5 Simple Ways to Stay in Shape

I think that most of us would agree that we could improve on the health aspect of our lives. Whether it be eating better or exercising more, we all have areas that we can improve upon. Their is no doubt that when you exercise and eat right you feel much better both physically and mentally. In today's fast paced society, it's not surprising to see how health sometimes gets put on the back burner. The problem for most of us is that we are so busy and their are unfortunately only 24 hours in a day. I would like to share with you some quick and simple tips that can help to improve your health. Just remember that even the seemly little things add up over time. Both positive and negative. Take time now to improve your health and your body will reward you later.    

1) Find creative ways to exercise:   Setting aside time everyday to go to the gym or exercise is clearly the best plan, but that isn't possible for everyone. That is why it's important to be creative and find new ways to get your exercise in each day. Here are just a few of my favorites: Take the steps whenever possible. Don't always park in the closest parking spot.  Instead of sitting while you are on the phone, go for a walk or pace. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving when possible. Exercise while watching TV rather than just sitting there. Whatever you come up with just stick to it and eventually you will see the results.    

2) Develop a routine:   Not all of us have time to be the next body building champion, but that still doest excuse you from exercising. Nice try though! Whether it be finding time to exercise each day day or eating the right things, it's very important to stick to a routine. This is a simple concept but can be hard to execute. Pick a physical activity that you enjoy and then DO IT at least 5 days a week. An example of this is going for a walk everyday after dinner. I have found that you are much more likely to exercise each day if you get into a routine. Sure at first it may be hard to get into a routine but after awhile you will miss your daily activity if you are unable to do it that day.    

3) Take the stairs!   This is one of my personal pet peeves because it's hard to understand why people don't take advantage of the "free exercise" that they gain from something simple like taking the stairs. Forget the elevator and stick to the stairs. While you may think that taking the stairs one day will not make much of a difference. Just think how many calories you will burn after a week, month or year of taking the stairs each day. If you work on the 4th floor you have to go up to get their anyways so why not get some exercise. Don't be lazy and settle for the uncomfortably crammed elevator. Take the stairs and get some exercise. Trust me, it will make you feel better about yourself.    

4) Eat "Detox" foods   Since most of us do not always eat the most nutritious foods it is important that our body flushes harmful toxins on a regular basis. This prevents long term diseases such as cancer. Here are some basic tips to help naturally detox your body. Be sure to include foods that are high in fiber into your diet. This would include whole grains, nuts, oats and granola just to name a few. Fiber acts like a sponge and sucks up harmful toxins before being excreted from the body. Citrus foods such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits have a strong detoxifying effect. Grapefruits are a great food to eat as well for anyone who is on a diet because they actually have an appetite suppressor quality to them. Some other fruits that are strong body cleansers are cranberries, prunes and the acai berry. I would strongly recommend that everyone includes these juices into their diet as well. If you are looking for a natural supplement to take for detoxing i would recommend taking milk thistle. Milk thistle acts as a cleanser of the liver and is very beneficial. Please visit the Nutritional News section of BlenderWizard.com for much more details on the benefits of milk thistle.    

5) Healthy Snacking   Replace greasy, fatty and sugary snacks throughout the day with something healthy. Substitute soda with water or healthy tea. Try having a grain fruit bar for a mid day snack or a fresh fruit filled parfait with yogurt and granola for a late night snack. Fruit makes a great snacking food. Also eating foods that are high in fiber are perfect too because fiber helps to make you feel more full, which helps to curb cravings. Another trick that i have found is that drinking lots of water throughout the day makes you feel less hungry. Eating healthy snacks is a great way to begin a healthy daily routine.