Ever wonder how your friend/s always look fit and in great physical shape? More than that…how are they able to stay healthy and fit all the time? What’s their ‘secret’?
Check out these ten healthy habits that nearly all fit people tend to have in common:
#1: They eat healthy.
Fit people do not deprive themselves of foods they like. In fact, they eat a lot! However, the difference between fat eaters and fit eaters is that the latter eat differently. It means, fit people eat more whole, unprocessed foods and refrain from high sugar, high fat stuff, get their carb source from complex carbohydrate sources such as vegetables, whole fruits and whole grains. On top of that, fit individuals tend to eat frequently, as many as seven meals per day, but only in smaller portions.
This eating habit results in more stable blood sugar and consistent energy level. They are also less susceptible to weight gain since they seldom eat more calories than their body can use up.
#2: They are active.
People who look perpetually healthy not only eat several times a day, but they do a great deal of activities. This may seem straightforward, but when you are leading a sedentary lifestyle, you will definitely notice the difference. Good examples include taking stairs instead of the elevator, and walking instead of driving. With the rise of automation systems, Internet and computer, our daily lives are usually patterned in a way that discourage physical activity.
But always-fit people do not discount physical activity in their day-to-day lives. They don’t limit ‘exercise’ by just spending at the gym. They walk their dogs, do yoga or Pilates or even stretch from time to time at their desks. They know that staying in shape is part of their life and not only a ‘boost’ that you can go on.
#3: They exercise (and make time for it).
Despite their busy schedule, highly fit people never neglect making time for exercise. Exercise time is sacred for them and while they need to meet their obligations to family, work and community, they are still able to meet their diet and fitness needs. Truth is, exercise does not require too much time. In fact, most people have more free time in their day than they think, spending it by playing video games, watching TV, surfing the Internet and even sleeping extra hours. Always-fit people make exercise a priority.
#4: They say ‘No to Dieting’
Diets are like a Band-Aid to a problem that needs better, sustainable, long-lasting approach. Diets are temporary and only offer short-term fix. Healthy, fit people know this and that is why they prefer eating healthy as a lifelong endeavor. Highly fit people never go on diet because they are on ‘diet’ every day.
It doesn’t mean that they restrict calories every single day. It only means that they know that to achieve long-term fitness and health, they must eat wisely and consistently. You can easily spot a fit person because they don’t skip regular meals and they keep on snacking on healthy options such as banana, apple, nuts and veggies.
#5: They drink water.
Healthy fit people know the benefits of drinking water. Whether it is at work, at home or at a gym, a bottle of water will always be needed for hydration. Proper hydration isn’t only critical for runners and athletes but for everyone. Water can prevent the formation of kidney stones and improve focus, digestion and overall performance. Compared to those who don’t drink at least 8 glasses of water, you can see the difference of people who are properly hydrated – they are healthier. Also, fit people do not only drink water, they also take plenty of green tea. Research reveals that drinking tea not only hydrates the person, but may actually protect them from serious illnesses due to its high antioxidant content.
#6: They keep track of their progress.
Fit people monitor their exercise to know whether they are actually leading towards their goal. Many healthy, fitness-conscious people have an exercise log, could be in a note or a mobile app, where they jot down their weight, exercise and the completed reps. Some fitness gyms provide exercise sheets so they can record their progress. By recording the details of your workout regimen and calories taken, you can get a better perspective into possible stumbling blocks and change them for the better.
#7: They get adequate rest and sleep.
People who have sleep disorders and those who lack sleep are less productive, prone to accidents and spend more on healthcare. Also, the more you exercise, the more you’ll want to get a restful sleep. However, if you stay awake until midnight and try to get on your morning yoga class, you are not really setting yourself up for your goal. Try your best to have seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
#8: They have a goal.
Fitness-conscious people create a goal. But of course, you cannot improve yourself unless you know what you truly desire. You can create a general goal and make specific, short-term goals. In this way, you can work with a sense of purpose knowing that you are on your way to physical fitness. Fitness goals can be from maintaining current body or improving it further, gaining additional muscles, reducing total body fat to boosting stamina and endurance and improving flexibility and coordination.
Ask any fitness-conscious person what they are aiming at present and they will be able to tell you their desired goal. If you notice them working out, you will be able to see that they are serious and have purpose. They always seem to be on the move and striving.
#9: They are positive.
Healthy, fit people stay positive in life. They are optimistic and don’t waste time and energy finding fault. They understand that a positive mental and emotional attitude will go a long way. If they think that some changes are needed in their life, they will do it to promote healthy behaviours in life.
#10: Health is on top of their priorities.
This is probably the most vital habit of always fit people. Being healthy is a conscious choice they made. They see health as a gift so they take good care of it and do not take it for granted. Besides family, work and friends, health is among their top priorities in life.
