It’s October already! The new year is less than 90 days away!
Does this sound familiar? — The last few months have been a bit rough on your waist line. You need to get back to a healthier lifestyle, yet it is tempting to wait. I mean really, New Year’s isn’t that far away and 2021 simply has to be better. You could just wait, right?
Nope. When it comes to getting healthy, it isn’t just about fitting into your clothes better. It is about so much more. Getting regular exercise and losing some weight – even just a couple pounds – can have positive impacts on your health.
So, instead of waiting, start now. You will love the benefits!
1. Better sleep. Losing weight and being more active will help you sleep better. And if you sleep better, you will have fewer cravings because your hunger hormones will stay in check.
Lack of sleep is extremely common. Poor sleep habits lead to tiredness which decreases your motivation to exercise and actually increases your appetite which leads to weight gain and an ugly cycle.
2. Less stress. While losing weight and making healthier choices won’t magically reduce stress, exercise is a known stress reliever. There is just something about working up a sweat that makes all those challenges that are stressing you out a bit more bearable.
Stress also can affect your weight. Chronic stress impacts our hormones which in turn can create cravings for foods high in sugar and carbs. So, if you find a workout or activity you love, it is a win-win for your mind and your body.
3. Better mood. The journey to a healthier you can be empowering. That self-confidence boost can positively influence all aspects of your life because you feel better about you!
And, a diet that includes a balance of healthy carbs, protein and fat not only fuels your body, it frees you from the stress that comes from making bad food choices.
And, a diet that includes a balance of healthy carbs, protein and fat not only fuels your body, it frees you from the stress that comes from making bad food choices.
4. Less joint pain. Carrying around excessive weight puts undue force on your bones and joints. According to a study published by Arthritis & Rheumatism, for every pound lost, there is a 4 pound reduction in stress on knee joints. So if you are even carrying 10 extra pounds you are putting 40 unneeded pounds of stress on your knees. Think of the impact losing that weight would have on your joints as you stand and walk thousands of steps every day.
Here’s the bottom line… Getting healthy, and all it entails is easier said than done. We all have excuses. We all want a quick fix. But a healthy body isn’t built in a day, a week or a month. It takes small changes done consistently. And there is no better time than now to start.