3 Ways to Spice Up Your Food and Fitness
Feeling the summer blues? Try these tips!
By Rebekah Loper CNC, CPT, CNHP
Life sure has a way of making everything feel so serious and structured. Believe me, I love a good schedule and lots of predictability, but when did it become so hard to let loose and have fun?!
With all the pressure and uncertainty in our world, it’s easy to forget that we were created for an abundant life, full of enjoyment and adventure.
When is the last time you tried something new or did something spontaneous? Sometimes we have to say no to rigidity and yes to change! Even exercise and nutrition can even be exciting when we allow ourselves to step outside of the box and try something out of the ordinary!
Here are 3 tips for spicing up your food and fitness this summer:
1. Try Something New!
FITNESS: What’s that class you’ve secretly always wanted to take, but were too intimidated or embarrassed? DO IT!
Maybe you love dancing and you really want to do that Zumba or adult ballet class. Maybe you really want to punch and kick things in a kickboxing class…or maybe you really want to pick up kayaking or paddle boarding because you love being on the water.
What’s stopping you? All of these are excellent ways to improve your physical health while providing you with a load of FUN!
OR Maybe there isn’t anything you’ve been dying to try and exercise sounds completely miserable. Been there. Go for a simple walk in the cool of the morning or evening down a scenic trail and take in some deep breaths while you savor God’s creation. I promise your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
FOOD: When it comes to food, I am such a creature of habit. I find those meals I like, and I wear.them.out.
While it’s great to know what you love, sometimes we have to switch things up and try new flavors and textures to make eating feel less like a mindless habit and more like an experience! Another PLUS is that our bodies get a better variety of nutrients when we incorporate new foods. Instead of making that same old grocery list, look up some fun Summertime recipes and find a few that catch your eye.
Once you start rotating in a few new meals, you will find the courage to add more! Did you know there’s this called thing seasonal eating that focuses on eating the fruits and vegetables that are in season during certain times of the year?! Why is this a good thing, you might ask? Because all of the produce in season is going to be sweeter, juicier, and contain more nutritional value! TRIPLE WIN!
You can look up your region’s in-season produce at https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org and head to your local farmers’ markets for some delicious, fresh produce. I have found myself that I am craving salads, berries, raw veggies and chilled seafood In this scorching weather.
Let your “gut” lead and buy what your body is craving! (this does not include processed, sugary fooods, sorry!)
2. Do the Same Things a Different Way!
FITNESS: Maybe you love your current workout routine and it’s really working for you. There’s always a variable you can change that will help you feel that excitement of something new and challenging.
If you love going to the gym, try going with a friend or switch up the time of day you go so you get to see a new crowd of sweaty faces. If you love running or walking, find a new exciting trail or path to run with fresh, vibrant scenery and smells that get your senses going.
One thing that I have found that I LOVE is working out in my own home. I used to be a gym addict, but these days I love to break out my own equipment and let my body tell me what it feels like doing that day. Sometimes it’s more cardio and some days it’s all about legs and glutes.
One simple trick that always keeps it exciting is a change-up in my music. Some days I need heavy rock and some days I need a beat. Check your mood and see which music style motivates you best.
FOOD: You may not ready to venture out into the world of new foods. Parents, I get it. Getting kids to like ONE food can take months. But who says you can’t make meal time more exciting?
Try making the same foods a different way. If you like your veggies cooked, try eating them raw with a good dip or putting different types together in a big salad. Try using an air-fryer for a whole new level of texture for just about any food. Throw your favorite greens and nut butters into a smoothie and play with different fruits and milks for different levels of sweetness.
Instead of eating at the dinner table, pack up your food with a blanket and have a picnic in your own yard!
Got your designated seat at the table? Switch up with someone else in the family! Turn on some fancy jazz music and drink out of pretty cups for a more “elevated” experience! You can be a creature of habit and do one tiny thing different for some fun!
3. DROP THE TO-DO LIST!
Sometimes you just have to tear up the schedule and be spontaneous.
I’m not saying you have to do this every day, but I believe that giving yourself ONE day, ok…ONE morning of no plans is about as fun as fun can get. Ask yourself what you feel like doing and what you feel like eating, and then DO IT!
You might not be a kid anymore, but who says you can’t enjoy your life like one? Remember what it was like to be a child in the middle of summer with that feeling of your whole day being ahead of you, full of adventure and excitement? YOU CAN STILL HAVE THIS.
It won’t be easy, but you can do it. Take a deep breath. Put down the list. And GO. Don’t worry, your adult life will be waiting for you when you get back.
I encourage you to implement just one of these tips to start truly enjoying the body that God created by treating it well and having fun while doing it!
Rebekah Loper is a Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and group exercise instructor and Certified Natural Health Professional as well as a presenter and workshop leader with Business and Professional Outreach International (BPO). To Contact Rebekah: thecrunchychristian22@gmail.com
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