These modern times of computer technology, many of us are either stuck in front of the computer, spending too much time on the smartphone, playing console games or just being a slave to endless free movies on Netflix while enjoying a good-sized pack of chips and a pint of ice cream. These are no doubt fun activities that keep us occupied. However, these activities pull us into a sedentary lifestyle which we all know does not bring any good and healthy benefits. For some, the fast-paced work environment traps them, which does not give them a chance to get moving and active. While most of us, if not all, are aware of the positive effects that we can get from living a healthy lifestyle, sometimes just thinking about venturing into exercise and diet can be demotivating.
Exercise: Workouts That Fit You
To make your fitness journey more enjoyable, here are some unique and fun ways to keep your body sweating, get the toxins out of your system, and stay in shape.
Dancing is no doubt a fun way to burn those calories away. This generally suits all ages, and there are plenty of fitness levels that one can try. Surely, you’ve heard of Zumba or Bokwa. These dance exercises are a whole-body workout that’s not only a good cardio exercise that provides huge benefits to your heart, but it also helps you improve your balance and coordination. Music also improves your mental and emotional health.
Martial Arts provides many positive effects like weight loss and cardiovascular benefits while honing your mobility, strength, coordination, and reflexes, amongst many others. It also imparts many mental benefits such as improved mood, focus, discipline, great values, and morals. It takes practice to master any martial arts; this is why it also gives self-confidence as you go your way up to higher ranks like black belts.
Capoeira is a high-energy martial art that originated in Brazil. Don’t have time for separate dance and martial arts sessions? Then capoeira is for you! This is a combination of dance, music, acrobatics, and self-defence techniques that will surely make your heart pump. This exercise will develop your endurance, flexibility, strength, and agility.
Spinning or indoor cycling is amongst many high-intensity cardio workouts that are becoming popular nowadays. Paired with booming hip-hop music, you will surely enjoy cycling to another level. While high-impact is great for most spinning fanatics, you can adjust the resistance and intensity of your ride to a low-impact kind of spin which is a good exercise for those who are recovering from orthopaedic injuries.
Wii Fit will surely capture your attention if you are into computer games and are planning to start a healthy living by working out. This is an exercise game using a balance board as a peripheral way to workout as if you’re in a game. What’s more, is you can also compete with other players virtually. Make your heart pump and get sweaty while enjoying the comfort of your home.
Diet: What You Should Eat
There are many kinds of diets that are spawning in the market, promising results in varying periods of time. But do we know the most important foods to include? Here are the important components of a healthy diet;
Whole grains are a great source of important nutrients like fibres, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and selenium. Adding this as part of your diet helps reduce the risks of having chronic diseases.
Fruits and vegetables are where we get important vitamins and minerals that boost our health. For some who are having a hard time eating these gifts of nature, there are other ways to consume them. You can blend it into a smoothie for a refreshing treat or add it to your salad. You can also add cannabidiol (CBD) which also offers a wide array of therapeutic effects that helps boost the immune system, pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders, amongst many others.
Dairy is a good source of protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D that are essential in maintaining strong bones, strong teeth and generates energy. You should consider choosing low-fat milk or cheese and substituting yoghurt with sour cream for a healthier option.
Proteins, being the building block of muscles, are an important part of a healthy diet. It also helps to speed muscles and organs injury, and it improves bone health. Moderate amounts of lean and low-fat meat are beneficial, but it is essential to stray away from processed meat.
Fats and Oils should not be totally eliminated. Small amounts of these help the body with calories and essential fats that help with the quick absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Sugar usually has a bad reputation when talking about healthy eating habits. A small amount of sugar can provide a simple source of energy. Many naturally occurring sugar such as glucose, fructose, and lactose can be found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. But the added sugar that you add to many products to enhance the sweetness has been cited to be the contributor to many health problems.
Vitamins and other supplements are essential in our daily lives. Multivitamins that contain vitamins A, C, E, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins are an easy way of taking in nutrients in one go. This fills the lacking amounts of nutrients that we don’t usually get completely from cutting down the amount of food that we take in. Other supplements like cannabidiol (CBD) are another great way to boost your immune system. Aside from the common uses like taking CBD oil for sleep and anxiety and providing pain relief, its potential anti-inflammatory properties and ability to work as an immunosuppressant and immunomodulator can be useful for enhancing your immunity. It also comes in many forms for everyone’s convenience, like CBD oil gummies, tinctures and CBD capsules for easier incorporation in your daily vitamins routine.
It’s true that you have to invest some time and effort to achieve a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, you should remember that good things come to those who are patient. Exercising and dieting may take time but think of the many things that it can give your body. Keeping active and eating healthy will create a ripple effect not only physically but also mentally.
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