We try to be a healthy family as much as we can. We like to lounge around sometimes, but we also love going for walks and bike rides. Being fit and healthy is important if you want to live for a long time. I want to make sure I can be there for my family as much as I can be, and that they're going to be there for me too. So I always make sure that we eat well and get plenty of exercise so that we stay fit. If you want you and your family to be fitter too, there are lots of things you can do to make that happen. Here are some of my favorite ways to live a healthy lifestyle.
Drive Less
It's so easy to drive everywhere when you have somewhere to be. It's quick, and sometimes it's the only way you can travel long distances. But then you can get into the habit of driving everywhere, even if it's less than a mile away. You don't always need to drive, and sometimes it's nice to walk or ride your bike. You can take a bag with you so that you have something to carry any shopping. Not only will you feel healthier, but you can save money, and you'll be out in the fresh air. It might take a little longer to get where you're going, but it could also be quicker. Driving isn't faster if you end up stuck in traffic or having to take a long route!
Eat Foods for Energy
It can be difficult to get through all the long days and still feel energized when you get home. Even the kids can be exhausted before dinner time arrives. When I'm planning our meals, I try to make sure everyone gets the right food to give them energy for the day. Your breakfasts should provide you with slow-release energy to keep you going until at least mid-morning, if not lunchtime. Porridge is always a popular choice, and you can try other healthy cereals. Don't rely on sugar for energy because you'll just end up crashing! Make sure you get plenty of all the nutrients you need.
Cut Down on Unhealthy Snacks
It's so tempting to snack all day if you're not careful. When I'm working at home, I have easy access to everything in the kitchen. But I try not to munch on unhealthy snacks all day just because I can. It's easy to have healthy snacks in the house instead and to send the kids to school with them too. You can have fruit, vegetables, nuts, crackers, and all sorts of other snacks. But just because they're healthier, it doesn't mean you can snack on them all day. For example, nuts can have lots of fat in them. Make sure you choose sensible portion sizes instead of munching right from the packet.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, there are many reasons you should stop doing it. Firstly, it's better for your children if they don't have to be around you smoking. But even if you don't do it for your family, you should do it for yourself. It will help you to breathe more easily, improve your circulation and give you an overall feeling of health. You can start to feel the benefits very quickly. Many people have started using e-cigarettes to try and quit. You can get them in lots of flavors, like the ones at Flavour Factory E Liquids, so it can even be more fun to try stopping.
Take the Stairs
Adding little bits of physical activity into your life can help you to be fitter without too much effort. Like sometimes leaving the car at home, taking the stairs when you have to go up a few floors is an excellent idea. When you're at home, and you have to get something from upstairs, you can walk up and down a few times before you go back to what you were doing. Just don't forget whatever you went up for!
Make Exercising Part of Your Life
The most important thing to do is to make healthy eating and exercising part of your lifestyle. You need to work out at least a few times a week if you want to stay fit and healthy. Don't just try a fad diet or exercise for a bit until you lose the weight you wanted to shift. Put things into your routine and stick to them.
Being healthy shouldn't be a chore. I love eating healthy food and exercising with my family, so you should too.