*This is the second blog post in a three-part series by guest blogger and YMCA staff member Robyn Trew. Read about her fitness journey and subsequent 115 lb weight loss here.
10. Find your own inspiration
I’m a bit of a sap and love an inspirational quote or two. In fact, my desk, home and cellphone wallpaper are always littered with them (a favourite of mine over the past year has been: “I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday”). Whether it’s your favourite quote, an inspiring story, your family or even fitting into those jeans from last year – find your own inspiration. Ask yourself what will help keep you motivated, inspired and one step closer to your goals, and don’t forget to remind yourself of why you started along the way. It’s a different path, journey and adventure for everyone – find what works for you.
P.S. I love Pinterest’s Health and Fitness and Quotes section for inspiration. While you’re there, follow YMCAGTA for tons of tips and daily motivation!
9. Get educated
Did you know that some types of peanut butter contain a ton of sugar? Or that "low-calorie" foods aren't always the healthier options? This past year I've taken the time to learn about which foods will work for my body, and which ones will work against it. For instance, I shop for foods that are high in protein and fiber, as they will keep me fuller longer. I also try to avoid processed foods piled high with sugar, sodium and other surprising ingredients-- if it didn't come from nature, it's probably not good for me. Simple Google searches on "healthy eating" and "nutrition" can reveal a whole host of information about eating right. Trust me, those few hours of reading are worth it in the end. Keep boards on Pinterest handy for extra inspiration or find blogs that you like and can learn from. All the info is out there, you just need to find it. And there will always be fads, quick fixes and contradicting information floating around. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is – use your best judgment and seek out reliable sources.
8. Drink water
We’ve all heard of the benefits of drinking water, but I’ll say it again: drink water, and lots of it! If you're starting to feel a little hungry, grab a glass of water or make a cup of herbal tea. If you feel satisfied after drinking the water, you'll know that you weren't actually hungry -- your mind was just tricking you into thinking you wanted a snack. Then again, if you're still hungry, reach for some fruit or veggies and dig in! And don’t forget to make this easy – keep a water jug in the fridge or on your desk at work – you’re more likely to drink it if it’s right in front of you.
Tip: Add some flavour! I’m always adding something to my glass of water, such as lime and mint, fresh strawberries, or a few slices of cucumber!
7. Get moving (and think about wearing a pedometer)
This may sound nerdy, but my pedometer (the Fitbit One) is my new favourite tech toy. I clip it onto my clothes every day and it counts my steps – simple as that. It even wirelessly syncs up with my MyFitnessPal account and Garmin running watch. A pedometer is a great tool for revealing just how active (or inactive) you are in your everyday life, and can help you get moving. Once I realized that I wasn’t walking the recommended 10,000 steps a day, I started to see how small changes really add up (for example, taking the stairs, or walking short distances instead of taking transit). I now make sure my pedometer reads "10,000" before bedtime, even if that means pacing around my house at night (which happens)!
6. It’s not all about cardio
Cardio-based exercise like running, sports or dance classes are great for shedding fat and creating a lean body , but don't forget that fitness also includes building your strength. Weight training may seem scary at first, but when used properly, strengthening and conditioning machines can make a huge difference in your overall fitness. I suggest booking at least one session with a personal trainer so they can teach you how to properly use the equipment. For me, it’s all about the balance. My run is a time for me to re-energize and relax. My strength training is a time for me to focus on what I’m doing in that exact moment and feel empowered.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of "Robyn's recipe for a healthy lifestyle" for her top five health and fitness tips!
Robyn's top 10 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
As I mentioned in my first blog post, in January 2013 I decided to incorporate healthy food choices and regular exercise into my everyday life. It seemed tough at first, but it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, thanks to some important lessons I've learned along the way. My next two blog posts will count down my top 10 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
10. Find your own inspiration
I’m a bit of a sap and love an inspirational quote or two. In fact, my desk, home and cellphone wallpaper are always littered with them (a favourite of mine over the past year has been: “I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday”). Whether it’s your favourite quote, an inspiring story, your family or even fitting into those jeans from last year – find your own inspiration. Ask yourself what will help keep you motivated, inspired and one step closer to your goals, and don’t forget to remind yourself of why you started along the way. It’s a different path, journey and adventure for everyone – find what works for you.
P.S. I love Pinterest’s Health and Fitness and Quotes section for inspiration. While you’re there, follow YMCAGTA for tons of tips and daily motivation!
9. Get educated
Did you know that some types of peanut butter contain a ton of sugar? Or that "low-calorie" foods aren't always the healthier options? This past year I've taken the time to learn about which foods will work for my body, and which ones will work against it. For instance, I shop for foods that are high in protein and fiber, as they will keep me fuller longer. I also try to avoid processed foods piled high with sugar, sodium and other surprising ingredients-- if it didn't come from nature, it's probably not good for me. Simple Google searches on "healthy eating" and "nutrition" can reveal a whole host of information about eating right. Trust me, those few hours of reading are worth it in the end. Keep boards on Pinterest handy for extra inspiration or find blogs that you like and can learn from. All the info is out there, you just need to find it. And there will always be fads, quick fixes and contradicting information floating around. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is – use your best judgment and seek out reliable sources.
8. Drink water
We’ve all heard of the benefits of drinking water, but I’ll say it again: drink water, and lots of it! If you're starting to feel a little hungry, grab a glass of water or make a cup of herbal tea. If you feel satisfied after drinking the water, you'll know that you weren't actually hungry -- your mind was just tricking you into thinking you wanted a snack. Then again, if you're still hungry, reach for some fruit or veggies and dig in! And don’t forget to make this easy – keep a water jug in the fridge or on your desk at work – you’re more likely to drink it if it’s right in front of you.
Tip: Add some flavour! I’m always adding something to my glass of water, such as lime and mint, fresh strawberries, or a few slices of cucumber!
7. Get moving (and think about wearing a pedometer)
This may sound nerdy, but my pedometer (the Fitbit One) is my new favourite tech toy. I clip it onto my clothes every day and it counts my steps – simple as that. It even wirelessly syncs up with my MyFitnessPal account and Garmin running watch. A pedometer is a great tool for revealing just how active (or inactive) you are in your everyday life, and can help you get moving. Once I realized that I wasn’t walking the recommended 10,000 steps a day, I started to see how small changes really add up (for example, taking the stairs, or walking short distances instead of taking transit). I now make sure my pedometer reads "10,000" before bedtime, even if that means pacing around my house at night (which happens)!
6. It’s not all about cardio
Cardio-based exercise like running, sports or dance classes are great for shedding fat and creating a lean body , but don't forget that fitness also includes building your strength. Weight training may seem scary at first, but when used properly, strengthening and conditioning machines can make a huge difference in your overall fitness. I suggest booking at least one session with a personal trainer so they can teach you how to properly use the equipment. For me, it’s all about the balance. My run is a time for me to re-energize and relax. My strength training is a time for me to focus on what I’m doing in that exact moment and feel empowered.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of "Robyn's recipe for a healthy lifestyle" for her top five health and fitness tips!
