Health in a Hurry

Adding Fun Back Into Food and Fitness

There’s no shortage of experts telling us that we need to exercise more and eat healthier. In addition, we are constantly bombarded with endless messaging on the latest fad diets and workouts that promise us the “perfect body.” While there is no such thing as “perfect” when it comes to what we eat and how we move our bodies, we can start making small improvements, which over time can yield positive gains in our lives.

So, what does it take to get you heading in the right direction? What’s holding you back? Is it time, money, motivation, or a combination of many barriers? What if you were told there are easier solutions that put the fun back into the equation? It all starts with habits, which are routines and things we do on a regular basis that become repetitive. Habits contribute to the person you are and the goals you can achieve. The key is to start small. Don’t try to tackle all your unhealthy habits at once, as this can feel overwhelming and is not sustainable.

A few examples of starting small to improve your eating habits could include drinking one less soda a week, putting less teaspoon of sugar in your tea or coffee each morning, or cutting out one unhealthy food from your diet.

For exercise, try visiting Dakotah! Sport and Fitness for just 10-15 minutes each day and gradually increase your time spent there each week. Exercise can also include walking to the mailbox and back or clearing snow from your driveway, as it’s all about getting your body moving.

So, how do we make developing healthy habits fun? It starts by adding a social component. After all, doing something with a friend or in a group builds accountability and support! For instance, if you’re trying to eat healthier, try taking a cooking class in person or virtually. Learning how to make new dishes can be fun and help to get out of a boring meal rut.

To benefit from exercise in an exciting way, take a walk with a friend or join a group fitness class. You can also join an adult sports league or take part in a fitness boot camp. Prefer to work out alone? Try experimenting with new and unique music playlists.

IT’S MORE FUN TO GET MOVING WITH A FRIEND!