Five Steps to Prioritizing Your Health in 2013

Five Steps to Prioritizing Your Health in 2013

Tips provided by ERC Partner University Hospitals

1. Schedule time for exercise

And stick to it! Half the battle of getting fit is getting the motivation to do it. However, if it’s scheduled in your phone or notebook like your other appointments, it’s practically written in stone. You don’t have to work out every day, but setting a reminder for at least three days a week will lead you on the road to a happier, healthier and fitter life.

2. Take the effort out of eating healthy

When you’re at work, heading down to the local sandwich shop is far easier than cooking a meal from scratch in the company kitchen. Then again, with a restaurant sandwich you often have no idea how many calories you’re consuming, or exactly what ingredients are included. Take the mystery out of eating out. Instead, pack a meal at home. You can even prep in advance by making homemade soup or slow-simmered chicken in a crock pot, then eat it throughout the week. A few minutes of hassle at the beginning of the week leads to money and calorie savings.

3. Drink water throughout the day

Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day can seem impossible, especially when you’ve only had two glasses by the time 5 p.m. rolls around. Water gives you energy and cleans out your system. Drinking it throughout the day will help you give work your all. Fill up a large water bottle and keep it at your desk. Rather than snacking on salty, bite-sized calories, drink your water. It will help you feel full and focused.

4. Take the long way

If you’re driving to work, park far away. Taking the long way to the entrance will help you get exercise that doesn’t actually feel like a work out. Walking just a little bit further will help you burn a few more calories, and over time, could add up to some serious results.

5. Learn to eat fresh

Even if you’re eating fast food, look for the place that uses fresh meats, breads and veggies. Processed, salt-filled food will make you feel dehydrated and lethargic in the middle of the day. You’re not exactly going to want to hit the gym after that. Eat food that you recognize in its most natural form. Just doing this can lead to a dramatic change in weight and attitude.