Posted on Friday March 24th, 2017
Small changes can make a healthy difference
Looking to lose weight and become more fit? Small changes in your daily activities can help you reach your goals faster and easier. Here are some examples:
Get moving at home
- Engage in regular cleaning activities, such as dusting, mopping and vacuuming.
- Take an evening stroll. Even a short walk round the block or up and down a corridor will help.
- Try walking when you’re chatting on your cell phone or cordless phone. (Mind where you’re going!)
- Watching TV? Use commercial breaks as an opportunity to get up and move.
On the go? Keep moving
- Park your car further from your destination, so you can walk a little further.
- Try taking the stairs between nearby floors, instead of an elevator or escalator.
- When standing in line, work your “core” muscles. Flex your mid-section muscles for 10-15 seconds. Relax. And repeat.
Always think “healthy” when it’s time to eat
- Eat foods that keep you fuller longer, like oatmeal, fresh apples, raw carrots, or almonds.
- Avoid temptation. Get rid of junk food in your cabinets and fridge.
- Going out for a meal? Skip the heavy sides, like fries, and opt for steamed veggies or a salad.
- Carry healthy snacks with you when you go out. It’ll help curb hunger and keep you away from the candy rack at the checkout.
Here’s a healthy bonus tip
Keep a daily journal of everything you eat and drink. This will keep you aware of what you’re consuming and help identify healthy and unhealthy patterns.
Be sensible when changing your routine
Remember that when it comes to diet and exercise to set achievable and sensible goals. Don’t do too much too soon. Always speak to your doctor and/or therapist before you begin. The right physical activity and proper nutrition will promote weight loss, reduce stress on joints, improve mobility and boost energy levels for an overall improvement in your health.
Promoting wellness at Lutheran Life Villages
At Lutheran Life Villages, we believe that wellness goes beyond just “being healthy.” Our goal is to help everyone—our senior residents, staff and local community— achieve a harmonious balance of overall wellness of body, mind and spirit. In fact, we feel so strongly about achieving overall wellness, we’ve devoted an entire department to promoting it.
Integrating wellness into our communities is just another reason why nonprofit Lutheran Life Villages is a leader in senior retirement living, senior healthcare, rehabilitation and other important services.
