Hey my friends. I thought I would write something that I can relate to, busyness. Most people have schedules that are jam-packed. We spend hours doing, more so than being. I heard someone say that we are human beings, not human doings. Being healthy is a lifetime commitment and something we have to make time for. Here are some things that have helped me along the way not to slip back into poor eating habits or neglecting exercise.

1. Prep meals for the next day or week, ahead of time. Many times we run to fast food restaurants because we have failed to prepare meals or have healthy food with us. I cook meals for a few days or the night before. One of my favorite meals to make is grilled chicken, baked sweet potatoes, and I pack salad. Home-cooked meals are normally far less calorie rich and healthier for us. While dinner is baking, I workout.

2. Schedule time to work out. I workout for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, sometimes 6 days. I used to get up an hour before work and complete workouts then. Now I workout in the evenings while dinner is baking or before dinner. If you have kids or other obligations it may be more difficult to find time, but you can take your kids to play outside or do physical things with them.

3. Replace tv and computer time with physical activity. Many people spend hours in front of a TV or computer. Taking one hour from those activities gives us the opportunity to either workout or prep meals for the next day.

4. If you must eat fast food, choose wisely. Many fast food restaurants have been pressured to have healthier options. I’d rather not eat any, but if I am forced to I choose salads, items not fried, and I look up the nutritional information ahead of time. Most fast food if not loaded with sugar or fat are loaded with salt. A high sodium diet isn’t healthy for us either.

Wishing you well my friends. Every good choice you make is helping to ensure a healthier future.