With warm weather around the corner, some people may begin to make strides toward looking and feeling better through diet and exercise.
“It’s a good time to look at New Year’s Resolutions for getting in shape,” Billie Sanders, chair and professor in Physical Education at Sinclair Community College said.
If you haven’t made good on your resolution, then there is something that could help you set up a plan. Sanders refers to this system as S.M.A.R.T. goals:
S — Specific. Sanders said to be specific with that goal. For example, if you say you’re going to walk today, don’t just say it. Make up your mind when and where.
M — Measure. She said to make sure what you’re doing can be measured. For instance, if you just walk around the block, that would be considered measurable.
A — Attainable. Sanders said to do what you’re capable of doing — don’t decide to go running if you’ve never been running a day in your life. In addition, “A” stands for action-based. She said to find something and do it if it feels good.
R — Realistic. She said to do what is within your means. Walking around campus is more realistic than saying you’re going to Brandt Park and walking a trail.
T — Timely. She said to set small goals for the day — don’t say you just want to lose five pounds in a week. Find what is valuable to you and go from there.
“There isn’t one thing that makes us healthy it’s a combination of things,” Sanders said.
It is not only about working out, but also eating properly, getting enough sleep, managing stress and not crash dieting.
Food is something we all need and is important in staying healthy.
Sanders refers to food as a “chemistry” that is also dependent on what you do. Studies have shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
“The earlier you kick start, the more efficient you’ll be throughout the day,” Sanders said.
It is recommended to plan your meals for the day by starting the night before and packing your meals for the next day.
Getting enough sleep each night boosts your health as well. It improves your cognitive ability, increases energy and aids in fighting obesity. Managing the stressors in your life also helps to improve sleep and is beneficial to maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.
Crash dieting should not be an option.
“There are no quick fixes, it is a pay as you go system,” Sanders said.
For help with food planning and calorie counts, check myplate.gov