Ever see a woman who is in amazing shape and wonder how she can maintain her physique? You’re not alone! Most of us have busy lives with hectic schedules and sometimes we simply just lack motivation. So what can we do to make sure we stay in shape?
Here are some tips to get you there:
1. Wake up early. Sounds simple, but the act itself can be tough! Who doesn’t like sleeping in a few extra minutes, or even hours! It’s tempting to hit the snooze button, but getting up earlier gives you time to either squeeze in a morning workout, or get much needed errands out of the way so that you can make room for an evening exercise routine.
2. Snack before breakfast. Having some nuts, seeds, or a few pieces of fruit as soon as you get up is a great way to give your body the energy you need before you do that morning workout routine or run off to complete your errands. This is an especially good tip for those who aren’t hungry immediately when they wake up.
Once you get your morning tasks done, eat a more substantial breakfast to make sure you’re not starving by lunch time. 1 or 2 eggs with veggies is not only filling, but is also packed with the nutrients your body needs. If you’re vegan, you can substitute eggs for beans or lentils.
3. Pair your snack with some coffee. Coffee has many benefits! Not only does it improve your focus and wake you up, it boosts your metabolism and your mood, protects your heart and liver from many diseases, and increases your fiber intake. Just make sure you have it black or with a dash of milk, not creamer or other sweeteners except on rare occasions.
4. Prep the night before. So if waking up early and eating a delicious, healthy breakfast already sounds like more than you can handle, don’t worry! You can prep for your day the night before to save yourself time.
Lay out your clothes for the day (this should include your workout outfit AND your work or school outfit), make a list of any errands you need to do, and get your breakfast ready so that you can just grab it or heat it up in the morning.
5. Do some yoga in bed. Since most of us are glued to our smart phones, it’s common to reach for it first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. This can distract you, make you lose your focus, and even waste your time. Try doing some yoga poses instead! A few stretches or poses before you hop out of bed will calm your mind and body and wake your muscles up. A perfect way to jump into the day!