New Year New You

How to fit exercise back into your life.

By FamilyTime


This is the year you are going to do it! You will plan a sensible exercise schedule -- and stick to it!

Before you start to exercise, have a physical examination to see if you have health restrictions, limitations or modifications. Start off slowly. Give your body time to adjust.

Make Time
Make an appointment in your calendar, just like you would make a doctor's appointment, and stay with it. You'll feel proud of yourself.

Schedule exercise once a week at first, and then twice. If you can, go to three or four times a week. Arrange ahead for a babysitter, if necessary. If you have to cancel a day, move it to another day. To start, think about exercising with others.

Eat Healthfully
A balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and protein is fundamental to feeling good. Avoid refined sugar, processed grains, animal fats, caffeine, fried foods or foods laden with chemicals. Make sure you have enough fiber and vitamins.

Prepare your own food as opposed to processed foods. Drink water throughout the day and limit caffeine and sugary soda. Check with your doctor, a nutritionist or a naturopath if you have any concerns about your eating habits.

On-the-Go Tips
Have healthful foods available in your home-- fresh fruits or chopped vegetables. Take good-for-you snacks with you when you go out, such as fruits, vegetables, water, dried fruits and nuts, yogurt, and boxed vegetable or fruit juices.

Use herbal (non caffeinated) teas or coffees. Take individual servings with you. Take water or power drinks with you.

You Count
You are not the "Ever Ready Bunny." You can't just keep going and going. Take good care of yourself. Exercise, eat right, and have fun. Make being healthy and fit a priority in your life. Start today! You will be happy you did.