We all know that staying healthy includes eating right and exercising. That is definitely the jumping off point to keeping your body at it's top performance. While walking, jogging, running, swimming, (the list goes on and on of activities you can engage in) and eating our fruits and vegetables, are very important aspects to staying healthy, it is important to be mindful that you cannot just relegate staying healthy to a simple formula of do this but don't do that. Your health has to become a LIFESTYLE!
So how do you make health a lifestyle without going crazy? Our society has so much out there that really doesn't encourage staying healthy but rather encourages easy and quick. Simply put, you have to change your mindset. Your health has to be viewed for what it is, a currency of sorts that can provide a big return on investment if it is a priority. When you view your health as a sort of currency, you will begin to value it, manage it and be mindful of it.
I have found that by valuing my health, I can make a concerted effort to slowly integrate more healthy choices into my lifestyle by making better choices as they present themselves day to day. For example, I love to snack and have learned to make sure that when I want a snack, to have snack choices that are just as quick as unhealthy choices. I always keep celery, apples and peanut butter for a crunchy snack. When I want something sweet, I reach for chia pudding (I will include this super easy recipe at the end). When I want something salty, I keep a variety of almonds in the pantry. Those were simple changes that have helped keep me on track.
This goes for exercise as well. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a quick walk on your lunch break, and just look for ways to add physical activity to your day. One of the things I have added to my day is a two minute stretching routine when I get up. It helps me wake up, get the blood flowing and feel better.
Make your health a priority and begin to make simple changes by making better choices! Be mindful of what you eat, what you do and what you put on your body and your body will perform better and you will feel better!
Basic Chia Pudding Recipe
1 Cup Whole Milk (Lactose Free Milk, Almond Milk etc works too!)
1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
Mix together until begins to thicken and chia seeds are staying suspended in the liquid. (About 2 minutes) Cover and store in refrigerator up to 3 days.
To serve: Eat as is or sweeten to taste with Maple Syrup, Honey, or Fruit.