We all know that one person who doesn't even try to stay in shape, but seems to relish healthy food and will actually crave for greens and fruit. This type of person doesn't look at fitness as a set of strict choices they have to make every day to stay healthy. They have cultivated a positive mindset that allows them to like what's good for them and as a result, they enjoy good, nutritious food and have an aversion for everything else. That being said, you might still spot them enjoying dessert or an order of fries without any guilt.
Photo by Public Domain Pictures
So how do we cultivate this same lifestyle and be the healthiest that we can be?
The following are 7 things that fit people do to stay in shape.
1) They keep a water bottle with them at all times
Start carrying a water bottle and make water your drink of choice. It might take some time to get used to it, especially if you have a habit of drinking soft drinks when thirsty, but over time you will get used to water; and of course the health benefits are amazing. If the water tastes too bland, add a few drops of lemon, berries, or cucumber to taste or some fresh mint leaves. By staying hydrated, you effectively reduce the amount of food you eat (sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger) and you improve all bodily functions including cellular activity, nutrient absorption, and antioxidant properties.
2) They look at exercise as a pleasure and a privilege
Exercise can be a difficult prospect if you're looking at it as torture. Try to change your perspective about the way you see fitness in general, and this might lead to a positive association with exercise. The thing about mindset is that we can always change the way we choose to see something - so start getting excited about your next workout session, and this will go a long way in making you a healthy individual.
3) They don’t diet
People who are constantly trying new fad diets also tend to be in poor shape, and perhaps this has to do with the fact that they don't make healthy eating a part of their lifestyle, and only focus on dieting as an exciting new prospect. Fit people make healthy choices every day, and when it comes to eating habits, they know instantly what is good for them and what they should avoid.
One simple way to ensure that you're eating healthy is to increase the number of healthy meals you consume per week, so that you only eat about 20 percent or less of junk food. It's one way to ensure the body gets what it needs without removing entire food categories from your diet. Ultimately, your goal should be to eat only what's good for you, but perhaps you need to gradually work up to that. Avoid fad diets as much as you can, and trust that you already know what's good for you.
4) They get a lot of sleep
Being fit is not only about eating whole foods and hydrating; it's also about letting your body rest and recharge, because that's how you get your energy and stay healthy. Sleep is also important in regulating metabolism, repairing muscles after workouts, reducing stress on the body, and boosting athletic performance especially in the long-term. A consistent sleeping pattern is ideal as it allows your body's biological clock to work unhindered, and it leads to a healthier, happier life. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep every night.
5. They stay active outside of the gym
Fit people don't limit exercise to the gym, they find ways to work out outside as well. Being active means you're ready to move and use your body in ways that strengthen and improve your health. For instance, taking the stairs might be too much trouble if you don't actually enjoy working out, but some of your friends run up the stairs, every time and seem to enjoy it. There are many other ways you can incorporate fitness into your daily life especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors. Walk whenever you can, take up a new activity like swimming, biking, skiing, or whatever you enjoy, and get a gang of friends to participate in weekend activities like tennis or bike rides.
6) They prioritize themselves first
It's easy to let things like work and family take over your life completely, but in order to enjoy perfect fitness and health you have to really get a handle on your priorities. Really fit people know what's important to them, and that is making sure they live life according to their own set of rules. Social engagements don't have to get in the way of your routine - and even when a hectic schedule is taking too much of your time, your own fitness and health should always remain a priority. Fit people will always have time to exercise, even when life seems busier than normal.
Prioritizing yourself might be interpreted as being selfish, but that's not exactly what it is. It's about recognizing what is good for you, what system works for you, and not pushing yourself to commit more than you can deliver. It also means being true to yourself and setting boundaries that define your life. People will respect you more when you prioritize yourself first. Getting routine massages and going to your local medical spa for stress relief is a great way to pamper yourself as well.
7) They work on their mindset daily
Fit people know the power of mental attitudes and they take it upon themselves to cultivate a mindset that helps them accomplish their goals and stay healthy and happy. One way to do this is to provide the body with what it needs to stay strong, and that might also be interpreted as showing love to the body. Instead of pleasing the taste buds, focus on giving your body what it really needs, and use that same approach to other aspects of your life, and that will change how you do things.
Getting fit takes some effort and persistence, but staying fit requires changing your life to only accept things that help you stay healthy. These are simple lifestyle changes that will go a long way towards creating a positive life.
Author Bio:
Dr. Sean Daneshmand has been nominated as a “Top Doctor in San Diego” as published in San Diego Magazine continuously since 2008-2018. He has also completed extensive training in Aesthetic procedures including Vaser Liposelection and has been the Medical Director of Ageless and beautiful Medical Spa since May 2005.
