Are you an avid follower of health and wellness pages on social media? Is your search page inundated with images of rock solid abs or perfectly toned arms? If you're more of an armchair fan than an active participant, it's never too late to get into healthy living.
Nobody's saying you have to post endless photos of kale smoothies or gym outfit selfies. But making some changes to your lifestyle will do your body and mind the power of good. If you're eager to channel your favorite Instagram personalities, here are some tips to get you going. You never know. Soon, hundreds of people could be taking advice off you.
If you've never been into exercise, you may wonder what on earth all the fuss is about. Today, many people think about working out as a means of losing weight and improving their appearance. But exercise has essential health benefits. Of course, it's great to feel confident in a bikini. But it's also important to realize the positive impact being active has on your vital organs. If you engage in physical activity on a regular basis, you'll reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Often, the hardest bit is getting started. Are you worried about walking into the gym and being surrounded by sculpted goddesses or muscle men? Do you worry about what to do or how to work the machines? Do you hate the idea of getting hot and sweaty surrounded by a load of people you've never met before? Are you embarrassed about your lack of fitness? These are common problems, which affect most people. The solution is to get stuck in and take that first leap of faith. It's also worth bearing in mind that you don't have to go to the gym to work out. There are so many other forms of exercise you can enjoy. If you're self-conscious, you can exercise at home. Follow a plan online, or do a workout DVD. You'll find useful pages, such as Kayla Itsines reviewed, and recommendations online. You could also try team sports, or sign up for classes. Most gyms now offer a range of classes, from spinning to dance lessons. Give new things a try. If you need a bit of moral support, take a couple of friends along with you.
Once you've bitten the bullet, stay motivated. Set yourself goals, and when you reach them, set up new ones. If you're working towards something, you'll be more inclined to give it your all. Vary your workouts to keep things interesting, and try new sports and activities. Alternate spinning classes or cardio workouts with a jog on the beach or a yoga session.
If you're a member of the Instagram generation, you're probably familiar with pictures of healthy meals. The reality is that you don't have to give up burgers and eat salad or cod and vegetables for the rest of your life. There is an assumption that using superfoods and cooking trendy meals makes you healthy. But the truth is that you're never going to adopt good habits if you don't like the food you're cooking. Nutritious meals don't always involve heaps of vegetables and nothing else. You don't have to give up meat in favor of pulses if you don't want to. The key is finding healthy foods you like and cutting back on things that aren't so good for you. You'll often find that you can enjoy your favorite meals by creating leaner versions. Take your weekly burger, for example. Opt for leaner cuts of meat, grill rather than fry, and always go for a whole grain bun. In one fail swoop, an unhealthy dish becomes something that tastes good and provides you with essential nutrients.
Cutting out food groups is a contentious issue. You'll often find that fashionable diets are criticized by health experts. The best thing you can do is enjoy a balanced diet. For years, carbohydrates have been vilified by fad diet fans. But the fact is that your body needs them. If you cut them out altogether, you're likely to experience low energy levels and fatigue.
One way of making a lifelong commitment to healthier eating is to learn to cook at home. Do you often rely on frozen meals or takeout? If so, now is the time to take some cooking lessons. You don't have to enrol in a structured program. You can learn on the job. All you need is some basic equipment and some recipe books. You'll also find thousands of recipes online. Stick to simple, quick meals to begin with, and increase the complexity as you gain confidence. Do a weekly shop based on a menu you've planned rather than stocking up on the way home each day.
Along with avocados on toast and workout selfies, you'll find tons of inspirational quotes online. These ditties may make you feel better, but they're unlikely to change your life. Good health is not just about being free from ailments. It's also about being happy. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Today, many of us face obstacles like stress and anxiety. If these are demons that haunt you often, try and find solutions. Exercise is an excellent remedy for stress, and you may also find meditation and breathing exercises helpful. Talk to people about how you feel, and seek help if you're struggling. You may need more time at work or somebody to help you with a college assignment. Get enough sleep, and try to identify triggers. If you can train your brain to spot them, you'll learn to cope better. Remember that health professionals are there to help and support you. There's no shame in asking for advice.
Today, many of us follow accounts and profiles, which claim to promote health and wellbeing. Many of these pages and images can be incredibly helpful. But being healthy isn't all about being ripped and drinking exotically colored smoothies every day. You don't suddenly need to give up all the foods you love or spend your life in the gym. Making simple, gradual changes will do you a world of good and help you to set up regimes you can keep up for life. Perhaps you'll be the next Instagram success story. But if not, don't worry. At least you've made positive changes that will boost both your body and mind.