Two Steps to A Better Life!

In a matter of days 2009 will reach the half way mark. Wimbledon is in full swing and people in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the good old Summer time!

Are you on track to meet your health and fitness goals for this year?

If you want Big Results – now is the time to take Big Steps towards your fitness goals! Two habits – developed properly will make this your best year ever for getting fit and enjoying life more.

Habit 1:

Numerous scientific researchers have arrived at similar conclusions - what you eat can greatly impact your mood and your outlook on life.

For breakfast, try oatmeal or eggs. Both contain an amino acid that helps boost the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. Try some blueberries in yogurt for a healthy part of your lunch! The antioxidants in them will ward off workday stress. Finish with a small piece of chocolate. The compounds in it will lift your mood, while a natural stimulant gives you a small energy kick.

Try healthy snacks – like celery or a few ounces of lowfat cheese between meals. If you find yourself growing irritable or unfocused, take a brief break and munch on an apple or a handful of walnuts and some dark chocolate! This helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent you from crashing during the day.

At Supper you can boost your mood and your brain power with a piece of cold water salmon! Add a side salad with leafy greens and spinach to increase folate levels and help ward off depression.

Habit 2:

People who exercise regularly live longer and are less likely to suffer pesky physical ailments than those who choose to avoid exercise. There’s no need to join an expensive healthy club or gym to enjoy the many benefits of regular exercise. Try these ten tips for better fitness.

Health enthusiasts around the globe enjoy running several days a week. It gives them time to themselves, boosts their energy, and helps ward off stress. All you really need to get started on a healthy running program is a good pair of running shoes. If you haven’t jogged in years, start slow. Ease yourself into the habit by starting with a brisk paced walk. After you’ve warmed up, jog slowly for a minute or two, and then return to walking for another few minutes. Gradually cut your walking time and increase your jogging time by a minute or two. Eventually you’ll feel comfortable jogging for 20 to 30 minutes straight.

Vary your exercise routines! Have you tried tennis or maybe swimming might be more fun for you! Many healthy fitness lovers enjoy the benefits from low-impact water exercises. Choose different exercise routines and gradually build your times and intensity. Take up a new sport. Give your body a variety of thrills and make it fun! Your fitness habits will be much easier and hopefully last you a lifetime – if you enjoy the journey!

See yourself accomplishing your goal. Visualize your success. Imagine how you’ll feel slipping into a new smaller size or walking down the beach in that really hot new swimsuit! Hang a picture of someone in a bikini on your refrigerator. Every time you go to the ice-box you’ll have a pleasant reminder to keep eating healthy foods!

Whether you want to lose a few pounds or enhance your physical performance, set yourself up for morale building victories by establishing short-term goals and rewarding yourself as you reach each milestone. Buy yourself a new outfit after you drop those next five pounds!