Welcome, my fit ladies to my first fitness and health blog!
Let me start by saying that I am by no means an expert on health, nor am I a
certified personal trainer. However, over the past few years, I have digested
an insane amount of information about general health through blogs, magazines,
books, etc. Today, I am going to share with you my top three tips I have
learned along the way. Usually I see lists that have 20, 50, and 100 tips, but
I think that’s a bit overboard. The following three tips are simple, yet could
potentially make big changes to your life.
1. Drink water
Some might say this is common sense. Perhaps it is, but you
don't need just a couple of glasses a day; you need several! I recently came
across an article on Pinterest about Lauren Conrad's beach body routine. Her
trainer recommended drinking an ounce of water for every pound you weigh. For
example -- on a good (OK, great) day -- I weigh 125 pounds, therefore, I drink
125 ounces of water every day. This ends up being a little less than six
glasses in the big tumbler cups (they can hold 24 ounces). You can find them at
Bed Bath & Beyond (you know, the clear ones with your initials or favorite
sports teams.. of course mine are Georgia Bulldogs!) I’m not saying to go out
and buy one, but this is how I keep track of my daily water consumption. Find a
method that works for you.
Fact – I also read a study on women that added at least one
liter of water to their daily diet. These women lost on average over five
pounds a year by making this small, easy change!
2. Eat processed foods SPARINGLY!
They don’t say “abs are made in the kitchen” for no reason!
I’ve learned that if there are more than four ingredients on a food label, STAY
AWAY! Now, I know you are probably thinking that every food item in the grocery
store has more than four ingredients, but you’re forgetting the most important
section: the produce aisle! Add as many fruits and vegetables to your diet as
possible; eat clean! My favorite place to buy fruits and veggies is the local
farmers market. Not only will you find boatloads of fresh, organic food, but
you will also save a lot of money buying from the farmers market rather than a
grocery store. My favorites right now are watermelon, kiwi, squash, and
zucchini.
Especially avoid – Frozen dinners, crackers/chips, and most canned foods.
3. Add some cardio to your life
I am NOT the type of person that spends three hours in the
gym a day (I did a couple of summers ago, but I was a loser back then :-).) I am a full time
college student with a job, plus I like sleep, but I do need some form of
exercise in my daily routine. This year, I am parking across the street from my
college so I end up walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes (15 minutes to
class, and 15 minutes back.) I realize that this is not a great deal of
exercise, but I like to focus more on my diet or “lifestyle.” Everyone should
figure out a way to add at least 20 minutes of exercise to their schedules,
whether it’s taking the dog for a walk or lifting weights in the gym.
What lifestyle changes have worked for you? Which of the
three changes above would you like to try? I would love to hear your thoughts
and tips!
Your fair lady,
Photo credit: http://inspirefitness.tumblr.com/
Sources: http://www.laurenconrad.com/post/shape-up-lauren-conrad-bikini-boot-camp-fitness-plan
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/20-habits-skinny-people-live-by
