To stay fit, all it takes is a bit of effort – Part 1

Most of our lifestyles change when we leave school, home or just entering the work force for the first time in our lives. All of a sudden you have the freedom to eat what you want and when you want it.  Irregular eating times, late nights, stress and lack of exercise are all contributors to weight gain that may occur during your life. It is important to practice healthy eating and regular exercise in order to continue living a healthy lifestyle in the years ahead.

Small adjustments to your lifestyle can make a big difference! Sounds easy enough, but this requires activity and the right choices. Below are some helpful tips to stay fit and manage your weight.

Get moving.

Exercising for just 30 minutes each day can burn excess calories, improve your overall health and promote happiness.  If you don't have time to make it to the gym, small amounts of exercise that increase your heart rate can be sufficient on busy days.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk briskly to class, do a set of push ups and crunches during a commercial break of your favourite television show.

Get More Sleep

Recent studies have linked adequate sleep to a healthy weight.  A sufficient amount of sleep helps you to prevent stress and irritability, which may lead to overeating.  Try to make sleep a priority. Work towards a regular seven to eight hours each night.  Try not to nap too much during the day and avoid caffeine in the evening so you can receive quality shut-eye. 

Hydrate.

Every function of the body requires water.  Water makes your metabolism burn calories three percent faster! Drinking more water will help your energy levels and boost metabolism. If you are dehydrated your brain may mistake your thirst for hunger, and cause you to eat unnecessary calories.

Don't skip meals.

To lose weight you only need to cut about 200-400 calories out of your diet each day by either elimination or exercise, but never go to the extreme and skip entire meals.  Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day helps to keep your blood sugar levels even and prevents binge eating.  If you skip meals and your body goes into starvation mode, your metabolism slows and will be less likely to expend energy and calories.