DIET VS LIFESTYLE: WHICH WORKS FOR YOU?

For those of us who have attempted the feat of a diet, we know how difficult it can be to stick to limitations while remaining satisfied and motivated. A diet can be considered a short-term approach towards achieving a health goal. The restrictions that go hand in hand with diets may work for some people to achieve a goal quickly, but it may not work for others. Some may find themselves frustrated if they do not see the results as quickly as they’d hoped, and some may feel imbalanced from the sudden change in regimen.   An alternative approach towards achieving a goal and bettering yourself is making tweaks to your overall lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle takes into consideration how you approach exercise, how you manage your time, how you deal with stress, how you speak to yourself and of course what you are eating. Maintaining a balance of all of these elements is a sustainable approach towards achieving your goals and sticking to them. Here are some ways that can help you build that balance within your day-to-day, so you can start enjoying the consistency of a healthy lifestyle, without resorting to last minute band aids.   Portions! Every meal should contain balanced proportions, so you can feel satisfied and stay full throughout the day. Lean protein, complex carbs fruit and veggies, and healthy fats all play an important role in keeping yourself energized and nourished. Prepping your meals ahead of time is a great way to save time, money and the headache of deciding what to eat on the spot!   Don’t skip meals Keeping your eating schedule consistent will regulate your appetite and will set you on a consistent course. Eating a solid breakfast sets the tone for the day and gets your metabolism revving!   Don’t neglect your sweet tooth! It’s important not to deprive yourself of what you love. Feel good about indulging here and there, and don’t allow yourself to feel guilty! Keep yourself satisfied without overdoing it by snacking on your fav fruits throughout the day.   Listen to yourself! Sometimes your body is hungry, and sometimes you’re just bored. Be sure to ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?” before grabbing a snack. Keep a bag of almonds in your desk drawer and grab a few throughout the day!   Balance out your nutrition with a healthy fitness routine Exercising regularly keeps your spirits high, your metabolism fast and your heart strong! Strengthen and tone your muscles with a challenging barre class, or center your mind and body with an invigorating yoga class, or blast your metabolism with a cardio class!