy Food Is Expensive.”
This can be true, especially if you’re going the organic route. Naturally, this makes filling your fridge with healthy options difficult, but not impossible. What I personally do is scan the lanes for sale items. It may not be the same foods every week, but that makes my diet interesting!
“I Don’t Have the Motivation.”
A large amount of people lack the motivation needed to stay healthy. While they would like to be healthier, they don’t have the willpower or dedication to do it.
Here’s the fix. I recently got a FitBit. It’s a device you wear, like a watch, that counts how many steps you take every day, among other things. You can set goals, compete with friends online and create personal challenges! It’s surprisingly easy and more importantly, keeps you motivated to beat your last score!
“I Don’t Think I Can Do It.”
Confidence is huge, especially with people who are struggling with body image issues. They have the common thought that “it won’t make a difference anyway.” I challenge those people to try a few of the tips from this article. Hopefully, they will discover that working out is less about appearance and more about feeling great. Healthier people feel more energized and happy. So give it a shot!