Top 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Getting Fit means Eating Fit!

Getting fit means eating fit. We all have different goals in life but my guess is that all of us want the best life possible. Our best life is led when our bodies can perform the tasks we ask of it without pain. There are many ways of achieving this and it is always a combination of several things that make this possible.

Your diet is one of the most important aspects of living your best life. Together with exercise, it’s diet that will make your body feel good and make it perform the way you want it to.

There are a lot of misconceptions about what healthy food is and how to take care of yourself so here are 5 things that will help you live your best life… 

1. 1. Fat is Fab!
      

      Fat has long been the bogey-man of health. Unfortunately we threw the baby out with the bath water. Although there are definitely fats (mostly man-made and processed fats) that should (almost) never be consumed, the ‘right’ kind of fat is not only NOT bad for you… it’s GREAT! In fact, have a read here for more information about what fats are good and which ones to avoid. And remember, the way you consume your fat is also important. Overheating many of the good fats can change their molecular structure and can turn a good fat into a bad fat.
      
      Most of the so-called ‘healthy low-fat’ options in the grocery store are, in fact, worse than their full-fat counterparts.
      
      Good fat is a great source of energy for your body and provides essential nutrients for a fit lifestyle!

   2. Count your Carbs

      Carbs are another source of mis-information. Generally speaking, fitness minded people will tell you carbs are bad and should be avoided as much as possible. People who follow the Keto diet avoid all carbs!
      
      However, carbs in and of themselves are NOT bad, it’s the type of carbs you eat that count. With high-glycemic index carbs (carbs which your body turns into sugar rapidly such as white rice, refined flours, baked goods, sugar etc.) your body will quickly convert these into sugars that your muscles supposedly need to perform. However, if you are not consuming those sugars immediately, your body will save those sugars as body fat…
      
      Low-glycemic index carbs (such as whole-grains, many green vegetables and some fruits) will convert to sugar much slower. This has many benefits. You will feel full longer, you will have more energy for a longer period of time (without a sugar spike) and your body will not store the excess sugars.
      
      It is still a good idea to limit the number of carbs although that really depends on your exercise level. If you are going on a 3-hour bike ride, have your low-glycemic index carbs about an hour or two prior to your activity and while doing your exercise, a higher-glycemic food can be consumed for quick energy boosts (fruits are great for this!).

   3. Prep like a Pro

      One of the most common diet fails is the lack of preparation. I get ‘hangry’ often because life is so busy and I only think of food when it’s too late. Then… just grab the easiest, fastest thing you can find which often isn’t a healthy choice.

      That’s where preparation comes in. There are so many articles on how to do this, I don’t want to repeat what others have already said, but one option you may not have thought of are meal-prep companies such as Foodie Fit. We deliver freshly prepared, whole foods directly to you. When that ‘hanger’ strikes, all you have to do is warm up one of our meals and you’re set! Remember, Getting Fit means Eating Fit!

   4. Body Basics

      We put our body through a lot of stress and you need to give it a break once in a while. Sometimes there are aches and pains from incorrect use, overuse or other stresses on the body. This is where massages can really help. Not only are they relaxing and a great way to spend your ‘me’ time, but they actually help rejuvenate, re-energize and recover both mind and body and in many cases heal as well. Even without aches and pains, regular massages are always a good idea.
      
      If you haven’t already found a great place to get a massage, look around your neighbourhood, as there are usually massage clinics nearby. The Mountainview Movement wellness clinics in downtown Vancouver are a great option for a visit after work. Get your massage in while others are stuck on their commute.

   5. Me times Three

      There are many excuses not to be healthy such as not having enough time because you have to write a blog post about being healthy… 😀
      
      But your health is the most important part of your life and should take priority over almost everything else. Without your health you are not performing at your best, whether it’s for yourself or taking care of others.
      
      Always prioritize these three things:

      1. Sleep
      2. Diet
      3. Exercise