March is National Nutrition Month®, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to magnify the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
It’s a good time to reiterate that there are so many ways to make little changes that add up to a big impact on our health. Adding more movement, getting more sleep, eating healthier, drinking more water – all are facets on a healthy living journey.
At GIA 180, we offer weight loss solutions with a trained coach to help you lose weight. The one-on-one coaching provides an opportunity to chat, which often reveals hidden barriers that get in the way of healthier habits. It’s important to find those barriers so sound solutions can be identified and implemented. Here are a couple of common barriers.
Time for exercise
Finding time for exercise is tough with our busy schedules – it’s often one of the first tasks we put off. To overcome the barrier of not enough time for exercise, you could consider a slight tweak to your schedule. By waking up 30 minutes earlier five days a week, you can get the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity.
Do you have to wait on a music or sports practice with a family member, or do you have other pockets of time when you could squeeze in some exercise? Identify those and get moving! Accountability is also a booster, so find a friend or family member to join you on a walk, trip to the gym or other activity.
Weather also can be a barrier. In extreme temperatures or inclement conditions, simply search online for “no equipment workout” and find several indoor activities at your fingertips.
Eating healthier
To increase your nutrition and overcome the barriers associated with eating healthier, first ensure that you have healthy food on hand – both at home and at work.
Start by making a meal plan, then shopping for the week. Utilize online ordering and grocery pickup if time is limited. Prepping food such as browning meat or peeling and cutting veggies at the beginning of the week will save time later when you cook.
Don’t forget snacks! We can make bad food decisions when hungry, so ensure that you have plenty of healthy and portable snacks available.
Variety also can boost your nutrition, so challenge yourself to try one new fruit or vegetable every week. It doesn’t have to be exotic – just something that you or your family do not regularly cook or consume. Let the trained professionals at GIA 180 help you overcome your barriers! Contact GIA at 865-588-5121 for more information.