Let's talk about balance. I think if we could sum up in one word the thing that most of us are looking for, other than health, is balance.
We are looking for a nice balance of exercise and rest, of healthy food and indulgent ones, etc. (This is not to say that balance is eating 50% chocolate and 50% celery sticks or that you have to be at the gym for 12 hrs a day).
For each of us there are some things that throw off our balance. Some of mine are: drinking more than one cup of coffee a day, skipping exercise, stress and not sleeping enough. Yours might be different than someone else's.
When we find ourselves thrown off balance we know it almost immediately. We get into a spiral of bad habits which, are often different from person to person. We might not have REALIZED we are off balance but our body tells us immediately. We get sick, we feel like crap, we start making poor eating choices and skipping our workouts.
Achieving balance and having the ability to not spiral out of control every two weeks is more valuable than perfection. Identifying some of the things that throw our balance off can save us from constantly fighting the spiral of bad habits.
The key to healthy, lasting weight loss is finding a balance between diet and exercise. A healthy diet provides your body with plenty of nutrients and protein, and limits sugar, fat, and cholesterol. It will give you the necessary fuel to maintain a regular and comprehensive exercise regimen for total fitness.
Here Are Some Tips for How to Balance Diet and Exercise:
Enlist the Help of Professionals. A nutritionist can design a diet plan that meets your health needs. Equally important is enlisting the services of a personal trainer. They will design a specific plan to keep you motivated and ensure you meet your goals, big or small.
Eat 6 Small Meals throughout the Day. Also, schedule meals before and after a workout.
Eating 5 or 6 small meals through the day instead of a few large ones will keep your metabolism stimulated throughout the day and help you lose weight. A meal high in carbohydrates just before a workout will give you energy when you exercise, while foods high in protein will help rejuvenate you afterward.
Enlist the Help of Professionals. A nutritionist can design a diet plan that meets your health needs. Equally important is enlisting the services of a personal trainer. They will design a specific plan to keep you motivated and ensure you meet your goals, big or small.
Eat 6 Small Meals throughout the Day. Also, schedule meals before and after a workout.
Eating 5 or 6 small meals through the day instead of a few large ones will keep your metabolism stimulated throughout the day and help you lose weight. A meal high in carbohydrates just before a workout will give you energy when you exercise, while foods high in protein will help rejuvenate you afterward.
Drink Plenty of Water. Consume 2-3L of water a day, including at least 1 after a workout. Water keeps you hydrated, boosts metabolism and encourages cell repair.
Choose an ExerciseProgram You Enjoy and Ultimately Stick to. It is best to design a workout plan that you will enjoy and be able to follow. Your exercise regimen should push you to work hard without being dangerous. If you don't like to go to the gym...you won't go to the gym, period. So find an activity that you enjoy, like a group class, train with a buddy, run, swim...anything that will keep you motivated and avoid getting bored.
Create an Exercise Plan and a Diet Plan that are both Gradual, NOT Drastic Lifestyle Changes
Create an Exercise Plan and a Diet Plan that are both Gradual, NOT Drastic Lifestyle Changes
If you are new to exercise do a few short workouts (20 minutes) 3 times a week for 2 weeks to ease your body into regular exercise. That is all the time needed to give your body a jolt and get it used to moving. These shorter periods of exercise will balance your 6 small meals throughout the day so you are energized without feeling heavy, bloated and overwhelmed.
Workout at a Time that is Right for You.
Stimulating your body with a workout in the morning will keep your metabolism higher all day. If you're not a morning workout person, try scheduling exercise after work to unwind after your day. Finish daily exercise at least 2 hours before you plan to go to bed to allow your body to relax and prepare to rest.
Stimulating your body with a workout in the morning will keep your metabolism higher all day. If you're not a morning workout person, try scheduling exercise after work to unwind after your day. Finish daily exercise at least 2 hours before you plan to go to bed to allow your body to relax and prepare to rest.
Plan a Balanced Diet and Exercise Based on Your Overall Goals. Adjust the balance to fit weight loss or muscle gain. Include lots of cardiovascular exercise like running or HITT workouts if you're trying to lose weight. Balance this exercise regimen with a diet low in carbohydrates and sugar to encourage your body to break down excess fat instead of storing it. Focus on weight training and resistance exercises if you're at your ideal weight but want to gain muscle and build strength. Boost your weightlifting workout by eating a diet high in protein and carbohydrates to give your body energy for endurance during workouts.
Have a Happy and Healthy Day, Cheers :)