Fitting in Health & Fitness
Published 2023-03-09 by Louise Moorey
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Strength training is often associated with Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for physical and mental well-being. However, when you’re short on time, juggling work and family life, it can be challenging to make healthy choices a priority. It’s easy to succumb to the convenience of fast food and sedentary habits but with some planning and commitment, you can achieve your goals of a healthier lifestyle.
Here are some tips and advice on how to work around busy family life and reach your health goals:
Be realistic with yourself
This one is very important! When setting goals, look at your life day to day and see what’s actually achievable for you. Overestimating and setting unattainable goals can leave you feeling unmotivated and defeated before you even start. Setting unachievable goals will often lead people to quit due to an all-or-nothing mindset if they can’t reach the goals they have set themselves.
Instead, set small, achievable goals that will help you build momentum and confidence. For example, instead of aiming to go to the gym every day aim for two sessions in a week. If you are currently doing 2000 steps a day, don’t aim for 10 000 try for 4000 per day. Start with small steps and work on building from there.
Prioritise exercise
Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but I understand it can be difficult for some people to fit it into their busy schedules. Consider waking up a little earlier to exercise before the day gets hectic. You can also try to squeeze in a quick workout on your lunch break. Get prepared the night before by laying out your workout clothes ready for you in the morning.
Exercise doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym to be effective. Studies have shown that just 10 minutes of exercise has many benefits to our health. Trying to fit a few 10-minute workouts into your week will be much more achievable for some.
Try to schedule your workouts in advance. Look at your week and plan when you will exercise. You’re less likely to skip something you have scheduled.
If childcare is a barrier for you, try to find a gym or facility that has childcare options. Do you have a friend or family member that can help with babysitting? You can return the favour so they can get a workout in too.
Additionally, find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or going for a walk after dinner with your family. If you are meeting friends for coffee perhaps get a take-out coffee and take a walk instead. All those little actions may seem small and insignificant, but they add up to big results
Plan and prep your meals
Planning and prepping your meals is great when you’re short on time. It ensures that you have healthy food options available, even when you’re pressed for time. Planning your meals can also save you money and prevent food waste too. Take a look at your schedule for the week and plan your meals around it. Are there days when you are going to be really rushed? On those days make sure you have something pre-prepared so that you don’t have to think about what you are going to eat at the time. Slow cooker meals can be a great option for this. You can prepare whole meals in advance or you can do smaller tasks that will save lots of time, such as chopping all your vegetables, pre-cooking proteins, and portioning out snacks for the week ahead.
Keep healthy snacks on hand
Snacking can be a downfall for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. Treats are great, and I. encourage everyone to keep foods they love in their diet, but it’s a great idea to have some nutritious options available to snack on too. Keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fruits, yoghurt, or pre-cut vegetables. These snacks are easy to grab and go, and they’ll help keep you fueled throughout the day.
Get the whole family involved
Making healthy choices is easier when the whole family is on board. Encourage your family to join you in your health goals, such as cooking healthy meals together or going for a family walk after dinner. By involving your family, you’re not only setting a positive example for your children but also creating a support system that can help you stay on track.
Be flexible
Life can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to be flexible when it comes to your health goals. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout or indulge in a meal. Instead, focus on the positive choices you can make going forward. Your lifestyle should still include all the things you enjoy while working towards your goals. It’s about what we do most of the time.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle when short on time can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With a little planning and commitment, you can achieve your goals. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, and it’s never too late to start making healthier choices.