Tips for a Fit Life
By Sara Butler
Everyone wishes health was as easy as an apple a day, but in reality, if you want to take charge of your health and live a healthier lifestyle there are some things you need to do in order to make it happen. Here are some things you may want to consider giving up – or adding to your lifestyle – that can help you to live a healthier lifestyle.
Kick Butt
If you smoke, it is one of the worst things you can possibly do for your health. Even if you’re only an occasional smoker you’re still doing some significant and lasting damage to your body. According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking will kill 1 in 5 people every year in the United States, making it the most preventable cause of death in the country.
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it can also be done. Start by finding a smoking cessation program that can work for you and kick the butts for good!
Forget the Fake and Bake
If you use a tanning bed it’s time to stop! Tanning beds provide its users with two and half times the increased risk of developing skin cancer than those who don’t use tanning beds. If that’s not enough to scare you, tanning beds will also cause premature wrinkles and accelerate the aging process.
A little sun is good for you, but always wear sunscreen and limit your time in the sun so you’re not overexposed.
Eat Chocolate
This is a should! You shouldn’t be so restrictive in your diet that you don’t take the time to enjoy food and eat what you want – in moderation, of course. The cornerstone of a healthy diet is to eat little treats every once in a while, lest you deprive yourself and binge on it later!
If you’re really craving something and you don’t allow yourself to have it, you’ll only eat a bunch of other things you shouldn’t before you finally break down and have what you wanted in the first place – so be kind to yourself. Every week you eat healthy allow yourself a little indulgence as a reward.
Exercise
Do you know how much exercise you should be getting each week? The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. That can be as simple as going for a walk after dinner or during your lunch hour. As long as you get your heart rate up and keep it there for 20 to 30 minutes you’ll be doing you and your health a big favor!