Is your goal to get healthy in 2014? We’ve partnered with SELF magazine to help you succeed. Below, Stephanie Paige Miller, Social Media Editor at SELF, shares 14″Get Healthy” tips for the New Year that can help you get started and stay focused well beyond January.
1. Get psyched up to work out: Post a positive
When you need extra-strength motivation, leave “I feel awesome when I work out” notes on your computer or mirror. It’s less dorky once you know that visual reminders can inspire you to exercise longer.
2. Eat 7 powerhouse super seeds.
For little guys, seeds are nutritional powerhouses. But which ones are our favorites? Pomegranates, Hemp, Chia, Pumpkin, Sesame, Flax and Wheat Germ. Try them out!
3. Don’t skip breakfast!
Always remember to have a good breakfast. Shoot for getting 25 to 30 percent of your daily calories at that meal. One of our favorite grab-n-go breakfasts? Quick-cook oatmeal with blueberries.
4. Add avocado to your diet.
Did you know there are over 80 varieties of advocados? We love to add them to our meals because they are delicious and rich in vitamins.
5. Workout while watching TV
Get in shape without missing your favorite shows. You can try doing an exercise or two while watching TV. Maybe even make it a daily routine.
6. Busy? Sneaky ways to squeeze in a little cardio: a brisk walk.
Whether it’s to let your dog out, get to your car or grab your newspaper, let the first time you step outside for the day become more than just a step. Take a brisk, 3- to 5-minute power walk up the street in one direction, and then back in the other. You’ll feel like you got a burst of energy before you head back inside.
7. Hide a muffin top: Play with proportions
Hide the pooch with some styling magic and conceal that muffin top. Choose a top or blouse that hits below or at the hips so your legs look slimmer and your tummy is covered. Bonus points for fabrics with movement, like chiffons, which are forgiving, not clingy.
8. We love stretching.
Stretching feels good, can help with your muscles and burn a few calories. Try to spend six minutes daily stretching and see how that can help.
9. Start your day with a yoga pose.
When you wake up, try doing a little yoga to help start your day off right.
10. Feel more Zen, anytime and anywhere.
All you have to do is focus on steadying your breath. You’ll feel more relaxed, and your heart rate will slow. Close your eyes and count slow inhalations and exhalations silently up to 10, then repeat. Ninety-five percent of readers said they feel calmer after a single 10-minute session.
11. Stay positive and focused in 2014.
When you feel too stressed to sweat, remember: Exercise improves your ability to remain chill and happy in chaotic situations. It mellows your brain’s neurons, so when life gets crazy, your mood doesn’t tank.
Still need some inspiration to turn over a new leaf with the new year? Join HSN on Pinterest and earn a chance to win up to $500 in prizes! Full details here: www.hsn.com/pinterestrefresh