Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Healthy Living

Healthy Living is a phrase we hear constantly.  It's something we all strive for, or want to strive for, but what does it really mean?  Healthiergeneration.org lists some helpful tips for how to implement a plan and stick to it, the website states; "Less than 60% of adults are physically active on a regular basis, 25% aren’t active at all. Inactive individuals have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. So, to build a family based on healthy habits, it’s up to you to set the tone at home."
Healthy Living is a cycle, not a singular action.  Like eating a balanced diet, healthy living needs to be something we work on daily.  For a change to be permanent, it needs to be consistent.


1 - Plan to Move

The first step to being more active is to move.  You are more likely to be consistent and stick to your goals IF you have a plan in play.  Schedule your activity into your day so it's part of your routine.  I had a teacher in high school that used to say, "it takes 30 days to make an action become a habit, the best way to make something consistent is to tack it to an action you already do."  For instance, you brush your teeth every morning, do calf raises while brushing, or you make coffee each morning, try doing squats when waiting for your coffee to brew etc. "Just decide to move, and then plan that movement into your day." YOU CAN DO IT!

2 - Break It Up

It is recommended for kids to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day and adults to get about 30. But that doesn't have to be done all at once. It can be broken down into 10-15 min increments, to make it more manageable.  Find what works for you.


3 - As a Family

It's easier to encourage your family to move, if you move with them.  What activities does your family enjoy; walking, running, playing basketball or riding bikes?  Find an activity you can enjoy together, then do it.  Set aside time each day to be active together.

4 - Set Goals

“To be healthier” is a hard goal. Set measurable goals for your family’s activity, such as: 
  • Distance goals
  • Frequency goals
  • Intensity goals
  • Time length competition
At the end of each week look back and analyze how it went, and how you can improve the following week.  To see a change, you have to make a change!  YOU CAN DO IT!!!

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