If your summer fitness goals were sabotaged by barbecues, vacations, lounging on the beach, or ice cream socials, it’s time to regroup! While the kids are reading, writing, and doing arithmetic, you can major in better health, better foods, and a better body. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you be top of your fitness class.
- History.
History teaches us where we’ve been so we can make better choices moving forward. Tracking your exercise and diet routines can do the same. Log all your activities and all the foods you eat. Once you know where you are, you can work toward where you want to be.
- Reading. A recent study showed that people who read nutrition labels weigh less. For women this translated into an 8.6 pound difference. Not sure how to read a nutrition label? Click Here.
- Math. No matter how you spin it, you have to burn more calories than you eat to lose weight, which means portion control is key.
- Science. Science is all about proof. One proven weight loss fact is that a healthy breakfast is important. The National Weight Control Registry reported that 78% of individuals who lose weight and keep it off eat a healthy breakfast. Need breakfast ideas? Click Here.
Physical Education. Daily physical activity is the key to a healthy life. This doesn’t mean 60 minutes on the elliptical or running 10 miles daily. Just 5-10 minutes a day of walking is a good place to start. The key is to find something you enjoy that easily fits into your day.
- Social Studies. This fall we can do more than learn about our family, our community, and our world. We can help shape it through the choices we make. Instead of a family Sunday brunch, start a Sunday walk in the park. Instead of meeting a friend for lunch, meet for a bike ride. Search out fitness opportunities (walks for charity or health-related events) and you will not only make a difference in your family’s health, you will make a difference in the health of your community.
- Music. Need a little workout motivation? Music is the answer. Try iSweat fitness music or Tone to Go, a total body workout set to heart-pumping music.
