Keep Movin Blogcast

Archive for February, 2012

Allowing yourself a cheat day can damage your diet. Research has shown that individuals who eat consistently seven days a week often have more success reaching fitness goals than those that stick to their diet five days a week. It is important to let yourself indulge but it is also important not to use that as an excuse to justify back-tracking your entire weeks efforts.

If you feel you have to cheat, try cheating on a meal instead of an entire day.

When starting a health or fitness regime it is easy to get caught up in numbers such as weight and/or body fat. However, there are other health signs that are less obvious that one should keep in mind.


Lung Capacity: This can be improved by enhancing your cardiovascular health and by staying away from smoke (both primary and secondary sources).


Mood Swings: Research has shown that those with a healthy body image are generally more optimistic and more stable with their emotions. Being active also helps provide energy, decrease stress and increase a feel good emotion. In addition, there is a link between depression and being overweight.


Stress Levels: Being active can decrease stress levels and having high stress levels may have an adverse affect on emotional eaters.


Skin Complexion: Research has shown that individuals getting the recommended nutrients often have smoother complexions. Diets high in fat and/or sugar often lead to breakouts and diets lacking in nutrition often show in the form of a dull complexion.


Happy Hearts: The healthier you are the more efficiently your heart should work. Signs of a healthy heart can be seen in improved cholesterol levels. Another healthy heart signal is an improvement in your blood pressure. In addition, your resting heart rate often improves with increased heart health.


Glucose: Blood sugar levels should be monitored. It is extremely easy for individuals to underestimate the amount of sugar that is added to foods that seem healthy. Keeping tabs on glucose levels is vital to prevent diabetes and ensure balanced glucose levels are maintained.


ZZZZZs: Sleeping well is a sign that you are eating properly and getting an adequate amount of activity in a day. Receiving adequate rest also affords your body the time to physically, mentally, and emotionally recharge.