As a busy mom and founder of Green-Beauty Co, it can be difficult to find the time and motivation to stay in shape. But after reading a book called Atomic Habits, I recently made some changes to my lifestyle that have had a positive impact on my body and overall health as well as mental health.
In this blog post, I’m sharing 10 realistic habits that helped me transform my body and get in better shape without sacrificing too much of my time or energy.
Here are my 10-tips when it comes to realistic habits:
1) Get Moving
Exercise doesn't have to mean long hours at the gym. In fact, I am not at all gym person. I like to incorporate movement into my day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, brisk walking for parking further away from stores so you have to walk, or playing with your kids in the park. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a big difference.
2) Take Breaks
Working out can be exhausting, so take breaks in between sets to give your body time to rest and recover. This will not only help you avoid burnout but also help prevent injury and keep your workouts consistent over time. I started this habit when I started strength yoga as a part of my exercise routine.
3) Make Healthy Substitutions
Eating healthy doesn't mean cutting out all of your favorite foods; it just means making healthier substitutions when possible. For example, try swapping white bread for wheat bread or baking instead of frying your food. You don't have to give up flavor, just switch it up! I am actually fond of trying out healthy food substitutions so adoting this habit was easier for me.
4) Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep you hydrated and energized for workouts as well as everyday activities. For this habit, I started carrying my water bottle everywhere. I wanted to make sure that I fill up my water bottle for 4-5 times a day. It also helps maintain proper digestion and metabolism function for optimum health. Aim for 8-10 glasses per day!
5) Eat More Fruits & Vegetables
As a vegetarian myself, I love vegetables, but fruits I am still not a huge fan of it. But I truly believe that, eating more fruits and vegetables is an easy way to get essential vitamins and minerals into your diet without having to sacrifice taste or texture. Plus, they're high in fiber which keeps you feeling full longer so you don't end up overeating later on in the day.
6) Cut Down on Sugar & Salt
Too much sugar and salt can lead to weight gain over time due to their empty calories which provide no nutritional value whatsoever. I am calling myself fortunate because I don't have sweet tooth at all, but salty food is my weakness. That's why I try reducing or eliminating added sugars in my diet such as sodas, processed foods like chips or crackers, and sugary snacks like candy bars or cookies whenever possible.
7) Eat Smaller Portions at Mealtime
Eating smaller portions helps reduce calorie intake while still giving you plenty of energy throughout the day without any peaks or valleys in energy levels due to large meals that are difficult to digest quickly. Plus, it's easier on your stomach since it's not getting overloaded with too much food at once! I started this habit very gradually. Generally for lunch we eat dal, curry, roti, and rice. But instead of I picked one carb source (either rice or roti) and build my portion smaller in that way!
8) Get Plenty of Sleep
This is tough one moms! But getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health because it gives our bodies time to rest and repair after strenuous activities such as intense workouts or long days at work/home with kids! Aim for 8 hours per night if possible - this will help ensure that you're well-rested and ready for whatever comes next!
9) Drink More Water Before Meals
This is my secret to lose all my pregnancy weight. Drinking water before meals helps fill us up so we don't overeat during mealtime - plus it's good for hydration too! Try drinking 1 glass of water 15 minutes before each meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner). This will make sure that you don't eat too much while still giving yourself plenty of energy throughout the day!
10) Track Your Progress Regularly
It's important to track your progress regularly so that you're aware of any changes happening in terms of weight loss/gain as well as any changes in strength/endurance when exercising regularly over time - this will help motivate you further down the road towards achieving those goals! Plus, tracking progress makes sure that we stay accountable which is key when trying to make lifestyle changes stick long-term!
Making lifestyle changes doesn't have to be overwhelming; even small adjustments can add up over time resulting in big results when done consistently over weeks/months/years. The 10 habits listed above are realistic ones that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine without sacrificing too much efficiency or enjoyment from life itself - give them a try today! By adhering these simple practices consistently, I was able see amazing transformation results within months – I hope these tips will help other busy moms like me achieve their own fitness goals sooner rather than later!
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