Albert Einstein is quoted as saying:
“Insanity:
doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Yet, all these years later, some people are BAFFLED
as to why they’re bodies aren’t behaving as they wish it would.
So here are a few easy adjustments that you can make
to your dietary and lifestyle habits in order to improve your metabolism,
health and general body composition:
-
Take the stairs
It’s
an oldy but a goody. Once you do it EVERY time you’ll realise how many steps
there are in the world. You’ll burn more calories and improve leg toning. Every
little helps!
-
Eat more protein
This
isn’t just for the guys in pursuit of big muscles, everyone can benefit from
eating high amounts of protein. It improves metabolism, alertness and is a
great source of energy. Furthermore it will help with repair and recovery from
everyday strains and exercise. Aim for at least 1g protein per kilogram of
bodyweight every day
-
Get outside
If
you can, exercise outdoors. If not, make sure that you get some time outside
everyday – lunch breaks are a great opportunity. Exercising outdoors improves
both mental and physical wellbeing. Outdoor exercise has been found to offer
greater feelings of revitalisation, increased energy and positive engagement,
together with decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression
-
Be your own transport
Do
you always NEED to take the car, bus or train? Why not walk or ride a bike? Get
off the train a stop earlier and walk? You’ll burn some extra calories each
day, improve lower body toning and feel revitalised and alert when you reach
your destination
-
Drink more water
It’s
basic but heavily underrated – water is your bread and butter... if that makes
sense? The human body is made up of around 70% water, a large majority that
needs regular topping up. Water is responsible for regulating metabolism,
bodily functions and flushing out unhealthy toxins and waste products
-
Control your food portions
From
a young age, many people are told “Finish what’s on your plate”. This is a
terrible habit to learn and one that’s tough to break. Be conscious of your
food portions and differentiate if you’re eating the food because you need it
or because it’s there. Remove some of your food, eat what you have and wait
10-20 minutes before deciding if you need the rest of the food.
-
Don’t eat with emotions
A
large number of people eat to improve their emotional state. Comfort eating is
present in most of us. Try to replace this tendency with exercise. The rush you
get from endorphins released during exercise is much more fulfilling and is also
likely to improve your food making decisions post-exercise
-
Snack more often
Don’t
be afraid to snack, in fact structure them into your day. Often people will
wait until they’re over-hungry before eating. As a result, food choices are
often compromised as is the perception of portion control. As a result you eat
less clean and healthy food, and more of it
-
Do some resistance work
You
may consider yourself a “cardio person” or similar but EVERYONE should perform
resistance work each week. Benefits included improved strength, posture, bone
density, metabolism and reduces the chance of injury, to name a few.
-
Eat before food shopping
If
you eat prior to food shopping you’re much less likely to impulse buy and
purchase food based on your current state. Instead you will be clear thinking
and able to make healthy, appropriate decisions to fit your lifestyle and diet
-
Leave nothing to chance
When
it comes to living a more “healthy” lifestyle, it’s essential you plan
meticulously in order to make sure you follow through with your good
intentions. Have food prepared, ready and easy to access. Plan gym visit times
and exact sessions for each visit. The more difficult you make “being healthy”
for yourself, the less likely you are to achieve anything
