{GUEST POST} Make Healthy Living a Lifestyle

As a Health Promotion professional, I work to practice what I preach and for the most part, I succeed.  In my opinion, the best part of health promotion is that being healthy does not have to be complicated, expensive or time consuming.  For most of us, all it takes a long-term commitment to lifestyle changes that can be sustained for life.  Although everyone is different in their definition of what it takes to be healthy, these are a few of my favorite tips for optimizing health for anyone working to make the long-term commitment to healthy living.  

• Exercise is the best medicine.  Squeeze in physical activity wherever you can.  Schedule walking meetings at work, stretch during the day and don’t forget strength training.  Shoot to increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.  

• Eat healthy foods and in moderation.  With all of the fad diets that bombard us in the media, I always ask, “Is it sustainable?” and often the answer is no.  Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.  Stick to this for most meals and healthy snacks in between and the occasional treat or splurge is okay. Another tip is to use smaller plates for your meals.  Research has shown that a 10 inch plate is the best size to use to keep portions in check.

• Banish Bedroom Distractions. Remember, the Bedroom is for two things: Sleep and sex.  Strive for 7-8 hours each night and rid your bedroom of all distractions including pets, children and electronics — yes, this means your phone.   With adequate sleep, you’ll be well prepared for everything life throws your way. 

• Give yourself a break.  This has two meanings. Be sure to take time to do something that you find fun or relaxing and get that moment of silence to refresh.  Second, if you get busy and forget to exercise or eat healthy, cut yourself some slack and then make a conscious effort to get back on track.  

With the New Year approaching, there is no better time than now to look at your lifestyle and find small changes that you can make that will help you towards your long-term goals.  If a change feels too drastic or like something you can’t stick with, it may not be right for you.  Just remember that healthy living is a work in progress that you will want to sustain for life, so keep up the great work and don’t give up!

Willow Sherwood, MS is the Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Maine, a non-profit organization that helps businesses to build workplace wellness programs.  To learn more about the Wellness Council of Maine visit them at www.wellnesscouncilofmaine.org or follow on Facebook or Twitter @WellnessMaine.  

Willow and the Wellness Council of Maine are generously offering TWO Eat Right for Life cookbooks as a Well to Do giveaway. Two cookbooks means two winners!

For entry: Simply leave a comment here on the blog! The contest is open {today} Wednesday, November 16th through Monday, November 28th. Two lucky winners will be selected via random.org. Good luck!


xx Well to Do