Top Ten Things Not to Do

If you are like most people, you could use a lot more TIME! Is “time” your biggest obstacle to fitting in a healthy lifestyle? If so, let’s figure out how to squeeze in a little more of this valuable commodity into your day so that you can improve your diet and activity pattern and begin to reap the rewards of a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s start with making a “Don't Do” list. That’s right---not a “To Do” list. You already have enough “To Do,” so let’s find what NOT to do. LESS is MORE! By reducing the volume of your activities, you can ease your time pressure, and get MORE out of life, overall!”

Here are just a few things you might consider putting on your “DON’T DO” list. You can probably think of a lot more!

1. DON'T rob hours from your sleep pattern in order to squeeze in more activities. Sleep allows the body to restore and heal itself. People who sleep 8 hours a night accomplish more in less time and are more alert in stressful events.

2. DON’T waste time washing salad greens or chopping vegetables. Buy the pre-packaged washed greens and fresh or frozen chopped vegetables.

3. DON’T spend so much time on your hair! That’s not to say to compromise on your appearance or image, because those are important to preserve, especially since you are working so hard to improve yourself. But, consider getting a “wash and wear” haircut! This will give you more time in the morning to work-out or it could enable you to work out during your lunch hour, shower, and still have plenty time to get back to work.

4. DON’T watch so much TV! Sometimes, we catch ourselves watching TV because it is so accessible to us. It happens to be on and we get drawn into it. Consider moving your television set to a less accessible location and only watch TV when it is “planned.” Also, DON’T stay up late watching silly TV shows. Get to bed early, get up early, and WORK-OUT early, to feel better all day!

5. DON’T spend a whole night painting your nails. Sure, pretty nails are nice and great for special occasions, but a fit body is so much more valuable. You can still have beautiful nails with a simple filing and clear coat of polish. That way, chipping is less noticeable, and you can spend more time on your exercise routine, and less time waiting for your nails to dry.

6. DON’T purchase clothing that requires ironing. You could get a whole work-out in, and more, in the time it takes to iron clothes for yourself and your family. And DON’T bring your clothes to the cleaners. There are many cleaners that will come to YOUR door and pick up and return your clothes, without you needing to be there.

7. DON’T try so hard to please your family with a five course meal when pushed for time. You can still eat a balanced meal with whole-grain cereal and milk, fresh fruit and yogurt, peanut butter and juice, which only take a few minutes to prepare.

8. DON’T get together with friends or family for a birthday luncheon----get together for a birthday run or bike ride! If you still feel the need to celebrate with food, you can feel good about having burned calories. But DON’T undo the work-out by overdoing the intake.

9. DON’T answer the phone during your work-out. You can always return a call, but you may not return to exercising!

10. DON’T say “yes” to everything. We are often pulled in many directions, requiring our time and talents. Learn to kindly say NO. People will understand. Remember, you must take care of yourself FIRST. You are so important!

Cheryl Winter has a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science Degree in both Nutrition and Nursing. She is also a registered dietitian, registered nurse, and diabetes specialist. Find out how she can power you to Health, Wealth & Success. Sign up now for the free monthly e-zine, The STEP-POWER Weigh, at www.HealthStepsRx.com

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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