5 Excuses Getting In The Way Of Your Healthy Lifestyle
Sticking to healthy eating habits and a regular workout routine can be tough. We’ve all made excuses as to why we didn’t go to the gym today or why we ate that big piece of chocolate cake. Slip-ups happen, and the occasional misstep is ok. But how often have you found yourself making the same excuses over and over? It’s time to stop the excuses! Here are 5 common excuses getting in the way of your healthy lifestyle and ways to overcome each one.
1. I don’t have time to workout
I’ve got to get the kids to soccer practice, make dinner, and then prepare for that big presentation at work tomorrow. How am I supposed to workout? We get it. You are busy! But you make time for everything else; why not make time for your own health? Workouts don’t have to be long and complicated. There are countless things you can do to stay active during the day. Go for a walk on your lunch break; try these quick and easy at-work workouts; or use the time you watch TV to also get in some exercise. Go here and here to find easy exercises you can do at home while binging on your favorite shows.
2. I’m too tired to workout
Life can be draining, and often it may feel like you don’t have the energy to workout. But working out regularly will actually give you more energy. Exercise gets your circulation going and causes the body to produce endorphins, a hormone linked to making you feel better. Over time, workouts will seem easier and you will find that you have more energy to get you through your hectic day.
3. I just worked out, so I deserve that slice of pizza
After completing a tough workout it only seems fair to reward yourself, right? Well, sort of. You should reward yourself, just not with food. Research indicates that it is common for us to over estimate the amount of calories we’ve burned and under estimate the amount of calories we consume. For example, running three miles at a 10 minute per mile pace will burn about 307 calories. An average slice of cheese pizza has about 285 calories. That means eating that piece of pizza essentially cancels out your entire workout. Next time you want to reward yourself, try buying a new outfit or watching an episode of your favorite show instead.
4. The package says low fat, so it must be healthy
It’s easy to assume that something that says it’s low fat must be good for you, but you have to be careful with these foods. Read the back of the package! Often these products are pumped up with sugar and preservatives to make up for the reduced fat. Additionally, research shows that if we perceive a food to be healthier, we are likely to eat more of it and often consume more calories than we normally would have. Even with low fat options it is important to watch portion size.
5. The food was there, so I ate it
When food is around, it can be easy to give in to temptations. The simplest solution? Get rid of it! Remove all snacks from your office, and try to eliminate unhealthy items and foods with lots of preservatives from your home. Instead, stock your pantry and fridge with fresh, healthy foods. If that box of cookies isn’t staring you in the face every day, you are far less likely to eat it.
Let’s face it. Slip-ups will happen. And that’s ok, but constant excuses are not. It’s time to give your body the healthy lifestyle it deserves and stop making excuses. We are here to help. Contact us today to discuss a personalized wellness plan that is right for you.
