09 November, 2010

A - Z Fitness - Hard Habit to Break

I've been working on this fitness blog for over 8 weeks now. You might say writing these articles has become a habit for me. But what really is a habit? A habit is something you do repetitively, on a continual basis so that it's second nature. So how does this relate to your health and fitness? Not surprisingly we have habits when we eat, whether we recognize it or not. The bad habits we've formed when it comes to something as simple as getting a drink or quick snack can be very important. We may need to break a habit when it comes to our exercise routine as well, or perhaps lack-there-of. The key is to identify the habits we've picked up, and change as many bad ones as we can.

Tips: Try replacing your regular soda with a diet soda. You'll be surprised how satisfying many diet sodas can be. Even better, try switching to water. Do you worry water may be too bland? There are many 'mix-ins' available for water. Most are low in calories and surprisingly taste very good. Have a craving for chips or candy? Why not try a piece of gum. It'll keep your mouth busy, and you'll enjoy the taste of the many varieties and flavours available. What about other bad habits? Make a list of what you feel your bad habits are, put a star next to the ones you feel are the most important to change.

Remember: Much like gaining weight, you didn't pick up a habit overnight. Going 'cold turkey' is not usually very effective. True, you may struggle, but if you keep with it and 'exercise' patience, you'll be surprised how many bad habits can be reversed. Keep in mind not all bad habits are food related.

Goal: For the next week, make it your goal to change one bad habit and stick to it. You don't have to change all your bad habits, take it one step at a time. Once you beat one, the others will fall in line (with a little work).

Last Weeks Goal: Last week your goal was to create a new goal for yourself. Was it weight related? Did it involve dropping a clothing size? What goal did you create and how have you been doing with it? My goal for the past year has been to stay away from soda, even diet. I'm happy to report I've done great with it so far. Drinking water is second nature to me now, I don't even miss soda.

What fitness words starting with the letter "H" inspire you?

3 comments:

  1. H? Health. I used to take medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and hypothyroid. I now have normal blood pressure without medication. I will likely have to take the cholesterol meds forever...it's genetics. Also, the hypothyroid is genetic (my normal weight Mom and sister also hypothyroid). However, I constantly remind myself that the reason I exercise and keep my weight in check is for my health, not vanity. Although looking good is a nice side-benefit :)

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  2. Health really is what it's all about isn't it? Fortunately I was never put on any medication and I've been striving to keep it that way.

    Yes, looking good is the fringe benefit everyone can enjoy.

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