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. Simply put, habits are routines and things we do on a regular basis that become repetitive. Life is a culmination of habits—both good and bad. The habits that you develop 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 1/4 less 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.
The SMSC has many resources to help you add some fun to your food and exercise regimens. Check them out below!
Resources
Sign up for a cooking class at Mazopiya, or pick up a fully cooked scratch-made meal from the Dinner Done Naturally program.
Crock Pot Monday and Meals Made Easy are convenient and delicious options for bringing home a healthy meal to your family.
The SMSC’s PreventionFirst! and Wondr Health programs bring you interactive web-based activities to help you make lasting changes to your eating habits.
Dakotah! Sport and Fitness has many options to help you navigate your fitness journey. From group fitness classes to open swim sessions, there is plenty of fun to be had!
Sign up for the SMSC’s Fitbit program and join the many other employees who are earning incentives for being active! You will also have free access to Fitbit Premium, where you can find workout videos and recipes for free.
