Maruchy Lachance is president of Running Ninja!, a lifestyle brand for runners by runners. Running Ninja! offers a wide variety of apparel and gifts for runners to keep you happy and inspired while you’re on the run.
We are constantly bombarded with advice on diets and exercises. All day long we are exposed to a steady stream of fitness and diet information, such as the best equipment to use, the most beneficial techniques to implement and the super foods we should be consuming. It should not surprise us why so many of us become overwhelmed and choose against pursuing the path of nutrition and fitness.
I have often said that your first approach should be to simplify your efforts when embracing a healthy lifestyle. This is true for beginners as well as those of us who need to energize our current routine.
I realized recently that my entire food and exercise routine was in need of some updating. My cupboards are filled with the same foods and my exercise routine is no longer challenging.
While we get plenty of advice on what we should do to get started, we are rarely guided as to when it is time to begin challenging ourselves, while remaining committed.
As far as food is concerned, the way to challenge your diet is by starting to add “productive foods.” While counting calories has worked, now it’s time to make those calories you consume work for you. Replace that white bread with whole wheat and pasta with quinoa. It will be the same calories but with far more nutritional benefits.
Exercise is also a place where you can get more bang for your buck. If you are a walker or runner, you might want to consider adding a shorter distance at a faster pace or simply adding more distance. If you are spending time at the gym, this may be a good time to increase those reps or the weights – depending on your desired outcome.
A healthy lifestyle is not a destination but a journey. It is important to keep it fresh so you can remain interested and engaged. Remember that while it is important to us to look good, our primary focus should be to feel good. By occasionally challenging your food and fitness you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for a long lifetime.
For more inspiration from Maruchy Lachance check out:
How My Child Overcame a Weight Problem
When and What to Eat Before Exercise
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