Hello my friends! Have you been watching the Olympics? I love checking out all the sports. The athletes are so inspirational. My favorites are figure skating, snowboarding and ski jumping. Although I do love curling because I think that is the most hilarious event ever invented.
So if the Olympics themselves are not enough to inspire you to do something healthy every day for the Find Your Balance February Challenge, I thought I would try to provide you with some inspiration to give you a little extra oomph to do one healthy thing everyday! And even if you aren’t participating in the challenge, I figure you can still benefit from trying to incorporate more healthy habits into your lifestyle!
FOOD
We all have a different version of healthy so I am not going to tell you what you should and shouldn’t eat but here are a few general tips that can help you with a healthier lifestyle. Try doing one more thing each day until you are doing them all!
– Drink more water. Water is good for you and we all need to drink more! So fill up a water bottle and guzzle away!
– Eat more fiber. This is actually a pretty easy health goal because you can get fiber from so many awesome foods like apples (skin on!), raisins, oranges, bananas, beans, whole grains and nuts. Plus fiber helps you stay full longer and assists with weight loss according to some studies.
– Love those whole grains. Don’t cut the carbs, just eat better ones! Whole grain is the way to go—brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta.
– Eat healthy fats. Your body does need fat to survive so eat healthy fats like avocado, nuts, chicken breast and oily fish like salmon.
– Cut out the refined stuff. I know this is the hardest thing to do but look at everything you eat that is processed and see if you can cut it out. I love this guacamole spice packs but I thought they were made with actual spices. Turns out they are full of chemicals so I made my own guacamole spice over the weekend and it was pretty darn good!
FITNESS
Of course being fit and active is important to staying healthy and since it is the main focus of this blog, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it! Here are a few new ways to stay active:
– Get a jumpstart on a bikini body with a stand up paddle inspired workout.
– Hit the barre for some strengthening, lengthening and toning.
– Pick up a new workout DVD for a quick and easy at-home option.
– Try out a new class and get excited about your fitness routine.
– Try out a HIIT workout– fast and efficient.
– Try walking at lunch or take a lunch time yoga class.
REST & RECHARGE
Part of doing one thing healthy a day is realizing when your body needs rest. Rest is just important to a healthy body as exercise and good nutrition!
– Try meditating. Om is not necessary but do clear your mind, breathe deep and don’t focus on negative thoughts.
– Do some simple stretching. Your muscles will thank you, especially if you are active or sit all day because too much of anything is no bueno. Try my Yoga Inspired Video for Flexibility.
– Get some more sleep! Go to bed earlier. I am the queen of not taking this advice but it will help with everything else, I promise!
– Laugh. Watch a funny TV show (I love Modern Family) or meet up with someone who makes you feel good. Laughter is and always will be the best medicine!
Readers, what are your tips for a healthy lifestyle? Have you remembered to check-in for the challenge? What’s your favorite Olympic sport?
Elise @ 9toFit.com
February 11, 2014I love your fitness outfits, pops of color just make me happier in the winter lol
FitBritt
February 20, 2014Thanks! The colors make me happy too!
Elise @ 9toFit.com
February 11, 2014I love your fitness outfits, pops of color just make me happier in the winter lol
Erin @ The Almond Eater
February 11, 2014YES about the rest. I think some people go into the new year with such determination, which is good, but rest is so important! That and yoga 🙂 I mean, in my opinion haha
FitBritt
February 20, 2014I know! I can be guilty of overtraining sometimes!
Erin @ The Almond Eater
February 11, 2014YES about the rest. I think some people go into the new year with such determination, which is good, but rest is so important! That and yoga 🙂 I mean, in my opinion haha
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
February 11, 2014Well I used to be a figure skater so I love watching it in the olympics!
My advice? Eat your protein and veggies and whole grains for your health and the cake for your soul. You need both! And move your body every single day whether that means HIIT or going for walk!
FitBritt
February 20, 2014I didn’t know you were a figure skater! It’s so close to dance, which is my background!
I love your tips! 🙂
Carly @ Fine Fit Day
February 11, 2014Great tips! 🙂 I think my number one tip is not to expect perfection – it’s okay to slip up, or indulge, or miss a workout every now and again. When you do, you don’t need to give up altogether! And I’ve been loving the figure skating, the snowboarding and the slalom course!
FitBritt
February 20, 2014So important to remember! I feel like people slip up and then throw in the towel!
Kim
February 11, 2014Great tip!!
I’m with you on the water – I drink tons of water all day long (I’m never without my big cup!).
In the winter I don’t tend to try as many new activities (unless they are indoors!) but when it’s nice out I love to try new things.
FitBritt
February 21, 2014Me too! I have a big water bottle on my desk that I keep refilling!
Kimberly (Manifest Yourself)
February 11, 2014Working on drinking more water. I got a Body Composition test yesterday and it showed that I need to drink more water.
FitBritt
February 21, 2014That body composition test is really cool! I wish my work had that!
Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit
February 11, 2014Those taco lettuce wraps look delish!! I think a huge part of living a healthy lifestyle, besides everything you mentioned, is no negative self talk. I struggle when people talk down on themselves. I think if we continue to tell ourselves positive things, we will be more likely to live a more positive lifestyle and be happy!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014That’s a great point Lauren!
Megan @ The Skinny-Life
February 11, 2014These are great tips! I definitely agree with the sleep one. That is something I struggle with most! I also try to eat real, whole foods. I love sweats and I’ve realized recently that I tend to do that when I haven’t eaten enough whole foods (fruits, veggies & whole grains) or I’m tired.
FitBritt
February 21, 2014Whole foods is a big one and one that people sometimes don’t even realize how important it is!
Allie
February 11, 2014I need a little more rest and relaxation these days! I’ll get some this weekend but it seems SO far. I’m watching the olympics as I type and I really love it. Snowboarding is on and I’m going to VT next weekend to do some snowboarding of my own, so it’s getting me very excited!!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014Have a great time in VT! 🙂
Paige@FitNotFad
February 11, 2014Love these tips! So great! I love the rest and recharge part….so necessary for mental AND physical health. Getting more sleep is HUGE too. It makes such a difference. Great post Brittany!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014Thanks Paige! I definitely need to take my own advice and make sleep a huge priority!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
February 11, 2014Currently watching the Olympics RIGHT NOW! 🙂 Freestyle Skiing is on… But I am here to watch the halfpipe snowboarding – That’s my sport. I used to compete, so it holds a soft spot for me. My future husband will win, I know it, AHH HA AH!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014I can’t believe you used to compete in halfpipe snowboarding! That is so cool. It’s one of my favorites to watch!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
February 12, 2014Great tips Brittany! I’ve been trying to eat a little salmon every week even though Brandon doesn’t eat fish. It is just so healthy and I feel better when I eat it.
I also agree that rest is extremely important. I can feel my body asking me to get sleep after a good workout.
FitBritt
February 21, 2014Salmon is so good for you! What do you usually make it with?
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
February 21, 2014I like to mix it with boiled egg, relish, s&p and a touch of light mayo for sandwiches! 🙂
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady
February 12, 2014My favorite is not now, gymnastics. I can’t get into Modern Family. I’ve really tried bc I’ve heard so many good things, IDK. I love to watch something funny though. We’re the Millers was super funny, watched that recently.
Great tips, eating and physical. Apples have been my new love in 2014!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014I love gymnastics too! I didn’t really like We’re the Millers but I also watched it my with my family so . . . 🙂
Nicole
February 12, 2014These are great, and I agree with you on all of em! I love that you included resting. That’s one that I can forget to do sometimes, but just last weekend I realized that I really needed a few days off of hardcore exercise… and so that’s exactly what I did. I felt so much better and less sore and exhausted when Monday hit!
I love the Olympics too!! Also am a fan of the figure skating, and last night I almost had a heart attack watching Shaun White and the snowboarding half pipe competition. That sport is crazy!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014I swear I have been getting injured more because I forget to rest!
I was sooooo nervous when Shaun White came up for his turn. I feel like I am there with the athletes!
catherine gacad
February 13, 2014i’m such a girly girl, so i’ve been really into ice skating (and i i love gymnastics for the summer olympics). but i was watching the half pipe competition, and that was really awesome.
FitBritt
February 21, 2014I love gymnastics and ice skating! My two favorites!
Elyse @ Lizzie Fit
February 15, 2014I love this post! Its so simple but soo true 🙂 A lot people don’t realize how easy it is to make small changes that can add up to a big result!
FitBritt
February 21, 2014You are so right!